Lo Boièr
An Occitan chant of the Cathars
When I am dead, bury me
in the deepest cave
with my feet turned towards the wall
and my head towards the water.
A E I O U
When pilgrims pass by,
they will take Holy Water.
A E I O U
They will take Holy Water.
—translation from “Lo Boièr” (“Le Bouvier,” in French or “The Herdsman”)
This haunting Occitan song, with its deeply coded lyrics, was associated with the the Cathar religious movement which, in 13th-14th Century France, suffered persecution and genocide by the Roman Catholic Church. During World War II, “Lo Boièr” was revived by Radio Toulouse as a song of French resistance.
Video performances by Samaïa and Patrick Lenk
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That music is captivating! Thank you for sharing it!
So beautiful and so moving. Thank you.