Miri It Is While Sumer Ilast

Schelmish's song "Miri It Is While Sumer Ilast" is a poignant reflection on the transition from summer to winter, capturing the emotional and physical changes that come with the seasons. The lyrics, written in Middle English, evoke a sense of nostalgia and sorrow as the warmth and joy of summer give way to the harshness of winter. The repetition of the lines emphasizes the cyclical nature of the seasons and the inevitable return of cold and darkness.

The song begins with a celebration of summer, highlighting the joy brought by the songs of birds ("fugheles song"). However, this happiness is short-lived as the winds of winter begin to blow ("windes blast") and the weather becomes harsh ("the weder is strong"). The exclamations of "Ei, ei!" convey a deep sense of lament and longing for the warmth and light of summer. The night is described as long and filled with sorrow ("What this niht is long / And ich with well michel wrong / Soregh and murne and fast"), suggesting a period of personal or emotional hardship that mirrors the external environment.

Schelmish, known for their medieval and folk-inspired music, uses this song to connect listeners with the timeless human experience of change and loss. The use of Middle English not only adds authenticity but also bridges the gap between past and present, reminding us that the feelings of melancholy and yearning for better times are universal and enduring. The song's structure and repetition reinforce the inevitability of seasonal change and the accompanying emotional response, making it a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the human condition.