Frère Jacques is a popular song for both English and French children. Known to English children as "Brother John," has origins that date back as far as the 17th or 18th century. The French name Jacques does not normally translate to John in English, but James or Jacob are typical translations of the name. However, there is no known reason for why it is John in English. It is possible that the song was written to mock Protestants; however, there is no actual evidence of this. Another possibility is that it was written to mock Dominican (or Jacobin) friars. Yet, there is still no evidence of this either, just speculation. The song talks about a friar who has slept in so late that the morning bells are ringing.
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.