“Fum, Fum, Fum” is a Catalonian Christmas carol that originated in the 16^th or 17^th 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.