Brother John
Languages: English, French
Ressource Type: song, nursery rhyme
Theme: traditionnal song
Age-range: infant-preschool, 4 – 8 years
Download the words of the song:
♦ Brother John Lyrics
“Brother John” is a nursery rhyme of French origin traditionally sung in a round. Its original title is “Frère Jacques”. The song is about a monk who has overslept and is urged to wake up and sound the bell for the “matins”.
French version:
Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous ? Dormez-vous ?
Sonnez les matines ! Sonnez les matines !
Ding, daing, dong. Ding, daing, dong.
Traditionnal English Lyrics:
Are you sleeping?
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John,
Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
English Translation:
Brother Jacques
Brother Jacques, Brother Jacques,
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Ring [the bells for] matins! Ring [the bells for] matins!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
Culture and Vocabulary:
- to sleep, brother, morning, bell
Grammar:
- structure « Are you + …ing? »
Phonology:
- syllabic and rhythmic structures
Teaching suggestions:
- Work on the structure “Are you +… ing? “
- sing the song in several languages http://demonsaumonde.free.fr/frere.jacques/
- activities Brother John
Videos of the song “Brother John” in English:
Video of the song “Frère Jacques” in French:
I have 10 years, I want learn English.
I asck you to helpe me.
It’s great that you want to learn English! Keep practicing, and you will improve quickly.
You can say: “I am 10 years old, and I want to learn English. I ask you to help me.”
I’m happy to help! You can find fun activities and games on my blog to practice. Keep going! 💪✨
I loved reading the lyrics for “Brother John” in both French and English! It’s fascinating to see how nursery rhymes bridge cultures. The melody is so catchy, too! Thanks for sharing this delightful post!