Bill Whelan (Riverdance composer) heard her perform with Anuna and asked her to sing the solo in the interval piece at the Eurovision. This of course went on to become the hugely successful show Riverdance and Katie toured the world with them for five years as their lead vocalist. While touring in America, she met her husband Ben Craig and has made her home in Minnesota for the past three years.
During this time she has formed her own band and troupe of Irish dancers. They are in great demand all over the States and play Irish traditional music with a Classical edge. Two of the many celebrities who have enjoyed Katie's performances are President Clinton and Bono (U2), who pulled her aside afterwards and kindly told her that she had "an amazing voice".
She has released three critically acclaimed solo CDs: After the Morning, Shine and Celtic Christmas, which are available in the States and from this site (just click on Music). In November 2007 she released her fourth solo CD St. Patrick's Day, a celebration of St. Patrick and all things Irish.
Recently, Katie was awarded best folk and acoustic artist by the Minnesota Music Academy. She has also been touring the world with the group Secret Garden as their lead singer & harpist.
In Dulci Jubilo
Katie McMahon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Our heart's joy reclineth in praesepio
And like a bright star shineth Matris in gremio
Alpha es et o, alpha es et o
O Patris caritas, O Nati lenitas
Deep were we stained per nostra crimina
But thou hast for us gained coelorum gaudia
Ubi sunt gaudia, if that they be not there
There are angels singing, nova cantica
There the bells are ringing, in Regis curia
Oh that we were there, oh that we were there
The lyrics to Katie McMahon’s song ‘In Dulci Jubilo’ are a perfect representation of the joy and celebration of Christmas. The refrain ‘In dulci jubilo, let us our homage show’ which translates to ‘In sweet rejoicing, let us render homage' sets the tone for the entire song. The song is about the glorious birth of Jesus Christ, and the joy and happiness that this special occasion has brought forth. The lyrics encourage people to celebrate and pay tribute to Jesus Christ for bringing light to the world.
The second verse of the song talks about the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms, ‘And like a bright star shineth Matris in gremio’. This imagery captures the essence of the birth of Jesus Christ and the wonder and amazement that the event brought. The following verse continues to give thanks for the redemption brought by Jesus Christ, reminding us of our sins, but how through him, we were able to gain access to heaven, ‘But thou hast for us gained coelorum gaudia’. The song ends with a longing for the paradise that awaits us in heaven where angels sing, ‘nova cantica’ and bells ring in the King’s court.
Line by Line Meaning
In dulci jubilo, let us our homage show
Let us show our devotion in sweet joy
Our heart's joy reclineth in praesepio
Our happiness lies in the manger
And like a bright star shineth Matris in gremio
Mother Mary shines like a bright star in her embrace
Alpha es et o, alpha es et o
You are the beginning and the end, you are the beginning and the end
O Patris caritas, O Nati lenitas
Oh love of the Father, Oh gentleness of the Son
Deep were we stained per nostra crimina
We were deeply stained by our own sins
But thou hast for us gained coelorum gaudia
But through you, we have gained the joys of heaven
Oh that we were there, oh that we were there
Oh, how we wish we were there
Ubi sunt gaudia, if that they be not there
If joy is not there, where can it be?
There are angels singing, nova cantica
Angels are singing new songs
There the bells are ringing, in Regis curia
The bells are ringing in the palace of the King
Oh that we were there, oh that we were there
Oh, how we wish we were there
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind