Shakesong Lyrics & Scores

Where The Bee Sucks (There Suck I)

Performed by Amy Koop & Michael Mikulin

This song from The Tempest is sung by Ariel, a sprite who is in the service of the sorcerer Prospero. Prospero decides to renounce his magical powers ("I’ll drown my book"). Ariel sings this song while helping to attire Prospero, as the sorcerer removes his wizarding robes and dresses in his city clothes, in preparation for leaving his magical powers behind. The song lyrics reflect Ariel’s anticipation of gaining freedom from service and being returned to the natural world. The song proper can be found in Act Five, Scene 1, Lines 88-95. Prospero’s introduction is taken from his speech earlier at 5.1.50-57. Note: Some of the line breaks have been altered to more accurately reflect the musical setting.

Introduction (Prospero)
But this rough magic
I here abjure; and when I have required
Some heavenly music (which even now I do)
To work mine end upon their senses
that This airy charm is for,
I’ll break my staff, Bury it
certain fathoms in the earth,
And deeper than did ever plummet sound
I’ll drown my book. (Pause, harp glissando)

(Piano Interlude)

Verse (Ariel)
Where the bee sucks, there suck I:
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat’s back I do fly

Refrain
After summer merrily.
Merrily,
Merrily shall I live now
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough. {original text ends here}

(Piano Interlude)

Verse
Where the bee sucks, there suck I: {my additions and repetitions}
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat’s back I do fly. . .

(Cello & Harpsichord Soli)

Verse
Where the bee sucks, there suck I:
On the bat’s back I do fly

Refrain
After summer merrily.
Merrily,
Merrily shall I live now
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough
(Interlude a key higher)

. . . hangs on the bough . . .
. . . shall I live now . . .

Coda
Merrily shall I live now
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
Where the bee sucks, there suck I!