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Un Flambeau (Bring a Torch​)​, Jeanette, Isabella

from Winter Lullaby: Songs for the Christmas Child by Bett Butler & Joël Dilley

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about

With possible roots in 14th century dance music, this carol from Provençe first appeared in a book of Christmas carols published in 1553. The current French lyrics are by Émile Blémont, and the melody we know today may have been written in the 17th century by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, based on a theatrical art song “à boire Qu’ils sont doux, bouteille jolie” (How Sweet to Drink, Pretty Bottle). Legend has it that the song inspired several paintings by artist Georges de La Tour.

lyrics

LYRICS
(English lyrics by Bett Butler)

Un flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle!
Un flambeau! Courons au berceau!
C'est Jésus, bonnes gens du hameau.
Le Christ est né; Marie appelle!
Ah! Ah! Ah! Que la Mère est belle,
Ah! Ah! Ah! Que l'Enfant est beau!

Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabelle!
Bring a torch, to the cradle run.
Christ has come, good folk of the village.
Jesus is born and Mary's calling.
Ah! Ah! beautiful is the Mother!
Ah! Ah! beautiful is the son.

Qui vient la, frappant de la porte?
Qui vient la, en frappant comme ça?
Ouvrez-donc, j'ai posé sur un plat
Des bons gateaux, qu'ici j'apporte
Toc! Toc! Toc! Ouvrons-nous la porte!
Toc! Toc! Toc! Faisons grand gala!

Who is that at the portal, comes knocking?
Who comes clattering at the door?
Open so I can put on a platter
All of these lovely cakes I'm bringing.
Knock! Knock! Let's have a celebration.
Knock! Knock! Let's open up the door.

C'est un tort, quand l'Enfant sommeille,
C'est un tort de crier si fort.
Taisez-vous, l'un et l'autre, d'abord!
Au moindre bruit, Jésus s'éveille.
Chut! chut! chut! Il dort à merveille,
Chut! chut! chut! Voyez comme il dort!

It's a shame, while the baby is sleeping
It's a shame to be shouting so loud.
Quiet now as you gather around.
The tiniest sound will waken Jesus.
Hush! Hush! Marvelous is his slumber.
Hush! Hush! See how the baby sleeps.

Doucement, dans l'étable close,
Doucement, venez un moment!
Approchez! Que Jésus est charmant!
Comme il est blanc! Comme il est rose!
Do! Do! Do! Que l'Enfant repose!
Do! Do! Do! Qu'il rit en dormant!

Softly, now, to the stable come stealing.
Gently, now, for a moment, come.
Come and see how charming is Jesus.
Fair is he, the fairest rose, oh
Hush! Hush! See how the baby slumbers.
Softly laughing in his sleep.

credits

from Winter Lullaby: Songs for the Christmas Child, released November 6, 2016
Bett Butler: piano, vocals :: Joël Dilley: acoustic bass :: Johnathan Alexander: drums

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Bett Butler Texas

Songwriter, piano player, storyteller.

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