Joseph Canteloube wrote those words about South Quercy: “These songs are really different from North Quercy. They are less lyrical, less deep, but very enjoyable.” The naive and moving sides of this carol are highlighted. The melody is the one of Jean de Réole’s song. Even if the melody is in minor, it is not sad at all because it perfectly matches with the gracious barcarole rhythm. The arranger made the 3rd verse in major to represent the transition between sleep and waking, but also between night and day, and first and foremost to represent the peasants’ joyful acceptance of Nativity’s miracle.
(Translated from French)
