Dirge

A dirge is a somber song expressing mourning or grief, such as would be appropriate for performance at a funeral. The English word "dirge" is derived from the Latin Dirige, Domine, Deus meus, in conspectu tuo viam meam ("Direct my way in your sight, O Lord my God") , the first words of the first antiphon in the Matins of the Office for the Dead. The original meaning of "dirge" in English referred to this office.

Related Topics:
Song - Mourning - Grief - Funeral - Derived - Latin - Antiphon - Matins - Office for the Dead

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Notable dirges include:

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• The Lyke-Wake Dirge
• Dies Iræ
• "Quiet Please" radio drama theme

See also, and compare:

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• Elegy
• Funeral march
• Jeremiad
• Lament
• Requiem