Video and lyrics for the traditional French Christmas carol Çà, bergers, assemblons-nous. As far as I know, there is no equivalent English version; the translation provided here is literal.
Listening comprehension: See the links at the bottom for lessons related to the phrases in italics.
Çà, bergers, assemblons-nous
Here, shepherds, let us gather
Çà, bergers, assemblons-nous, Allons voir le Messie ; Cherchons cet Enfant si doux, Dans les bras de Marie. Je l’entends, il nous appelle tous, Ô sort digne d’envie !
Here, shepherds, let us gather, Let’s go see the Messiah; Let’s search for this Child so sweet, In Marie’s arms. I hear Him, He is calling all of us, Oh enviable fate!
Laissons là tout le troupeau, Qu’il erre à l’aventure, Que sans nous, sur ce côteau, Il cherche sa pâture. Allons voir dans un petit berceau L’auteur de la nature.
Refrain
Let us leave there all the herd, May it wander to adventure, Without us, on this hill, May it seek its pasture. Let’s go see in a little cradle The creator of nature.
Chorus
Que l’hiver par ses frimas Ait endurci la plaine, S’il croit arrêter nos pas, Cette espérance est vaine. Quand on cherche un Dieu rempli d’appas, On ne craint point la peine.
Refrain
May winter by its cold weather Have hardened the plain, If it believes it will stop our steps This hope is in vain. When one seeks a God full of charms, One does not fear pain.
Chorus
Sa naissance sur nos bords Ramène l’allégresse ; Répondons par nos transports À l’ardeur qui le presse. Secondons par de nouveaux efforts L’excès de sa tendresse.
Refrain
His birth in our lands Makes us rejoice; Let us respond with our gifts To the fervor that urges him. Let us assist with new efforts The surplus of his tenderness.
Chorus
Dieu naissant, exauce-nous, Dissipe nos alarmes ; Nous tombons à tes genoux Nous les baignons de larmes ; Hâte-toi de nous donner à tous La paix et tous ses charmes.
Refrain
Nascent God, answer our prayer, Dispel our alarm; We fall at your feet* We bathe them in tears; Make haste to give all of us Peace and all its charms.
This free website is created with love and a great deal of work.
You must log in to post a comment.