The boys who make up the vocal band Libera have been described as “normal” and “ordinary.” However, as their recordings and performances demonstrate, the music they produce is truly extraordinary. With shimmering, mystical chords and ecstatic harmonies, they are unlike any other group you have ever heard. These are truly sounds to lift the soul, celestial sounds for a new time.
The singers of Libera, who are aged seven to sixteen, attend many different local schools in South London and come from a variety of backgrounds. Although they are boys and they sing, they do not think of themselves as choirboys, but rather as an alternative kind of boy band.
While the unique sound of Libera may be impossible to pigeonhole, its universal appeal has endeared the group to fans all over the world, particularly in the US, the UK, Korea and Japan, where their CDs top the mainstream and classical charts and where they pack concert halls appearing in their trademark flowing white robes on imaginatively lit stages.
Lament
Libera Lyrics
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Convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum
Defecerunt prae lacrimis oculi mei
Conturbata sunt visera mea
Lamentione
Magna est enim velut mars contritio tua
Jerusalem Jerusalem
Convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum
Lamentione
Effesum est in terra ie cur meum
Super contritione filiae populi mei
Cum deficeret parvulus
Et lactens in plateis oppidi
Jerusalem Jerusalem
Convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum
The song "Lament" by Libera is a sorrowful, heart-wrenching piece that cries out to Jerusalem to return to its God. The lyrics speak of tears falling like rain, with the singer lamenting the state of Jerusalem and its people, who are in a state of contrition and despair. The opening line "Jerusalem Jerusalem, Convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum" is a call to the city to turn back to its Lord and seek redemption.
The tears of the singer are a reflection of the sorrow and desperation of the people of Jerusalem, who have suffered greatly and are in need of healing. There is a sense of hopelessness in the lyrics, with the singer describing the devastation of the city and the plight of its inhabitants in stark terms. Despite this, there is still a call to return to the Lord, to seek solace and comfort in His loving embrace.
The use of the Latin language in the lyrics adds to the solemn, reflective nature of the song. The haunting melody and soaring vocals further enhance the emotional impact of the piece, making it a powerful expression of grief and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
Jerusalem Jerusalem
This line is a repetition to emphasize the importance of the city of Jerusalem.
Convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum
This is a call to the people to turn back to the Lord their God.
Defecerunt prae lacrimis oculi mei
The singer's eyes have become exhausted from crying, indicating great sorrow and mourning.
Conturbata sunt visera mea
This line suggests that the artist's innermost being or emotions have been disturbed or shaken.
Lamentione
This is a cry of lament or mourning, indicating that the following lines will express sadness or grief.
Magna est enim velut mars contritio tua
The destruction of Jerusalem is compared to a massive, Mars-sized event, indicating its profound impact and devastation.
Quiis mendebitur tui
This translates to 'Who will heal you?' and suggests that Jerusalem's wounds are too deep and cannot be easily healed.
Effesum est in terra ie cur meum
The artist's heart has been poured out on the earth, indicating their profound sadness and grief.
Super contritione filiae populi mei
The artist is mourning over the devastation of the daughter of their people, suggesting that it is a tragedy that affects the entire community.
Cum deficeret parvulus
This line suggests that even the smallest and weakest members of the community are affected by the tragedy of Jerusalem's destruction.
Contributed by Gabriel C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alexander Toporov
on Lacrymosa
Amazing!