Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle is
a French carol which originated in the Provence region in the 16th century. It was first published in 1553, and was subsequently translated into English in the 18th century. It is said that the music was originally not an Advent song, but rather dance music for French nobility. (from the liner notes from Nathan Clark George’s Still)
The song seems to fit in the infant/manger style of Away In A Manger and Still, Still, Still.
Here’s the track as recorded on Nathan Clark George’s Christmas album Still.
And, for contrast, here’s Sufjan Steven’s spare rendition.
1.
Bring a torch, Jeannette, Isabelle!
Bring a torch to Bethlehem come!
Christ is born. Tell the folk of the village,
Mary has laid him in a manger.
Ah! ah! beautiful is the mother!
Ah! ah! beautiful is her Son!
2.
It is wrong when the baby is sleeping
It is wrong to speak so loud;
Silence, now as you gather around,
Lest your noise should waken Jesus:
Hush! hush! see how the baby slumbers:
Hush! hush! see how the baby sleeps!
3.
Softly now unto the stable,
Softly for a moment come;
Look and see how charming is Jesus,
Look at him there, his cheeks are rosy!
Hush! hush! see how the Child is sleeping;
Hush! hush! see how He smiles in dreams.
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