Frère Jacques Lyrics in English Comptines

Frère Jacques is a charming French nursery rhyme that playfully calls out to a sleepy monk named Brother John. The singer keeps asking, “Dormez-vous?” (Are you sleeping?) because Brother John has overslept and forgotten to ring the monastery’s morning bells. The repeated line “Sonnez les matines” means “Ring the dawn bells,” and the joyful “Ding dang dong” imitates the sound those bells should be making.

Beyond its simple lyrics, the song teaches children about daily routines, punctuality, and shared responsibility, all wrapped in a catchy melody that can be sung in a round. Each voice enters at a different time, creating overlapping harmonies that echo the layered ringing of church bells. Singing Frère Jacques is like joining a friendly wake-up mission: everyone unites to gently (and musically) remind Brother John—and us—to greet the new day bright and early!