Composer

:

Robert Johnson

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

2:51

"Come heavy sleep" is a lute song composed by Robert Johnson, an English composer and lutenist who lived from 1583 to 1633. The song was likely composed in the early 17th century, during the reign of King James I. The song is a melancholic and introspective piece, with a slow and mournful melody that is typical of the lute song genre. It is written in the key of D minor and features a simple chord progression that emphasizes the mournful quality of the melody. The lyrics of "Come heavy sleep" are a meditation on the nature of sleep and its ability to provide solace and escape from the troubles of the world. The speaker of the song implores sleep to come and "seal up the eyes of care," and to "wrap me in delight awhile." The song's final lines express a desire for eternal sleep, suggesting a deep weariness with the struggles of life. "Come heavy sleep" was likely first performed in the court of King James I, where Johnson was a favored musician. The song was likely performed by Johnson himself, accompanying his own singing on the lute. The song's mournful quality and introspective lyrics would have been well-suited to the courtly atmosphere of the time, where melancholy was often seen as a desirable emotional state. "Come heavy sleep" is a single-movement piece, with a simple and repetitive melody that is typical of the lute song genre. The song's slow tempo and mournful quality make it a challenging piece to perform, requiring a skilled lutenist to convey the full emotional depth of the piece. Overall, "Come heavy sleep" is a haunting and introspective piece that showcases Johnson's skill as a composer and lutenist. Its mournful melody and introspective lyrics make it a classic example of the lute song genre, and a testament to the enduring power of Johnson's music.

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