This is my rendition of a song written by Rev. Robert J. Gebel.
medieval harmony voice guitar mandolin renaissiance celtic percussion fugue minstrel bard choral classical boroque victorian elizabethan shakespeare
I am a pseudo-medieval musician, scribe and artificer. With layered levels of simple instruments, my sounds are often uniquely archaic. While some of my music is entirely original, most of my numbers are my personal arrangements of renaissance and medieval melodies from antiquity. There's much more information to be found about me on my web site at
Story behind the song
I spotted the words for this song on oldlutheran.com and thought it would make a good postlude for "Bright Sunday" (the Sunday after Easter). Then I decided it might make a good bit for Renaissance faires as well... dealing with religious politics of the 16th century. So, I tracked down the author, and asked permission to record an use it. The melody may in places sound recognizable as something else, but it's generally a standard blues progression with a polka beat.
Lyrics
When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...
Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...
Chorus
They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...
Chorus
Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...
Chorus
Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets a chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...
Chorus
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
