This edition was prepared by David Fraser — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
His golden locks time hath to silver turn'd
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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4 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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His golden locks time hath to silver turn'd by John Dowland — Lyrics
His golden locks Time hath to silver turned.
O Time too swift, O swiftness never ceasing:
His youth 'gainst Time and Age hath ever spurned,
But spurned in vain; youth waneth by increasing.
Beauty, strength, youth are flowers but fading seen;
Duty, faith, love are roots, and ever green.
His helmet now shall make a hive for bees,
And lovers' sonnets turn to holy psalms.
A man at arms must now serve on his knees,
And feed on prayers which are Age's alms.
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About His golden locks time hath to silver turn'd
This partsong from the English Renaissance is set for SATB choir. It reflects on the passage of time and the inevitable aging process, contrasting the fading of physical beauty with the enduring nature of inner virtues. The text poetically describes a once-mighty warrior now finding peace in simpler pursuits, his armor becoming a home for bees and his warlike songs replaced by psalms. It speaks to themes of devotion and constancy, suggesting that true worth lies not in outward appearance but in an 'unspotted heart'. The music would likely explore these changing moods and sentiments, moving from reflection on lost youth to a quiet acceptance of age.
