Composer

:

Thomas Ravenscroft

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Carol

Average_duration

:

2:58

"Remember, O thou man" is a Christmas carol composed by Thomas Ravenscroft, an English composer, theorist, and editor of music during the Renaissance era. The carol was first published in 1621 in his collection of psalms and hymns, "Melismata." The carol is written in four-part harmony and is typically performed a cappella. It consists of four verses, each with a refrain that repeats the title phrase, "Remember, O thou man." The lyrics of the carol are a reminder of the transience of life and the importance of preparing for death and judgment. The first verse begins with the line, "Remember, O thou man, O thou man, O thou man," and goes on to describe the fleeting nature of life, comparing it to a flower that withers and dies. The refrain then repeats the title phrase, urging the listener to remember their mortality. The second verse focuses on the inevitability of death and the importance of repentance. It begins with the line, "Remember, O thou man, that thou art but dust," and goes on to describe the judgment that awaits all people. The refrain again repeats the title phrase, emphasizing the need to remember one's mortality. The third verse shifts the focus to the birth of Christ and the hope that it brings. It begins with the line, "Remember, O thou man, that God became a man," and goes on to describe the joy and salvation that Christ's birth brings. The refrain once again repeats the title phrase, but this time with a sense of hope and anticipation. The final verse returns to the theme of mortality and the need to prepare for death. It begins with the line, "Remember, O thou man, that death will come," and goes on to urge the listener to repent and turn to God. The refrain repeats the title phrase one last time, with a sense of urgency and finality. Overall, "Remember, O thou man" is a somber yet hopeful Christmas carol that reminds listeners of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of preparing for death and judgment. Its four-part harmony and simple yet powerful lyrics have made it a popular choice for choirs and vocal ensembles during the Christmas season.

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