The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #16256   Message #150592
Posted By: T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird)
16-Dec-99 - 08:25 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Funny and Ribald Medieval tunes plea
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Funny and Ribald Medieval tunes plea
I don't know of any ribald lyrics for which music survives from pre-1501, but if I encounter any I'll steer 'em your way.

You can, of course, take a tune and fit later ribald words to it, if the metrical structures agree.

Then there are songs which aren't bawdy, but are equally moving and effective, even if more serious. Here is a fragment of a translation of a reconstruction, by Pierre Aubry, of a 13th century French song:

Why does my husband beat me ?
Unhappy me!...

Now I know what to do and how to avenge myself:
I shall find consolation with my lover...

T.