Music and lyrics (c) 2000 J. Eiler
Notes:
Now it is the Time of Darkness, Winter's grip is on the land. Short the days, and long the winter's Night, and Death is close at hand. Can you hear it in the night wind? Can you feel it in the chill? For the Earth will weep this night: The God is lying cold, and still. Yesterday the fields were golden, Yestereve, full was the vine. Now the grain is in the crib, and Brew-pots roil with new-made wine. Yesterday the fields were warm, and Shining in the summer sun. Now the frost is on the stubble. This night, winter has begun. Yesterday the cattle lowed, and Merrily we fattened them. Now today begins the slaughter Of the old, the weak, and thin. Cows who will not live the winter Give their lives for mortals frail, Meat and hides to use this winter So that our lives will not fail. Now we mourn the God, whose passing Gives us grain, and wine, and meat. Now we feast, and ease our hunger, Mixing bitter with the sweet. But we know that darkest sorrow Even so, will see bright morn. For the God lies in the barrow, Who at Yule will be reborn.