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Gaudeamus Igitur - So Let Us Rejoice

German University Song

Gaudeamus Igitur, also known as De Brevitate Vitae (On the shortness of life), is a German University song that is often sung at graduations. This song encourages students to honor their professors and to cherish their days in the University, for soon this stage in their lives will be over, time will fly, and quickly their lives will be overtaken by death.

Written in the 18th century, this song is of unknown authorship. It has become the anthem of countless universities, institutions and student societies. Though the song is of German origin, the lyrics are in Latin. Most students sing it in Latin, but others prefer versions in their native languages, the lyrics of the latter have many variations.



Listen to Gaudeamus Igitur
Lyrics:

Gaudeamus igitur,
Juvenes dum sumus
Gaudeamus igitur,
Juvenes dum sumus

Post jucundam juventutem,
Post molestam senectutem
Nos habebit humus.
Nos habebit humus.

Vivat academia,
Vivant professores,
Vivat academia,
Vivant professores,

Vivat membrum quodlibet,
Vivant membra quaelibet,
Semper sint in flore.
Semper sint in flore.


English version:


While we're young, let us rejoice,
Singing out in gleeful tones;
While we're young, let us rejoice,
Singing out in gleeful tones;

After youth's delightful frolic,
And old age (so melancholic!),
Earth will cover our bones.
Earth will cover our bones.

Long live our academy,
Teachers whom we cherish;
Long live our academy,
Teachers whom we cherish;

Long live all the graduates,
And the undergraduates;
Ever may they flourish!
Ever may they flourish!


Gaudeamus Igitur Sheet Music 

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