Wine, Women, and Song

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July 15, 2026

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The phrase "Wine, Women, and Song" is associated with the Carmina Burana, a collection of medieval Latin poems and songs. These were written by goliards, who were wandering students and clerics known for their satirical verses and praise of drinking and debauchery.1

The Carmina Burana manuscript, written in the 13th century, includes poems on various themes such as political and religious satire, direct love songs, and songs celebrating drinking and a riotous life. These poems often expressed hedonism and a rejection of Christian ethics.1

John Addington Symonds translated a selection of these poems in 1884 under the title Wine, Women, and Song. The Latin phrase "in vino veritas," meaning "there is truth in wine," also reflects a historical association between wine and the expression of truths, sometimes in less-than-classy circumstances.12

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…by John Addington Symonds as Wine, Women, and Song (1884). The collection also includes the only known two surviving complete texts of medieval passion dramas—one with and one without music. In 1937 the German composer Carl Orff based his scenic oratorio Carmina Burana on these poems and songs. Many of…
Read More
…by John Addington Symonds as Wine, Women, and Song (1884). The collection also includes the only known two surviving complete texts of medieval passion dramas—one with and one without music. In 1937 the German composer Carl Orff based his scenic oratorio Carmina Burana on these poems and songs. Many of…
Read More