The name Mirabilis is Latin for something that is wonderful, miraculous, or unusual. The two women see their musical union as an amazing and unique experience and the name embodies those sentiments. Dru and Summer are the core members of Mirabilis, but they use the project as an avenue to bring in other like-minded artists as guest performers to create something that is extraordinary and unique.
In 2001, Mirabilis made their debut on Projekt Records' holiday compilation, Excelsis, Volume 3 with their rendition of the Spanish carol, "Riu Riu Chiu." In December of 2003, the band's first release, a limited edition 7-inch self-titled EP was released on Fossil Dungeon. They quickly followed up with a full-length debut CD, Pleiades, in 2004 on the Middle Pillar Presents label. Pleiades blends together the beautiful voices of Summer and Dru as well as guest vocalists Regeana Morris (of The Changelings), Katy Belle (of Matson Belle), and Rebecca Colleen Miller.
In 2008, Mirabilis returns with the second full length album, Sub Rosa. Released in partnership between Middle Pillar Presents and Projekt, the release has a unique intensity and style, showcasing a broader range of instruments and styles while still exploring familiar classical and ethereal ground. Vocals continue to shine as the dominant instrumentation but Dru and Summer also explore a variety of new lush instruments and still remain true to their own unique genre.
Summer Bowman is half of acclaimed gothic/darkwave duo the Machine in the Garden. Summer has performed roles as both a singer and songwriter and has also become involved in the recording studio engineering, mixing, and producing. In addition to these projects, Summer performs with the Austin Civic Chorus, the featured chorus of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Dru Allen has also put her stamp on the ethereal world, having co-founded the band This Ascension. The group blends standard indie rock with tribal elements and a number of vocal styles including opera, medieval, and traditional folk. In addition, Dru performed in the University of California Santa Barbara Women's Ensemble every quarter for four years while working towards her degree in Classical Latin and Greek.
Discography:
2003 - Mirabilis (EP)
2004 - Pleiades
2008 - Sub Rosa
By the Waters of Babylon
Mirabilis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We sat down and wept, and wept, and wept
When we remembered thee
Remembered thee, O Zion
As for our harps
We'd hang them up
Upon the trees that are therein
"By the Waters of Babylon" is a song that tackles the subject of exile and loss, particularly in reference to the city of Zion. The first line is a direct reference to Psalm 137 from the Bible, in which it reads, "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion." The singer and/or protagonists are in exile, taken from their homeland and brought to Babylon. The repetition of the phrase "and wept" emphasizes the overwhelming sorrow and grief they feel. They are unable to forget about their beloved Zion and long to return to their homeland.
The second half of the verse speaks of "our harps," which is also a reference to the Bible. Harps were a common instrument in Jewish culture, and were often used in worship and celebration. However, in exile, the singer and/or protagonists hang their harps on trees, unable to play them or find joy in them. This is a symbol of their desolation and despair, as they cannot find hope or solace even in the things that once brought them joy.
Line by Line Meaning
By the waters of Babylon
We were situated next to the river in Babylon
We sat down and wept, and wept, and wept
We became emotional and cried uncontrollably
When we remembered thee
As we thought about you
Remembered thee, O Zion
We thought fondly of you, Zion
As for our harps
Regarding our musical instruments, the harps
We'd hang them up
We would suspend them
Upon the trees that are therein
On the branches within this location
Contributed by Elena M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.