text: The English word `` dirge '' is derived from the Latin Dirige , Domine , Deus meus , in conspectu tuo viam meam ( `` Direct my way in your sight , O Lord my God '' ) , the first words of the first antiphon in the Matins of the Office for the Dead .
simplified: It is likely that dirge also came from the old expression Dirige , Domine , Deus meus , in conspectu tuo viam meam ( `` Direct my way in your sight , O Lord my God '' ) .