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
Sub Rosa
Mirabilis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gone the sun
From summer now
I'm feeling it
A turn inward, a word
Still the sound
Honored song, hidden son
Fools say they know-no!
My reign I deign domain beware and go
Else meet me beneath the rose
The lyrics of Mirabilis's song 'Sub Rosa' seem to be a contemplation of the changing seasons and the movement of time. The song begins with the acknowledgment that starlight is fading and the sun has gone, signalling the end of summer. The singer then shifts their focus inwards, perhaps reflecting on the changes they have experienced or the passing of time. The phrase "a turn inward, a word" suggests that the singer is searching for meaning or understanding in their experience.
The lyrics then shift to a more cryptic tone, with the references to an "honored song" and a "hidden son". The line "fools say they know-no!" could be interpreted as a rejection of anyone who claims to know the secrets or meaning behind the song, as it is something that can only be truly understood by the singer themselves. The final lines "underneath the ice and snow, my reign I deign domain beware and go, else meet me beneath the rose" suggest a sense of mystery or even danger. The repetition of the word "beware" creates a sense of foreboding or warning, while the invitation to "meet me beneath the rose" is both alluring and unsettling.
Line by Line Meaning
Starlight is fading
The night sky is darkening and the stars are becoming less visible
Gone the sun
The sun has set and daylight is fading away
From summer now
The summer season is over and it's transitioning to a new season
I'm feeling it
The artist is experiencing a change in mood or emotion
A turn inward, a word
The artist is reflecting on their own thoughts and feelings
Still the sound
Despite the silence and darkness, there is still some noise or activity present
Honored song, hidden son
The singer values and respects a certain song or melody, but there may be a deeper meaning or hidden message within it
Fools say they know-no!
The artist doesn't value or trust the opinions of those who claim to know everything
Underneath the ice and snow
Beneath the surface lies hidden depths or secrets
My reign I deign domain beware and go
The artist is warning others to be cautious of their territory or power, as they could be dangerous
Else meet me beneath the rose
If others want to challenge or learn more from the singer, they should meet them in secret or in a private location
Contributed by Gabriel A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.