In Taberna Quando Sumus

Carl Orff Carl Orff

When We Are in the Tavern

When we are in the tavern
We don't care what the ground is
But we hurry to the game
Which we always sweat for
What happens in the tavern
Where the money is the butler
This is the work to be sought
If I say something, let it be heard

Some play, some drink
Some live indiscreetly
But in the game those who stay
Some of them are stripped
Some are dressed there
Some are dressed in sacks
There no one fears death
But they cast lots for Bacchus

First for the money of wine
From this the libertines drink
Once they drink for the captives
After this they drink for the captives
Four times for all Christians
Five times for the faithful deceased
Six times for vain sisters
Seven times for woodland soldiers

Eight times for perverse brothers
Nine times for scattered monks
Ten times for sailors
Eleven times for those in discord
Twelve times for the penitents
Thirteen times for those on a journey
As much for the pope as for the king
They all drink without restraint

The mistress drinks, the master drinks
The soldier drinks, the clergy drinks
He drinks, she drinks
The servant drinks with the maid
The swift drinks, the slow drinks
The white drinks, the black drinks
The steadfast drinks, the wandering drinks
The ignorant drinks, the wise drinks

The poor man and the sick drink
The exile and the unknown drink
The boy drinks, the old man drinks
The bishop and the dean drink
The sister drinks, the brother drinks
The old woman drinks, the mother drinks
This one drinks, that one drinks
A hundred drink, a thousand drink

With little money
They last, immoderately
They all drink without measure
Although they drink with joyful mind
Thus all peoples gnaw at us
And thus we will be in need
May those who gnaw at us be confounded
And not be written among the just

  1. Fortune plango vulnera (Original)
  2. Veni, Veni, Venias
  3. Veris Leta Facies
  4. Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi
  5. Floret Silva Nobilis
  6. Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
  7. Were diu werlt alle min
  8. Amor Volat Undique
  9. Ave Formosissima
  10. Chramer, gip die varwe mir (Original)
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