Le Poème Harmonique is a musical ensemble founded in 1997 by Vincent Dumest… Read Full Bio ↴Le Poème Harmonique is a musical ensemble founded in 1997 by Vincent Dumestre to recreate and promote early music, in particular that of the 17th century. Using rare instruments such as the theorbo, the lirone, the tiorbino and the arpa tripla, Le Poème Harmonique aims to recapture the poetry of early music. The early 17th-century French and Italian madrigal is a special interest. Le Poème Harmonique also teaches singers in collaboration with the Centre de Musique Baroque (Center for Baroque Music) at Versailles. The group's recordings with Alpha Productions have met with considerable success.

Mort et convoi de l'invincible Malbrough
Le Poème Harmonique Lyrics

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Malbrough s'en va en guerre,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
Malbrough s'en va en guerre,
Ne sait quand reviendra. (Ter)

Il reviendra z-à Pâques,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
Il reviendra z-à Pâques

Ou à la Trinité. (Ter)

La Trinité se passe,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
La Trinité se passe,
Malbrough ne revient pas. (Ter)

Madame à sa tour monte,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
Madame à sa tour monte,
Si haut qu'elle peut monter. (Ter)

Elle aperçoit son page,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
Elle aperçoit son page,
Tout de noir habillé. (Ter)

Beau page, ah! Mon beau page,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
Beau page, ah! Mon beau page
Quelle nouvelle apportez? (Ter)

Aux nouvelles que j'apporte,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
Aux nouvelles que j'apporte,
Vos beaux yeux vont pleurer. (Ter)

Monsieur Malbrough est mort,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
Monsieur Malbrough est mort,
Est mort et enterré. (Ter)

J'l'ai vu porter en terre,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
J'l'ai vu porter en terre,
Par quatre officiers. (Ter)

L'un portait sa cuirasse,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
L'un portait sa cuirasse
L'autre son bouclier. (Ter)

L'un portait son grand sabre,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
L'un portait son grand sabre,
L'autre ne portait rien. (Ter)

A l'entour de sa tombe,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
A l'entour de sa tombe,
Romarins l'on planta. (Ter)

On vit voler son âme,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
On vit voler son âme,
Au travers des lauriers. (Ter)

Chacun mit ventre à terre,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,
Chacun mit ventre à terre
Et puis se releva. (Ter)

Pour chanter les victoires,
Mironton, mironton, mirontaine,

Pour chanter les victoires
Que Malbrough remporta. (Ter)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Le Poème Harmonique's song "Mort et convoi de l'invincible Malbrough" tell the story of the great military leader, Malbrough, who goes off to war, leaving his loved ones behind. The first few verses describe his departure for war and his uncertain return. Then, it is revealed that Malbrough has died in battle, and his widow ascends her tower to look for news of him. She sees her page, dressed in black, who brings her the tragic news of his death. The final verses describe the funeral procession for Malbrough, with four officers carrying his coffin and planting rosemary around his tomb. The song ends with the soldiers standing proud and singing his praises for the victories he won.

The song is a dirge, a mournful song or poem that is meant to lament and pay tribute to the dead. The character of Malbrough is a historical figure, a military leader from the 18th century who fought in the War of the Spanish Succession. The tune has been used for other songs over the years, including the American Civil War song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." The use of the rosemary plant in the song symbolizes remembrance, as it was historically believed to help improve memory.

Line by Line Meaning

Malbrough s'en va en guerre,
Malbrough is going to war,