Byrd One Brere

Byrd One Brere

"Byrd one brere, brid, brid one brere
Kynd is come of love, love to crave
Blythful biryd, on me thu rewe
Or grayth, lef, greith thu me my grave

Hic am so blithe, so brighit brid one brere
Quan I se that ende in halle
Yhe is quit of lime, loveli trewe
The is fayr and flur of alle

Mikte hic hire at wille have
Stedefast of love, loveli trewe
Of me sorwe yhe may me saven
Ioye and blisse were eere me newe"

"Bird on a briar, bird on a briar, mankind has come of love, love to crave.  Blissful bird, on me have pity, or build, love, build me my grave.  I am so blithe, so blithe, bird on a briar, When I see that maid in the hall.  She is white of limb, lovely, true, She is fair and the flower of all.  Might her I have at my will, steadfast of love, lovely, and true, Of my sorrow she might me save, Joy and bliss were ever new to me.

 Once upon a time, a bored English cleric flipped over a papal bull which was already a hundred years old and began to write down a song.  That song today is recognized as being the oldest extant English love song. Bryd one Brere is an honest confession of undying love (from the poet to a bird in a tree), devotion,  and praise of a lady.  It eloquently conveys the very heart of amor courtoise.  Its soaring melody is one of the most beautiful melodies ever written, yet it conveys some element of bittersweetness.

"Bryd one Brere" dates from about 1290-13203.  This tune is unique…different from anything that was happening on the continent at the same time.  It is possible that the jump of a sixth could be the result of clerical error, however, I find that to be the most beautiful part of the song."