Lyrics to the Songs of Swami Kriyananda

(Plus a Few Other Ananda Favorites)

All That Glisters

All the World Is My Friend
A New Tomorrow
The Annunciation
Be Free Inside
Benefits
Blessed Are They
Blessed the Life
Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind
Brave Were the People
Brothers
Canticle of the Creatures
Channels
Cherish These
Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
Children of God!
The Christ Child’s Asleep
Christ Has Come
Christ Is Risen
The Christmas Mystery
Cloisters
Come Away, Death
Come, Chillun, Wake Up!
Come Gather Round
Come with Me to Braşov
Dare to Be Different!
Dark Eyes
Daughter of Aran
Dearest, I Love You
Dearest, When I Think of Thee
Deirdre’s Sorrows
Desdemona’s Song
Desert Solitude
Divine Friendship
Divine Love Sorrows
The Divine Mother
Door of My Heart
Dublin Town
Emerald Isle
Fairies’ Lullaby
The Fairies’ Song
Farther Away Than the Stars
Father, Mother, Friend, Our God
Father, Now That I Wander with Thee (See I Wander with Thee)
The Few Were Soon Many
Free At Last!
Full Fathom Five
Give Me Light
God! God! God!
God Is Truth; God Is Love
The Gods’ Blessing
God’s Call Within
Good Night, Sweetheart
Go On Alone! (See also Walk like a Man)
Go with Love
Guide Me, Lord
Hail Mary
Hark, Hark, the Lark
Have You Seen Sorrento?
Hawaiiana
Hello There, Brother Bluebell!
He Who Clothes the Field
The Hill That Was Tara
His Mission Begins
Home Is a Green Hill
If You’re Seeking Freedom
I Give My Daughter’s Hand
I Live Without Fear
Imogen’s Song
In the Spirit
In the Temple of Isis
Invocation
Invocation to the Woodland Devas
Irish Lullaby
It’s God’s Green Earth
It’s Time to Go to School
It Was a Lover and His Lass
I’ve Passed My Life as a Stranger, Lord
I Wander with Thee
Quando Mi Sveglio
I Will Always Think of Thee
I Wonder
Jenny Will Love Me
Jesus Went to Galilee
Jim Brown
John Anderson, My Jo
Joined in Prayer
Join Us in Blessing
The Joy of Redemption
Keep Calling Him
Krishna’s Flute
Larks Fly High
Let This Cup Pass from Me
Life Cannot Die!
Life Flows On like a River
Life Is a Dream

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Life Is Beautiful
Life Mantra
Lift Your Heart in Strength
Lift Your Hearts
Lightly I Fly
The Light That Was Christ
Little Kathy
Living Water
Looking for a Friend
Lord, I Long to See Thee (See The Soul’s Cry to God)
Lord Most High (See Make Us Channels of Thy Peace)
Lord, May We Serve You
Love Is a Magician
Lullaby
Make Us Channels of Thy Peace
Mañana, Friends
The Man That Was Jesus
Many Hands Make a Miracle
Mary and Elizabeth Meet
Melody’s Everywhere
Memories
Memories of That Isle
Mist
Monasteries
More Boxes? No, Thank You!
Mother of Us All
Mother of Wisdom
Move, All You Mountains
The Non-Blues
Of His Dreams Our Love Was Made
O Master!
O Mistress Mine
One Day When I Was Walking
Palm Sunday
Peace
The Philosopher and the Boatman
Praise Ye the Lord
Prayer Before Meals
Psalm of David
Ra Ma
Rama and Sita
Rise in Freedom
Rubaiyat Quatrains
Sail with Me to Capri
Say “Thank You”
The Secret of Laughter
The Shawl of Gold
Shepherds, Awake!
Sing in the Meadows
Sing Out with Joy!

3
Sing Out with Joy! (for the Festival of Light)
Sleep Is Calling [a children’s lullaby]
Someday
Song of Mary Magdalene
Song of the Nightingale
The Sorrow of Jesus
The Soul’s Cry to God
Spring Song
Springtime in Romania
The Temptation of Christ
Thank You, God, for the Sun
That Night When Christ Was Born
There’s Joy in the Heavens
This Is My Son
Three Wise Men
Through All Trials
Through a Long and Lonely Night
Through Many Lives
The Thunder of AUM
Thy Light Within Us Shining
Thy Will Be Done
To Death I’m a Stranger
To Jordan Came Jesus
To Mary There Came
To Souls That Were Fallen
Truth Can Never Die! (See Go On Alone!)
Two Souls
Under the Greenwood Tree
Walk like a Man
Introduction to the Waltz
Wartime Lullaby
Welcome
Well Done, Lord!
What Is It For?
What Is Love?
When Human Hopes
When I Was a Boy
When You Come from Napoli
Where Has My Love Gone?
Where He Dwells
Where Is Fancy Bred?
Where the Bee Sucks
Who Dreamed of the Tragedy?
Who Is Silvia?
Why?
The Wonders Man Carved
Yes, It’s Devil Worship!
You Remain Our Friend

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 All That Glisters
(William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”)

All that glisters is not gold —

Often have you heard that told.
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold.
Gilded tombs do worms infold.
Had you been as wise as bold,
Young in limbs, in judgement old,
Your answer had not been inscroll’d.
Fare you well; your suit is cold.

