Interpretation
The song lyrics "Ecce gratum" from
Carmina Burana is a Latin song that describes the joy and happiness of spring and summer. It is a hymnic ode to the beauty and enjoyment of life in this season.
The lyrics begin with the lines "Ecce gratum, et optatum, ver reducit gaudia" (Behold, the pleasant and long-awaited time brings back joy). Here, it is made clear that spring and summer are a time of joy and happiness, where everything blooms and the sun illuminates everything.
It is followed by lines such as "Iam am cedant tristia!" (Now let sadness give way) and "Estas redit, nunc recedit hyemis sevitia" (Summer returns, winter retreats). These lines symbolize the transition from the dreary and cold winter season to the joyful and warm summer season. It is an invitation to leave behind sad feelings and focus on the joy of summer.
It continues with lines like "Iam liquescit et decrescit, grand, nix et cetera" (Now the snow melts and disappears, hail and so on). Here, the change of nature in spring and summer is described, as the snow melts and makes way for the growth of plants and flowers.
The lyrics also contain a warning about missing out on the joys of summer. In the lines "Illi mens est misera, qui nec vivit, nec lascivit sub Estatis dextera" (Miserable is the one who neither lives nor revels under the right hand of summer), it is emphasized how unhappy someone will be who does not take advantage of the opportunities of summer and does not participate in life.
Finally, the lyrics end with the lines "Gloriantur et letantur in melle dulcedinis" (They rejoice and exult in the sweetness of honey). Here, the joy and pleasure that can be experienced in summer by enjoying the love and beauty of nature are emphasized.
Overall, the song lyrics "Ecce gratum" from "Carmina Burana" is about the joy and happiness of spring and summer, the transition from the dreary winter season to the vibrant and blooming season, and the importance of taking advantage of and appreciating the joys of summer. It is a hymn to life and the enjoyment of nature.