Dies Irae

           by Dominic Vautier
10/2008


The Dies Irae was composed as a poem in the 13th century and later added as a sequence to the Latin Mass of the dead.  The lyrics were written by Thomas of Celano, a Franciscan monk.

This is probably the most popular of all chants, and remains one of my favorites.  I first listened to it as a small child and never forgot it.

PLAY

 

Watch out for that terrible day when the whole earth dissolves into ashes,

(as testified by David and the Oracle).

Indeed, what terror lies ahead,

 

when the judge will come to deliver his tough sentence on everybody. 

 

The funeral trumpet generates a real weird sound throughout all the graves everywhere.

 

It forces everybody to appear before His throne.

Death and Nature are spellbound at this resurging of all these creatures that have to answer to the Top Judge.

 

The big book is to be read word for word, in which everything is contained and the whole world is going to get judged based on that information, no kidding.

 

And when the judge takes the bench, whatever comes out of the trial will not go unpunished.

 

 

Dies Irae was composed as a poem in the 13th century and later added as a sequence to the Latin Mass of the dead.  The lyrics were written by Thomas of Celano, a Franciscan monk.

 

 

What will I, miserable as I am, use for my defense? What counsel will plead on my behalf?

Especially when I have barely any defense.

This King has tremendous power and majesty, and he just might grant us salvation.

 

O fount of kindness, save me!

 

Remember gentle Jesus the cause for which you came to earth, so please don't let me parish on that day.

 

Exhausted you have asked about me.

You redeemed me by suffering on the cross.

Such great labor will not be in vain.

Honorable judge of punishment,

Give me the gift of forgiveness,

Before this day of judgment.

I'm all broke down, because I am so guilty.

My very expressions indicate my guilt. O God, spare this poor supplicant.

 

Who forgave Mary Magdalene

And also forgave the thief.
Give me hope too.  My prayers are not worth anything.

But if you kindly give me a decent break.

Otherwise I will burn up in the everlasting fire.

Put me in with the sheep and separate me from the goats and place me on the right side.

let the wicked ones be confounded.

subjected to the sharp flames

Call me to the good guys.

I beg you as a supplicant on bended knee

My sorrowful heart is like ashes.

give me a final healing.

Sorrowful will be that final day, when men will come back from the dust to be judged.

 

So God, spare this poor guy.

Good and kind Jesus, give him eternal rest.

Amen.