Fais do do

In the dark of a New Orleans eve folks might gather for a Fais do do. Strangely this translates as a wild party of dance, song, food and flirtation. The phrase actually comes from this gorgeous old French Lullaby that Creoles have kept alive in New Orleans. I believe it translates as 'to your dormier' (bedroom) and was sung as babes were swept off to bed. That it then became the phrase for staying up late and partying all night was reflective of an ironic or falsely authorative command- 'off to bed with you now'. it is a beautiful lullaby, of simple melody and comorting meaning:

Fais do do, Colas mon petit frere
Go to sleep, Colas, my little brother,

Fais do do, t'auras du lolo.
Go to sleep, and you'll have a treat.

Maman est en haut, Elle fait des gateaux
Mama is upstairs making cakes,

Papa est en bas, Il fait du chocolat.
Papa is downstairs making chocolate.

Fais do do, Colas mon petit frere
Go to sleep, Colas, my little brother,

Fais do do, t'auras du lolo.
Go to sleep,
and you'll have a treat.



just perfect, which is why I'm learning it.
lily