Before me, careless lying is a fine example of the contrapuntal art of Herbert Howells (1892–1983), inspired by the work of the great English composers of the Renaissance period, those of the madrigal school in particular, but in its passionate sensibility essentially twentieth century.

The composer wrote this partsong on Christmas Day 1918, and dedicated it to his friend the organist Dr R. R. Terry, Director of Music at Westminster Cathedral, and chairman of the Tudor Church Music committee...