The poetical term “word painting” describes music that reflects the literal meaning of its lyrics (think of the spoonful of sugar helping the medicine go do-own). This technique is especially associated with Renaissance madrigals, a cappella songs for small vocal groups. In this transcendently beautiful song, the interwoven melodies descend like the tears described, then swell with lines of exquisite yearning: “Oh when begin you / to swell so high that I may drown me in you?” Like a wave, we ride it up and over its crest, then sink beneath the surface of the song in its final notes.

John Bennet, “Weep O Mine Eyes,” 1599. Recorded by the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter, 1984.

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to May 31, 2025.

To receive a weekly summary rather than a daily email, please subscribe on my Substack blog The Impatient Reader. Instructions here.