Patapan

"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 Christ, and is told from the perspective of shepherds playing simple instruments—flutes and drums—the onomatopoetic sound of which gives the song its name; "patapan" is meant to mimic the sound of the drum, and an accompanying lyric, "tu-re-lu-re-lu," the flute. This is similar conceptually to the carol "The Little Drummer Boy", with its chorus of "pa-rum-pa-pum-pum."

Mannheim Steamroller recorded a version of the song on their 1995 album Christmas in the Aire. (The accompanying video plays during the group's live shows when the song is performed.) American singer-songwriter David Archuleta recorded a contemporary version of "Pat-a-Pan" on his 2009 album Christmas from the Heart. It was also recorded by The Robert Shaw Chorale (1958), Bing Crosby (for his 1962 album I Wish You a Merry Christmas), and Julie Andrews (1982).

American Composer John Gerrish wrote Variations on a Burgundian Carol for 3 Recorders published by Associated Music Publishers in 1957, based on the Patapan theme. It was played by his three children at the composer's 100th birthday party. Pagan folk musician Damh The Bard recorded his version on the 2009 album, 'Tales Of The Crow Man', substituting Christian references in the lyrics with pagan ones to make it a celebration of the Winter Solstice.

...
Wikipedia