Lyrics in Latin and English

Latin Lyrics

O Fortuna,

velut luna

statu variabilis,

semper crescis

aut decrescis;

vita detestabilis

nunc obdurat

et tunc curat

ludo mentis aciem,

egestatem,

potestatem

dissolvit ut glaciem.

Sors immanis

et inanis,

rota tu volubilis,

status malus,

vana salus

semper dissolubilis,

obumbratum

et velatam

mihi quoque niteris,

nunc per ludum

dorsum nudum

fero tui sceleris.

Sors salutis

et virtutis

mihi nunc contraria,

est affectus

et defectus

semper in angaria;

hac in hora

sine mora

cordis pulsum tangite,

quod per sortem

sternit fortem

mecum omnes plangite.

English Lyrics

O Fortune,

changeable

as the moon.

you are always either improving

or deteriorating.

Detestable life

at one moment thwarts

and at another

mockingly indulges the mind's desire

melting away

both poverty and power

like ice.

Vain,

monstrous Fate,

you turning wheel

you can, when you will,

destroy bad circumstances

and delusive success alike.

Veiled

and shadowy,

you attack me too;

now at your whim

I bare my back

under your assault.

You, Fate, who dispose

health and strength

are now against me;

my desires

and my weakness

are in constant slavery.

At this hour

without delay

let all pluck the string;

let all lament with me

how the brave man

is crushed by Fate.