This year marks a significant milestone for poet Philip Myburgh as he collaborates with several acclaimed singer-songwriters to bring his long-held dream to life. A passionate music lover and fervent supporter of local talent, Myburgh has transitioned from poet to songwriter, embarking on a journey to release a series of songs in multiple languages throughout 2024.

The Poignant Collaboration 'Klaaglied'

The Afrikaans single "Klaaglied" is a poignant collaboration between Myburgh and renowned singer-songwriter Luna Paige. This song follows Myburgh's recent single, "Let Us Sing," off his forthcoming full album, Dance Of The Footnote.

Luna Paige has masterfully set Myburgh's evocative poem "Klaaglied" to music, delivering a heart-wrenching performance that resonates deeply with listeners. She is joined by Jonny Blundell on guitars, Schalk Joubert on bass guitar, Ariella Caira on cello, and Vinnie Enrico on drums, creating a rich and haunting musical experience.

The song was inspired by Myburgh's poem Lamentation:

The blue as he simply sits under the sky and peers,
was it like the tip of a recce’s rudder?
The black night that makes so much noise with the crickets’ crickets,
did it linger too long, was the darkness too deep?
The noise of the South-East, did it shout you quietly, my Child?
Was it just a whisper in the wind in the end?
And now that you close your eyes for the last time and lie down,
what shall we do, my Child, what shall we say?
The ones who love you move deep into the scrum?
Tears fall and dry, catch those we can?
Dragging bags of salt along, helping to carry the load?
Call the Lord a little closer, offer something that He asks?
But this we must ask, my Child, this we must say:
May His Peace find you where you lie.

The Musical Arrangement

The song "Klaaglied" features an evocative and emotional arrangement:

• Vocals: Luna Paige
• Cello: Ariella Caira
• Guitars: Jonny Blundell
• Bass Guitar: Schalk Joubert
• Drums: Vinnie Enrico

Jonny Blundell, a versatile musician, not only contributes his guitar skills but also serves as the producer for the entire project, overseeing all of Myburgh's musical collaborations.

The Lyrics of 'Klaaglied'

Die blou soos hy bloots onder die hemel loer
Soos die punt van 'n recce se roer
Die swart nag wat raas met krieke se kriek
Het dit te lank gedrentel, was die donker te diep?
Was dit die raas, die raas, die kriek, kriek, kriek,
die nag, die nag, te donker, te diep?
Noudat jy vir oulaas, oë rus en gaan lê
Wat moet ons doen, kind, wat moet ons sê?
Dié wat jou liefhet, intrek tot diep in die skrum
Die wat wil val steun, en vang wie ons kan?
Die Suidoos se gesis het jou gestil, my kind
Op die ou end was dit als 'n geskree teen die wind
Die skare se verraad het met jou kop getoor
Almal was jou pêl tot jy daai dag verloor
Die skree, die skree, het dit gaan sit in jou kop,
Soos die drup van 'n kraan, wat nooit wil stop?
Noudat jy vir oulaas oë rus en gaan lê
Wat moet ons doen, kind, wat moet ons sê?
Dié wat jou liefhet intrek tot diep in die skrum
Die wat wil val steun, en vang wie ons kan.
Die trane, die soutvrag sleep, die Here nader roep
Die trane, die laat gaan van al die vrae en help met dra
Daar's net een ding, my kind, en dis al wat ons kan sê
Mag Vrede jou vind daar waar jy nou lê

Production Credits

• Vocals: Luna Paige
• Cello: Ariella Caira
• Guitars: Jonny Blundell
• Bass Guitar: Schalk Joubert
• Drums: Vinnie Enrico
• Lyrics: Philip Myburgh
• Music: Luna Paige
• Producer: Jonny Blundell, Rootspring Studio
• Mixing & Mastering: Vicente Espi
• Video: Bruce Meissner, Ode to the Road