Fum, Fum, Fum is a traditional Catalan carol believed to be written in either the 16th or 17th century. The word fum actually means smoke in Catalan but is used in the song to imitate the strumming of a guitar. There are many English and Spanish versions out there but I prefer hearing it in the original Catalan, especially when sung by Avi, by Catalan grandfather. I’m so glad my sister had the foresight to record Avi singing this song three Christmases ago when he was eighty years old as he passed away this last July. Avi was a cabaret singer in his pre-marriage years and had a beautiful voice. Turn your volume up as the recording is not very loud. My father is playing the guitar you hear in the background.
Avi Singing Fum, Fum, Fum.wma
What Child is This has always been a favorite of mine. I think mostly because of the melody. I have countless versions of Greensleeves and never tire of listening to them. William Chatterton Dix wrote The Manger Throne, three verses of which became What Child Is This. Dix wrote the lyrics at a time when it was uncommon for Christian churches to openly celebrate the birth of Christ. They feared that it would become a day full of pagan rituals instead of a sacred day to worship the Lord. Interesting, eh?
The Shepherd’s Carol.wma
Mary, Mary, hush, see the child
Joseph, Joseph, look, see how mild!
This is Jesus. This is our King.
This is the Savior, His praises we sing.
All God’s children come to adore
Bringing gifts of love ever more
This is Jesus. This is our King.
This is the Savior, His praises we sing.
To participate in Wordfull Wednesday write a post telling us about your favorite Christmas song, carol or hymn. Come here and sign the Mr. Linky leaving the url to your post not your blog (those will be deleted).
Thanks for the fun subject! I look forward to reading others choices.
How precious you have a recording of your Avi to share with your children. What a treasure.
Merry Christmas!
I was excited about this subject!
Thanks for sharing your Avi’s recording with us. It is very special.
Shepherd’s Carol is one of my favorites of the primary Christmas songs too. We never sing that 2nd verse however. I think we will have to start, it is lovely.
I had never heard the one your Avi sang. I really enjoyed it. What a wonderful memory to have!
I also love the other ones you mentioned. “Do You Hear What I Hear” is another of my favorites. It always touches me deeply, and I’m not sure why.
I loved hearing the recording of your Avi! That’s so sweet.
Thanks for sharing your Avi’s amazing talent. What a precious recording to have! And thanks again for wordfull wednesday. I really enjoy it.
Loved the “Fum, Fum, Fum” recording!
This one was hard!! How do you pick just ONE! I included one of my new favorites bands singing my song on my blog. I just love Christmas music!!!
I participated in Wordful Wednesday
just thought I’d let you know I did it right this time! No goofs! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Teresa(deserthen’s oregon friend)
I love that round and had forgotten about it… thanks for sharing. Last year at Christmas my baby was 2 weeks old and I loved listening to What Child is This…it had special meaning as I pondered my new baby’s life!
I would love to hear your girls sing their version!
There are so many beautiful Christmas songs. I could almost choose a different one every day.
O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas Song–there are so many different and beautiful arrangements, I don’t think I could choose just one.
I also love O Divine Redeemer, even though its not really a Christmas Song, its such a gorgeous and inspired piece of music.
Finally got to it. Even on the busiest days I can’t resist a wordful Wednesday.
I did not get your Avi’s link but will try it again. What a treasure to have that recorded
It is hard to pick favorite Christmas songs – I believe they are all our favorites. My girls love Mary’s lullaby and Hush thee my Child year round before bed.
i like fum, fum, fum, and how great to have a recording of Avi singing it. 🙂
i do have one overall favorite, but there are so many 2nd-place winners so i recycled most of a post from last year and listed them all! i’m having huge computer issues as well, so this made it a little easier.
great topic!
Oh I also love the Shepherd’s Carol! Interesting about What Child Is This…
I could not choose just one either, in fact today I just thought of another one I love. Thank goodness we have a month to enjoy them.
I’m a little late with this, as I just came upon “Wordfull Wednesday”, but since I had already bolged about my fav Christmas song, it seemed to easy to pass.
btw nice blog…thanks for all the sharing!