The words to this carol, written in a Burgundian dialect, date back to around the turn of the eighteenth century and are generally attributed to Bernard de la Monnoye (1641-1728). The melody has also been ascribed to him, though the author is likely an unknown Burgundian. The text was not published until 1833, after which it was translated anonymously into English in an updated version that serves as the lyrics to this popular Christmas carol. "Pat-a-Pan" is often viewed as an ancestor to the more widely known carol "The Little Drummer Boy," at least in a textual sense, as it urges its young Willie to play his drum to celebrate Christmas. "Pat-a-Pan"'s melody and mood are both quite different from those in the relatively subdued "Drummer Boy," though both carols have rhythmic qualities that certainly invoke images of their protagonists beating on a drum. "Pat-a-Pan" has a folksy, even slightly exotic character and is much livelier and more colorful than "Drummer Boy." Its exuberant text, though, is more simple and a bit less sophisticated. Overall, this is a fine carol that will especially appeal to children.

© Robert Cummings, Rovi