Fortuna
Corvus Corax Lyrics


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Fortuna

Fortuna, Fortuna, Fortune bona primitus

Fortune bona primitus voluntas est inversa,
In meque michi penitus novercatur aversa.

Nam ferre scimus eum Fortune clipeum.




Overall Meaning

The song "Fortuna" by Corvus Corax, a German medieval folk band, is an anthem to the Greek goddess of fortune, invoking her blessings and acknowledging her fickleness. The chorus, "Fortuna, Fortuna, Fortune bona primitus," translates to "Fortune, Fortune, good Fortune in the beginning." The first two lines of the verses express the idea that good fortune is often followed by bad luck, and that it is futile to resist or complain about it. The final line of each verse, "Nam ferre scimus eum Fortune clipeum," means "For we know how to bear Fortune’s shield," emphasizing the band's acceptance of the ups and downs of life.


The lyrics of "Fortuna" highlight the medieval worldview, in which Fate and Fortune were seen as divine forces that controlled people's lives. The band's use of Latin phrases and medieval instruments, such as bagpipes and hurdy-gurdies, adds to the historical atmosphere of the song. The repetition of the chorus and the simple melody make it easy to sing along and evoke a sense of communal celebration.


Line by Line Meaning

Fortuna, Fortuna, Fortune bona primitus
Oh, Fortune, Fortune, first fortune is good


Fortune bona primitus voluntas est inversa,
But first fortune's favor is fickle,


In meque michi penitus novercatur aversa.
And in me it turns completely against me.


Nam ferre scimus eum Fortune clipeum.
For we know that Fortune bears a shield.




Contributed by Scarlett V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Elvis HC

Increible interpretación, realmente épica!

Hutt'n Kloas

Thank's for this upload. Should be somewhere in that crowd stunned by this performance. The outro was amazing, all the monks & nuns walking with burning tourches through the audience. Suddenly got kissed in the neck by one of the nuns. Still looking out for more recordings, esp. carmina burana

Alisson Costa

Totally wonderful!!!

Jones .M

Everytime i think about CORVUS CORAX always FORTUNA Song played in my mind.....

Viking 62

Das sind noch richtige Spielleute🤟🖤

ThatCat

Mein alter Musiklehrer sitzt im Orchester <3 Das machte ihn für mich zu einem meiner Lieblingslehrer damals. :D

Cooke

Geile Mischung! \m/

NATALIHEYKE

Aus die beste Musick in die Welt!

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