Words: “Guillô, pran ton tamborin,” Bernard de la Monnoye (1641-1728)
Translation by Janet E. Tobitt

Compare: Pat A Pan – Version 1

Words: French Carol, Early Burgundian

Source: Janet E. Tobitt, ed., The Ditty Bag (New York: Janet E. Tobitt, 1946), p. 49

1. Willie, take your little drum
Robin, bring your fife and come:
Playing on the fife and drum,
    Tu-re-lu-re-lu,
    Pat-a-pat-a-pan,
We'll make music loud and gay
For our Christmas holiday.

2. Shepherds glad in ancient days
Gave the King of Kings their praise,
Playing on the fife and drum,
    Tu-re-lu-re-lu,
    Pat-a-pat-a-pan,
They made music loud and gay
On the Holy Child's birthday.

3. Christian men, rejoice as one,
Leave your work and join our fun;
Playing on the fife and drum,
    Tu-re-lu-re-lu,
    Pat-a-pat-a-pan,
We'll make music loud and gay
For our Christmas holiday.

Note:

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