This edition was prepared by Wim Looyestijn — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Ah friends how happy are we here
Staff Notation • Secular, Consort songs
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Ah friends how happy are we here by Samuel Akeroyd — Lyrics
Ah, friends, how happy are we here,
blest with good drink, and with good cheer;
we're crown'd with joys above all measure,
in war we fear to loose our life,
in love ther's jealousy and strife,
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About Ah friends how happy are we here
Samuel Akeroyd's Ah friends how happy are we here is a secular consort song for two voices, soprano and bass. The text rejoices in the simple pleasures of friendship, good drink, and good cheer, contrasting this contentment with the anxieties of war and the strife of love. The composer highlights the freedom from worry enjoyed in this gathering, suggesting that only a spilled drink could mar their perfect happiness. This piece reflects the lively, social nature of consort songs from its era, where musical enjoyment was often shared in intimate settings.
