What does the french song fr ere Jacques mean in English?

The French song "Frère Jacques" is a children's rhyme that translates to "Brother John" in English.

The lyrics are a simple call and response:

French: Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques, Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous? Sonnez les matines, Sonnez les matines! Ding, ding, dong! Ding, ding, dong!

English: Brother John, Brother John, Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping? Ring the bells, Ring the bells! Ding, ding, dong! Ding, ding, dong!

The song is about waking someone up, usually for morning prayers or school.