Patapan

French Christmas carol in Burgundian dialect Bernard de la Monnoye "Patapan" (or "Pat-a-pan") is a French Christmas carol in Burgundian dialect, later adapted into English. It was written by Bernard de la Monnoye (1641–1728) and first published in Noël bourguignons in 1720. Its original title is "Guillô, pran ton tamborin" ("Willie, Bring Your Little Drum" or "Willie, Take Your Little Drum"). The carol revolves around the birth of Jesus, and is told from the perspective of shepherds playing simple instruments—flutes and drums—the onomatopoeic sound of which gives the song its name; "patapan" mimics the sound of the drum, "tu-re-lu-re-lu" the flute. It inspired the 1941 carol "The Little Drummer Boy" with its chorus of "pa-rum-pa-pum-pum".

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Burgundian Guillô, pran ton tamborin; Toi, pran tai fleúte, Rôbin! Au son de cés instruman, Turelurelu, patapatapan, Au son de cés instruman Je diron Noei gaiman

C' étó lai môde autrefoi De loüé le Roi dé Roi, Au son de cés instruman, Turelurelu, patapatapan, Au son de cés instruman, Ai nos an fau faire autan.

Ce jor le Diale at ai cu Randons an graice ai Jesu Au son de cés instruman, Turelurelu, patapatapan, Au son de cés instruman, Fezon lai nique ai Satan.

L'homme et Dei son pu d'aicor Que lai fleúte & le tambor. Au son de cés instruman, Turelurelu, patapatapan, Au son de cés instruman, Chanton, danson, sautons-an.

French Guillaume, prends ton tambourin, Toi, prends ta flûte, Robin; Au son de ces instruments, Turelurelu, patapatapan, Au son de ces instruments, Je dirai Noël gaîment.

C'était la mode d'autrefois, De louer le Roi des rois, Au son de ces instruments, Turelurelu, patapatapan, Au son de ces instruments, Il nous en faut faire autant.

Ce jour le diable est vaincu Rendons-en grâce à Jésus. Au son de ces instruments, Turelurelu, patapatapan, Au son de ces instruments, Faisons la nique à Satan.

L'homme et Dieu sont plus d'accord, Que la flûte et le tambour; Au son de ces instruments, Turelurelu, patapatapan, Au son de ces instruments, Chantons, dansons, sautons en!

  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, tu-re-lu-re-lu, pat-a-pat-a-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, tu-re-lu-re-lu, pat-a-pat-a-pan, When you hear the fife and drum, dance and make the village hum.

  Billy, bring your new red drum, Robby [Robin], get your fife and come Fife and drum together play, Patta-patta-pan, turra-lurra-lay, Fife and drum together play, On this joyous Holiday

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Patapan’s charm lies in its rustic, participatory feel. The simple drum‑and‑flute motif invites everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, to join in clapping or tapping a kitchen pot. That communal noise‑making mirrors the original shepherds’ celebration, turning the carol into a natural ice‑breaker at family gatherings and school concerts. Its bilingual history—rooted in a Burgundian dialect and later anglicised—means it slips easily into mixed‑heritage households, offering a playful nod to both French and British traditions without the need for translation. When sung in round, the overlapping "tu‑re‑lu‑re‑lu" lines create a warm, echoing texture that feels like a musical hug, making Patapan a go‑to choice for anyone wanting a festive tune that feels both ancient and instantly accessible.

Bring Patapan into the modern living‑room by layering a gentle hand‑drum beat over a soft acoustic guitar or a ukulele. Keep the original onomatopoeic verses, but sprinkle in a few spoken‑word asides about the season’s lights or a favourite holiday treat — it adds a personal touch while preserving the carol’s shepherd roots. For a visual twist, pair the singing with a simple DIY percussion set: wooden spoons, a small tambourine, or even a rolled‑up newspaper. Kids love the tactile element, and the rhythmic "patapan" becomes a hands‑on lesson in musical timing. Finish with a quiet, humming bridge to let the melody breathe before the final, jubilant chorus.

Many assume Patapan is merely a cute children’s ditty, but its origins are steeped in 18th‑century Burgundian folk culture, where shepherds used music to announce the Nativity in remote villages. The "drum" in the title isn’t a full‑sized bass drum, but a tiny hand‑held tambourine that produced the "pa‑ta‑pan" sound – a detail lost when modern arrangements replace it with larger percussion. Another myth is that the song is French‑only; its English adaptation has become a staple in British carol services, often sung with a slightly altered lyric to suit local dialects. Recognising these nuances helps performers respect the piece’s heritage while still enjoying its festive spirit.