Chramer, gip die varwe mir (Original)

Carl Orff's 'Chramer, gip die varwe mir' is a captivating piece from his renowned work 'Carmina Burana,' a collection of medieval poems set to music. The song's lyrics, written in Middle High German, revolve around themes of love, beauty, and the desire to be admired. The title translates to 'Shopkeeper, give me color,' and the song is a plea from a woman asking a shopkeeper for rouge to redden her cheeks, so she can attract the attention of young men.

The lyrics are rich with the imagery of courtly love, a common theme in medieval literature. The woman seeks to enhance her beauty to win the affection and admiration of noble men. She implores the young men to look at her and let her be pleasing to them. This reflects the societal norms of the time, where physical appearance and the art of seduction played significant roles in romantic pursuits. The repeated plea, 'Seht mich an, jungen man! lat mich iu gevallen!' ('Look at me, young men! Let me please you!'), underscores her yearning for validation and love.

Orff's musical composition complements the lyrical content, using a blend of medieval and modern elements to create a timeless piece. The song's structure and melody evoke the atmosphere of a medieval court, where such interactions would have been commonplace. The interplay between the lyrics and the music highlights the universal and enduring nature of the themes of love and beauty. Through 'Chramer, gip die varwe mir,' Orff not only brings medieval poetry to life but also reminds us of the timeless human desire for connection and admiration.