Patapan facts for kids
"Patapan" (also spelled "Pat-a-pan") is a fun French Christmas carol. It comes from the Burgundy region of France. Later, people adapted it into English.
A man named Bernard de La Monnoye wrote this song. He lived from 1641 to 1728. The song was first printed in a book called Noël bourguignons in 1720. Its first title was "Guillô, Pran Ton Tamborin." This means "Willie, Bring Your Little Drum."
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What is "Patapan" About?
This carol tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is told from the point of view of shepherds. These shepherds are playing simple musical instruments. They play flutes and drums.
The Sounds of the Song
The song gets its name from the sounds of these instruments. "Patapan" sounds like a drum. Another part of the song, "tu-re-lu-re-lu," sounds like a flute. This idea is similar to another famous Christmas song. That song is "The Little Drummer Boy". Its chorus goes "pa-rum-pa-pum-pum." Both songs use sounds to make you think of music.
English Lyrics of "Patapan"
Here are the words to "Patapan" in English:
Willie, bring your little drum, Robin take your flute and come! When we hear the music bright we will sing Noel this night, When we hear the fife and drum, Christmas should be frolicsome.
Thus the men of olden days for the King of Kings to praise, When they heard the fife and drum, ture-lure-lu, pata-pata-pan, When they hear the fife and drum, sure, our children won't be dumb.
God and man are now become more at one than fife and drum. When you hear the fife and drum, ture-lure-lu, pata-pata-pan, When you hear the fife and drum, dance and make the village hum.
The Meaning of the Lyrics
The song talks about how people used to celebrate. They would praise God with music. The lyrics suggest that music brings people together. Just like the flute and drum make music, God and people can be in harmony. The song encourages everyone to sing, dance, and be joyful. It reminds us that Christmas is a time for celebration.
See Also
- List of Christmas carols
- Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral
