This edition was prepared by David Fraser — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Come to me grief for ever
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Come to me grief for ever by William Byrd — Lyrics
Come to me grief for ever,
Come to me tears day and night,
Come to me plaint, ah helpless,
Just grief, heart tears, plaint worthy,
Go from me dread to die now
Go from me care to live more,
Go from me joys all on earth,
Sidney, O Sidney is dead.
He whom the Court adorned,
He whom the country courtesied,
He who made happy his friends,
He that did good to all men.
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About Come to me grief for ever
William Byrd’s Come to me grief for ever is a poignant English part-song for SSATB voices. The music reflects the profound sorrow of the text, written in the wake of Sir Philip Sidney’s death. Byrd masterfully employs the five voices to convey a sense of lament and deep personal loss, with moments of intense, flowing harmony underscoring the emotional weight of the words. The text moves from an expression of overwhelming grief and helplessness to a powerful celebration of Sidney's life and virtues, ultimately finding solace in his heavenly reward. This is a deeply expressive secular work, showcasing Byrd's skill in setting English text with sensitivity and musical depth.
