Goliard songs, originating from the 12th and 13th centuries, were composed by the Goliards – a group of clergy, students, and clerics who led lives of scholarly learning, often paired with indulgences in secular pleasures. These songs are noteworthy for their thematic diversity. Here are some of the key themes commonly found in Goliard songs:

1. Critique of the Church: Many Goliard songs include satirical and critical commentary on the corruption and hypocrisy within the Church.

2. Celebration of Wine and Bacchus: These songs often extol the pleasures of wine and drunkenness, celebrating Bacchus, the Roman god of wine.

3. Love and Carnal Pleasures: Romantic and erotic themes are prevalent, exploring the joys and sorrows of love and physical pleasure.

4. Carpe Diem: A theme urging the enjoyment of the present moment and the fleeting nature of life, encouraging revelry and indulgence.

5. Vagabond Life: Given the itinerant lifestyle of the Goliards, their songs sometimes reflect the hardships and joys of life on the road.

6. Fortune and Fate: Songs exploring the fickle nature of fortune and the unpredictability of fate.

7. Scholarly Life: Some songs humorously depict the academic life, including its rigors and the scholars' disdain for material wealth.

These themes reflect the rebellious and often hedonistic spirit of the Goliards, offering a blend of intellectual wit and earthy pleasure.