As dew in Aprille

Song Meaning

These lyrics sing of a unique maiden who chooses a child destined to be the "Kyng of alle kynges." The central image is one of profound gentleness, as this powerful figure arrives quietly into the world. It's a scene steeped in serene reverence, highlighting an extraordinary event with understated grace. The core emotional tension arises from the striking contrast between the child's supreme status and his remarkably humble arrival. The lyrics emphasize that "He came also stylle" – a quietness that belies his ultimate power. This paradox extends to the mother, who is celebrated as both "Moder & mayden," a state the lyrics declare "Was neuer non but che," underscoring her unparalleled and singular nature. The most captivating craft element is the repeated simile comparing the child's arrival to "dew in Aprille / Þat fallyt on þe gras," then on the "flour," and finally on the "spray." This triple repetition, each time touching a different part of nature, deepens the sense of a gentle, pervasive, and almost imperceptible presence. Dew itself is soft, silent, and life-giving, making the miraculous arrival feel natural and unforced, rather than grand or overwhelming. Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they transform a monumental event into something intimately tender and universally resonant through simple, yet profound, imagery. The quiet dignity of the language, combined with the powerful paradoxes, creates a sense of wonder that feels both ancient and deeply moving, making the extraordinary feel beautifully, quietly true.