This is a traditional Catalan Christmas carol that could date back to the Renaissance era. It is one of the few popular ones of Spanish origin in English-speaking countries. One often speculates about what the words (or rather, non-words) Fum, Fum, Fum represent here. They appear in the second, fourth, and ninth lines in each of the three verses. Some have asserted their sound is onomatopoeic in that they are the imitation of a musical instrument, like the guitar. Whether they represent the strumming sounds of that instrument or not, they do give a rhythmic and colorful character to this charming carol. The melody is perky and light, graceful, and vaguely Baroque-ish, but does not divulge any obvious Spanish style, although guitar versions of the tune do exhibit a slightly more exotic character associated with that idiom. The melody's lively, festive manner has moved some to suggest that "Fum" in the text should be replaced by "Fun," so spirited and joyful is the music. The colorful text urges people to "celebrate in song" at the birth of Christ. Most listeners interested in Christmas music will find this a most pleasing number.

© Robert Cummings, Rovi