O Fortuna, velut luna, statu variabilis
Semper crescis aut decrescis; vita detestabilis
nunc, obdurat et tunc curat ludo mentis aciem
egestatem, potestatem dissolvit ut glaciem.
Sors immanis et inanis, rota tu volubilis,
Status malus, vana salus semper dissolubilis
Obumbrata, et velata michi quoque niteris;
Nunc per ludum dorsum nudum fero tui sceleris.
Sors salutis et virtutis michi nunc contraria,
est affectus et defectus semper in angaria.
Hac in hora sine mora corde pulsum tangite;
quod per sortem sternit fortem, mecum omnes plangite!


Lyrics submitted by ruben

O Fortuna Lyrics as written by Carl Orff

Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid

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O Fortuna song meanings
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8 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    the son was wrote by Carl Off in 1935 and it's about the suffering and the pain that the entire world doesn't want to drop it, the future destiny and the god's will against the human

    hateuon April 01, 2003   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Here is the translation: O Fortune, like the moon of ever changing state, you are always waxing or waning; hateful life now is brutal, now pampers our feelings with its game; poverty, power, it melts them like ice.

    Fate, savage and empty, you are a turning wheel, your position is uncertain, your favour is idle and always likely to disappear; covered in shadows and veiled you bear upon me too; now my back is naked through the sport of your wickedness.

    The chance of prosperity and of virtue is not now mine; whether willing or not, a man is always liable for Fortune's service. At this hour without delay touch the strings! Because through luck she lays low the brave, all join with me in lamentation!

    Nightweaveron May 10, 2004   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    The lyrics to this piece have been written down, along with more than 240 other lyrics, around 1230. They were rediscovered in the Monestry Benediktbeuren in 1803 and are thus called 'Codex Buranus'. Carl Orff found them in 1935 in the Bavarian National Library and composed a score for 24 of them, because the origianal melodies were not known. They were then released as 'Carmina Burana', carmen being latin for song.

    The Voice of Enigmaon January 10, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The lyrics here seem incomplete. Listen here: myspace.com/richardwagner1

    Nevertheless, this piece is astoundingly beautiful.

    Tinkermelon March 11, 2006   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    What the hell do these mean???

    RnngBldon August 03, 2002   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    Therion rulez! :D

    rooton August 20, 2002   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    Wish I knew what the hell this ment!!

    HungerForMoreon September 11, 2002   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    i think therion should cover all the songs from carmina burana, they did a pretty damn good job w/ this, so high five to them

    gxcdoll[fuc hxc]on December 14, 2007   Link

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