Pie Jesu
Lesley Garrett Samuel Burkey Lyrics

The song Pie Jesu is a prayer for the dead, with the phrase "Pie Jesu" or "Merciful Jesus" repeated throughout, asking for forgiveness and rest for the departed soul. The line "Qui tollis peccata mundi" which means "who takes away the sins of the world" is repeated several times, emphasizing the idea that through Jesus, the sins of the world are forgiven. The following lines "Dona eis requiem" which means "grant them rest" is repeated after each line of the prayer, creating a sense of peace and finality.

The song is sung in Latin, a language that is often associated with the Catholic Church and traditional religious ceremonies. The use of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra adds to the solemnity and melancholic atmosphere of the song, creating a sense of reverence and mourning. The repetition of phrases throughout the song further emphasizes its meditative quality, allowing the listener to reflect on the messages contained within each line.