Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1597

Publication Date

:

1597

Average_duration

:

3:19

"Go crystal tears" is a lute song composed by John Dowland, one of the most famous English composers of the Renaissance era. The song was composed in the late 16th century and was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "The Second Booke of Songs or Ayres" in 1600. The song is a melancholic lament, typical of Dowland's style, and is written in the key of G minor. It consists of four verses, each with a refrain, and is accompanied by a lute. The lyrics describe the pain of unrequited love and the sorrow of separation. The first verse begins with the line "Go crystal tears, like to the morning dew," and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second verse continues with the theme of sadness and longing, with the line "And let my sighs, like to the western wind." The third verse introduces the idea of the lover's absence, with the line "In vain I sigh, in vain I mourn." The final verse concludes with the line "Thus woe succeeds a woe, as wave a wave," emphasizing the cyclical nature of the lover's pain. The song is divided into two distinct sections, with the first section consisting of the first two verses and the second section consisting of the final two verses. The refrain, "Sing O ye muses, that on Heavens height," is repeated after each verse, providing a sense of unity and structure to the song. Overall, "Go crystal tears" is a prime example of Dowland's melancholic and introspective style. The song's use of vivid imagery and repetition creates a powerful emotional impact, making it a popular choice for both performers and listeners alike.

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