We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
CDs and MP3s Mignarda.com Performance Mignarda's Blog Contact Us About us Mignarda Editions

Me, me and none but me, by John Dowland

from Singles by Mignarda

supported by
/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

about

Me me and none but me is from John Dowland's Third and Last Booke of Songs or Aires, 1603. In his dedication to Sir John Souch, Dowland wrote of his songs, "If I gaue life to these, you gaue spirit to me; for it is alwaies the worthy respect of others that makes arte prosper in it selfe", words that define the necessity and the very essence of patronage today as well as 400 years ago.

Dowland's third book contained several lighter songs, many texts of which appear to be directed toward Queen Elizabeth, who died that same year after an eventful 45-year reign. While songs from the 1603 book like "Time stands still" indeed were likely dedicated to the ageing Virgin Queen, "Me me and none but me" seems much more heartfelt, intimate and personal in nature.

Our recorded performance of this song is in memory of lutenist, Stephen Toombs (1951 - 2016).

lyrics

Me me and none but me,
dart home O gentle death
and quicklie, for
I draw too long this idle breath:
O howe I long till I
may fly to heaven above,
unto my faithfull and
beloved turtle dove.

Like to the silver Swanne,
before my death I sing:
And yet alive
my fatall knell I helpe to ring.
Still I desire from earth
and earthly joyes to flie,
He never happie liv’d,
that cannot love to die.

credits

from Singles, track released November 25, 2016
Recorded live at Immaculate Conception Church, Cleveland, OH 11/23/16 by Ron Andrico and Donna Stewart.

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Mignarda Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Mignarda specializes in thoughtful programming illuminating the vibrant mingling of renaissance music & poetry. Noted for awakening modern audiences to an appreciation for historical music, their work encompasses concertizing, teaching & recording, with 17 critically-acclaimed CDs, a series of 16 music editions, scholarly articles, reviews and the internationally-popular blog, Unquiet Thoughts. ... more

contact / help

Contact Mignarda

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Mignarda, you may also like: