👉 See also: Alouette lyrics & vocabulary/grammar notes »
Audio recorded by David Issokson, teaching French since 2014 — not a native speaker, but fluent at a near-native level.
In this lesson (A1 level), you’ll find the full lyrics to Frère Jacques in French and English. I read each line aloud and explain the vocabulary and grammar, making it perfect for beginners and kids learning French through music.
Listen to Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques Lyrics with English Translation
Frère Jacques, frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous ?
Sonnez les matines ! Sonnez les matines !
Din, dan, don. Din, dan, don.
Brother John, Brother John,
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
Understanding the Lyrics of Frère Jacques
🔹 Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques
= Brother Jacques / Brother Jack
In English, the song is often called “Brother John.”
🧑🦲 Frère means brother — it’s related to the English word friar.
So, the title could also be translated as “Friar Jacques.”
😴 Dormez-vous ? Dormez-vous ?
= Are you sleeping?
This is the verb dormir (to sleep), conjugated in the vous (formal/plural) form and inverted for a question.
Alternative:
👉 Est-ce que vous dormez ? (Also means Are you sleeping?)
🔔 Sonnez les matines
= Ring the matins / morning bells
The verb sonner means to ring.
Les matines refers to early Christian morning prayers — traditionally sung before sunrise.
🎶 Love learning with French songs?
Be sure to check out two more classic children’s songs:
👉 Alouette – a fun and catchy song for learning body parts
👉 Au clair de la lune – a gentle lullaby with beautiful old French vocabulary
For more, explore the full collection here:
📚 French Song Lyrics Index
