The Boy Bishop's Song

[Verse 1] In nomine terrae et radicis in the name of the earth and the root restauramus compostam et quisquilias we turn over the compost and the kitchen scraps silentium cloistrorum fractum est the silence of the cloisters is broken quia parvus puer nunc episcopus est because a little boy is bishop now [Pre-Chorus] Sub lapide, sub pane under stone, under bread the old rule bends the old rule bends et omnes respiciunt and all of them stare at the small crown on a young head [Chorus] The timeline kinks, the timeline kinks what a holy twist cabbagium, porrum, et allium in the feast we can't resist Ferete nobis panem et vinum bring out the bread and wine Abbas ridet, puer regnat the abbot laughs, the boy rules fine [Verse 2] Monachi portant turnips in baskets the monks carry turnips in baskets and count their coins by candle glare the cellar hums with old suspicion while fennel hangs in winter air they bow to the joke of heaven with a grin they cannot hide for the choir has found its balance in the crooked way of pride [Pre-Chorus] Sub lapide, sub pane under stone, under bread the old rule bends the old rule bends et omnes canunt and all of them sing as the little hands take the ring [Chorus] The timeline kinks, the timeline kinks what a holy twist cabbagium, porrum, et allium in the feast we can't resist Ferete nobis panem et vinum bring out the bread and wine Abbas ridet, puer regnat the abbot laughs, the boy rules fine [Bridge] In hoc festo vertuntur omnia in this festival, everything is turned the lowly seat becomes the throne and every solemn face in the corridor wears a smile like polished bone deep voices rise in unison joyful, severe, and bright as the little bishop blesses dusk and topples the age of night [Final Chorus] The timeline kinks, the timeline kinks what a holy twist cabbagium, porrum, et allium in the feast we can't resist Ferete nobis panem et vinum bring out the bread and wine Abbas ridet, puer regnat the abbot laughs, the boy rules fine [Outro] In nomine terrae et radicis we turn it over again in this upside-down Christmas table amen, amen, amen