De Brevitate Vitae (on the Shortness of Life) is a song in Latin that is a popular academic commercium song in many European countries. In many modern Western nations it is sung as an anthem at University graduation ceremonies. The melody is inspired by a medieval hymn by Strada, bishop of Bologna in 1267.Although this sounds very dignified, the song has been adopted by students as a form of prank and the lyrics are not very dignified.



It has been known as a beer-drinking song in German, Dutch and Swiss (and also British, Swedish, Estonian, Finnish and even Australian) universities by many generations of students. In Belgian and Dutch universities, where drinking and singing is actually a common activity for students, it is one of the 'official' songs which are sung as the opening of these singing activities.



At the University of St Andrews, the song is considered the "official" song of the university and is sung in at most formal occasions, including commencement, graduation, and fortnightly parliamentary debates. The song is sung by the whole congregation at the academic processions at graduations of the University of Aberdeen and University of Glasgow.



The lyrics reflect an endorsement of the bacchanalian mayhem of life (especially life as found in fraternities and sororities) while simultaneously retaining the grim knowledge that one day we will all die. The song contains humorous and ironic references to sex and death, and many versions have appeared following efforts to bowdlerise this song for performance in public ceremonies. In private, students will typically sing ribald words.



The song is sometimes known by its opening words "Gaudeamus igitur" or simply "Gaudeamus". At the University of St Andrews, it is affectionately known as "The Gaudie." The many centuries of use have given rise to numerous slightly different versions.



Gaudeamus igitur



Juvenes dum sumus.
Gaudeamus igitur
Juvenes dum sumus.
Post jucundam juventutem
Post molestam senectutem
Nos habebit humus.



Let us rejoice therefore



While we are young.
Let us rejoice therefore
While we are young.
After a pleasant youth
After the troubles of old age
The earth will have us.




Ubi sunt qui ante nos



In mundo fuere?
Ubi sunt qui ante nos
In mundo fuere?
Vadite ad superos
Transite in inferos
Hos si vis videre.



Where are they



Who were in the world before us?
Where are they
Who were in the world before us?
You may cross over to heaven
You may travel into hell
If you wish to see them.




Vita nostra brevis est



Brevi finietur.
Vita nostra brevis est
Brevi finietur.
Venit mors velociter
Rapit nos atrociter
Nemini parcetur.



Our life is brief



It will be finished all too soon.
Our life is brief
It will be finished all too soon.
Death comes quickly
We are cruelly snatched away.
No one is spared.




Vivat academia!



Vivant professores!
Vivat academia!
Vivant professores!
Vivat membrum quodlibet
Vivant membra quaelibet
Semper sint in flore.



Long live the academy!



Long live the teachers!
Long live the academy!
Long live the teachers!
Long live all the male students!
Long live all the female students!
May they always flourish!




Vivant omnes virgines



Faciles, formosae.
Vivant omnes virgines
Faciles, formosae.
Vivant et mulieres
Tenerae amabiles
Bonae laboriosae.



Long live the virgins



Easy and beautiful!
Long live the virgins
Easy and beautiful!
Long live mature women also,
Tender and lovable
And full of good labor.




Vivant et res publica



et qui illam regit.
Vivant et res publica
et qui illam regit.
Vivat nostra civitas,
Maecenatum caritas
Quae nos hic protegit.



Long live the state as well



And those who rule it!
Long live the state as well
And those who rule it!
Long live our city
And the charity of benefactors
Which protects us here!




Pereat tristitia,



Pereant osores.
Pereat tristitia,
Pereant osores.
Pereat diabolus,
Quivis antiburschius
Atque irrisores.



Let sadness perish!



Let haters perish!
Let sadness perish!
Let haters perish!
Let the devil perish!
Let whoever is against our school
Who laughs at it, perish!