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The song “ haec quoque est res ” ( 2:56 ) is the most “ techno ” of the four songs , and features use of the subjunctive , accusative / infinitive construction and extensive use of the deponent as it speculates as to whether others can see the singer or are aware of his thoughts : “... et miror si me vident . Et miror si mirerentur si eos videre possim . Et mirantur si mirar si me videre possint .”
The longest of the songs at 3:02 running time is the philosophical “ catenas meas amisi ,” which explores more sophisticated ideas and grammar structure . Set against the background of steel drums , the singer reflects on his life ’ s end “... semper dormio ... finio ”, while life elsewhere goes on uninterrupted ; the Tiber flows on eternally , a flight of geese passes overhead , unremarked . Grammar constructions here include the present passive voice and nounadjective agreement .
Finally , “ nunc aut numquam ” ( 2:50 ) is a mini-tale of a Thracian boy who moves to Mediolanum and begins to alter his once-angry personality to comport with that of an unnamed role model : “... studendo te procul autem surridentis didici , spectando quomodo agis me exercui ut urbanus sim …” The chorus , “ bonus factus sum ,” is an unforgettable perfect passive tagline . The song features ut + subjunctive constructions and gerunds .
To round out the “ Roman Songs ” experience , students and teachers might also like the attractive “ Roman Songs ” t-shirts which are available at
the They Might Be Giants online shop . John Linnell " Roman Songs " ( Idlewild Recordings )
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