Mirie it is - 2023 Bardic Competition
I sang "Miri(e) it is while sumer ilast" for the 2023 Bardic Competition at Mag Mor's Yule Court (December 2023). "Miri(e)" is the oldest known secular song in English. You can read more about the history of the song, the interpretation of the notes, and the Modern English translation here: https://earlymusicmuse.com/mirie-it-is-while-sumer-ilast/.
I used the Early Music Muse by Ian Pittaway for the lyrics, pronunciations, and sound. I sang the original Middle English verse, then sang the Modern English version followed by a second verse I wrote. Here is what I sang:
Original:
[M]Irie it is while sumer ilast
with fugheles song
oc nu necheth windes blast
and weder strong.
Ei ei what this nicht is long
And ich with wel michel wrong.
Soregh and murne and [fast].
Translation of Original:
Merry life it is while the summer it lasts
with sound of bird song.
Oh but now the cold wind blasts,
it blows so strong.
Oh, oh, but this night is long
And it does to me much wrong:
sorrow and mourn and starve.
Emma's Additional Verse:
Merry life it is when the spring it comes
and growth is renewed.
Bringing life and warmth on the breeze,
That thaws the sod.
Oh, oh, bring the sun and peace
Spread the warmth and fill our trees
Make the world alive
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