This edition was prepared by David Fraser — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Goe nightly cares
Staff Notation • Secular, Lute songs, Partsongs
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Goe nightly cares by John Dowland — Lyrics
Goe nightly cares, the enemy to rest,
Forbeare a while to vexe my grieved sprite,
So long your weight hath lyne upon my breast,
that loe I live of life bereaved quite,
O give me time to draw my weary breath,
Or let me dye, as I desire the death.
Welcome sweete death, oh life, no life, a hell,
Then thus, and thus I bid the world farewell.
False world farewell, the enemy to rest,
now doe thy worst, I doe not weigh thy spight:
Free from thy cares I live for ever blest,
Enjoying peace and heavenly true delight.
Delight, whom woes nor sorrowes shall amate,
nor feares or teares disturbe her happy state.
And thus I leave thy hopes, thy joyes untrue,
and thus, and thus vaine world againe adue.
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About Goe nightly cares
This solo low lute song by John Dowland sets a text of profound despair followed by eventual release. The music reflects the emotional arc, moving from weariness and a desire for death to a sense of peace and freedom from worldly cares. Dowland masterfully crafts a poignant expression of human suffering and transcendence, making this a significant work within the English lute song tradition. The intimate nature of the solo voice, accompanied by lute, allows for a direct and personal connection with the text's intense sentiments.
