Song of the Day - 3rd November

Today's Song of the Day is on the theme of Engagement, although it could equally be used at a wedding.

The poem I have chosen is "The Passionate Shephard (sic) to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe.

Christopher Marlowe, a brilliant contemporary of Shakespeare, held the esteemed title of the preeminent Elizabethan playwright until Shakespeare took the mantle. He earned both his BA and MA from the University of Cambridge, yet his life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 29, under mysterious circumstances that continue to haunt us to this day.

Speculation abounds regarding the nature and reasons behind his untimely demise—ranging from a bar-room brawl to accusations of blasphemy, whispers of homosexual intrigue, betrayal by a fellow playwright, and even espionage connected to the highest echelons of Elizabeth I's Privy Council.

This poem is a heartfelt declaration of love, a tender proposal from the shepherd who implores, "live with me and be my love."

In reflecting upon the verses, I found myself inspired to frame it as a dialogue between the Shepherd and his beloved, where she beautifully responds and expands upon his fervent entreaties. I have arranged it for a full double choir: SSAATTBB, but fear not; it’s a 2-minute long, straightforward setting where the melody dances between the men, embodying the shepherd, while the ladies serenely bring the beloved to life.

Get the music for this song for free - find out how here.

The Passionate Shephard to His Love

by Christopher Marlowe

Come live with me and be my love,

And we will all the pleasures prove,

That Valleys, groves, hills, and fields,

Woods, or steepy mountain yields.

And we will sit upon the Rocks,

Seeing the Shepherds feed their flocks,

By shallow Rivers to whose falls

Melodious birds sing Madrigals.

And I will make thee beds of Roses

And a thousand fragrant posies,

A cap of flowers, and a kirtle

Embroidered all with leaves of Myrtle;

A gown made of the finest wool

Which from our pretty Lambs we pull;

Fair lined slippers for the cold,

With buckles of the purest gold;

A belt of straw and Ivy buds,

With Coral clasps and Amber studs:

And if these pleasures may thee move,

Come live with me, and be my love.

The Shepherds’ Swains shall dance and sing

For thy delight each May-morning:

If these delights thy mind may move,

Then live with me, and be my love.