The Firste Booke of Songes is the title of a compilation of songs written by John Downland and first published in 1597. It consists of 21 songs and 1 lute piece and it was originally dedicated to Sir George Carey, Baron of Hunsdon. The original title page reads 'The First Booke of Songes or Ayres of fowre partes with Tableture for the Lute: So made that all the partes together, or either of them seuerally may be song to the Lute, Orpherian or Viol de gambo, Also, an inuention, for two to playe vpon one Lute'.
