Mack Wilberg's Arrangement of "Fum, Fum, Fum": The History and Lyrics
“Fum, Fum, Fum” is a Catalonian Christmas carol that originated in the 16th or 17th century. The word “fum” has many meanings ranging from the sound of a rocking cradle, the sound of a drum, the strum of a guitar or playing on a fiddle. The literal definition of “fum” in Catalan means smoke, which could refer to smoke rising from a chimney.
Whatever the exact meaning, “Fum, Fum, Fum” is a lively, fast Christmas carol that is sure to make you want to hum along, or in this case, “fum” along. Below are the lyrics to this cheerful song, arranged by the Choir’s music director, Mack Wilberg.
Fum, Fum, Fum (Lyrics)
On December twenty five sing fum, fum, fum
On December twenty five sing fum, fum, fum
He is born the holy child, the little babe, the infant mild
He is born the virgin birth and He shall be the joy of earth
Sing fum, fum, fum
Little birds fly from the sky sing fum, fum, fum
Little birds fly from the sky sing fum, fum, fum
Little creatures great and small come to the stable one and all
Come and form a tiny nest, all for the Holy Child to rest, sing fum, fum
Little stars that shine above, sing fum, fum, fum
Little stars that shine above, sing fum, fum, fum
See the infant as he sleep, He brings to all goodwill and peace
O let the night shine lightly, with a flame burn clear and brightly
With a flame burn clear and brightly
With a flame burn clear and brightly
With a flame burn clear and brightly
Fum, fum, fum, fum, fum, fum, fum, fum, fum, fum, fum, fum, fum
Reprinted by permission, Hinshaw Music, Inc.