The Gravedigger’s Anthem

Yakhara- Delkator/ Yakharator

The Gravedigger’s Anthem (in Izuru Yakhara-Delkator “Song of the Grave” or Yakharator “Gravesong”) is a work song that originated in the desert city of Fîbasor in central Izuru-Delk’isi. It was, and still is, sung by the gravediggers of the House of Sleep to the rhythm of their spades in the earth. It is not known when exactly the song first appeared, but many centuries have seen many versions; the form below is apparently the most common. It is structured in several verses performed in a call-and-response style, one worker singing the main text, with the last two words of the first line of each stanza repeated by the group. After each verse, the chorus is sung by the entire company. The melody is relatively simple, featuring deep notes and little embellishment or range.

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Hand over hand we climb (we climb)
Down into this world of mine. (of mine)
A world of dust and forgotten rust,
And splendour beyond time.

Won’t you climb with me?
Won’t you dig with me?
Where the bones all go to rest?
Come climb with me,
Come dig with me,
All your strength’s put to the test!

Hand over hand we go. (we go)
Come, we’ve still a ways to go (to go)
Down to the deep place of eternal sleep
In endless silent rows.

Won’t you climb with me?
Won’t you dig with me?
Where the bones all go to rest?
Come climb with me,
Come dig with me,
All your strength’s put to the test!

Hand over hand we hold (we hold)
Our tools under breath of gold. (of gold)
Beneath the light, a hallowed sight
By gravediggers of old.

Won’t you climb with me?
Won’t you dig with me?
Where the bones all go to rest?
Come climb with me,
Come dig with me,
All your strength’s put to the test!

Hand over hand we swing (we swing)
Our spades, and this song we sing. (we sing)
A song for those so far below-
Who knows what it will bring?

Won’t you climb with me?
Won’t you dig with me?
Where the bones all go to rest?
Come climb with me,
Come dig with me,
All your strength’s put to the test!