All the World Is My Friend

All the world is my friend

When I learn how to share my love—
When I stretch out my hand and smile,
When I live from above.

A New Tomorrow

When the dawn breaks, and then the morning

Sends the sun high in the sky,
Who would hide from heaven’s glory?
Who would pass the challenge by?
There’s a morning for every nation,
When the sun’s high in the sky:
There’s a time for every people
To affirm their destiny!
Even so, all of us together
Can create a better land!
Leave the past: A new tomorrow
Waits for all who understand.

The Annunciation
(Luke 1:25–28)

Hail, thou that art highly favoured,

The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou,
Blessed art thou among women,
Blessed art thou.

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 Be Free Inside

I’ll tell the world (4 claps)

I don’t have money. (3)
But life is wonderful, (2)
And every day is sunny. (1)
The trick is this: (4)
Don’t beg from anyone, just live in joy, (2)
Be free (2)
Inside. (2)

Benefits

(Swami’s one political song. Spoken choruses are optional.)

Gee, thanks, fellas, you’re mighty kind!
A windfall like this one can’t always find.
That word that you used, say it once again:
“Benefits,” that’s the one! And I say—
(Chorus, spoken: Yeah!)
Amen.
Amen, boys, to those benefits!
I’ve seen quite enough of their opposites.
I’m all for my share of security,
And I’m grateful to hear it’ll—
(Chorus: Great!)
all be free!
I’m sure glad you’ll take care of me,
No matter what happens, or to what degree.
If ever I’m worried, or sorta blue,
I’ll know where to turn, boys: I’ll—
(Chorus: Joy!)
turn to you!
You tell me that the Treasury
Will guarantee men true equality.
Our sorrows are gone, boys! The dawn’s at hand!
Legislation’s the way to the—
(Chorus: Wow!)
Promised Land!
What’s that, fellas? You say there’s more?
Why, a few little rules can’t be such a chore!
A life so well cared for, so worry free,
Is worth the little price of—
(Chorus: Heil!)
conformity!

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Oh, sure, folks may complain a bit
That maybe they don’t want certain benefits.
But what right have they, when you’re trying to please,
Not to show proper gratitude—
(Chorus: Yassuh!)
on their knees?
It pains me when I hear men say,
Inflating the dollar is the way you’ll pay.
Why, if paper dollars can buy up our cares:
Print away! Soon we may all be—
(Chorus: Whee!)
millionaires!
So thanks, fellas, you’re mighty kind!
Just give me those forms, if you want them signed.
I understand care from the pets I keep:
Well, I think I’m as worthy as—
(Chorus: Moo!)
cows or sheep!
Yes, thanks, fellas, you’re mighty kind!
It’s up to you now to make up my mind.
I’ll pledge allegiance to you all my days:
All I ask in return is, just—
(Chorus: Ba-a-ah!)
let me graze!

Blessed Are They

(The Beatitudes)

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed, who thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
They shall be called the children of God.
Blest, those reviled for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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 Blessed the Life

Blessed, blessed
The life that is given to God!
Blessed, blessed
The ways where His feet have trod.
All the joys that human heart can know
May His love on you bestow.
May all dangers from your path be moved;
All delusion by His truth disproved.
Blessed, blessed
The life that is given to God!
Blessed, blessed
The heart open to His love!
Blessed, blessed
The light that shines from above.
All the wealth for which men ever schemed,
All the beauty ever dreamed,
All the gains for which men sigh and moan
Will be harvested in God alone.
Blessed, blessed
The heart open to His love!

Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind

(William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”)

Blow blow, thou winter wind,

Thou art not so unkind
As man’s ingratitude.
Thy tooth is not so keen
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! Sing, heigh-ho!
Unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning,
Most loving mere folly:
Then heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
That dost not bite so nigh.
As benefits forgot:
Though thou the water warp,
Thy sting is not so sharp,
As friend remembered not.
Heigh-ho! Sing, heigh-ho!
Unto the green holly:

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Most friendship is feigning,
Most loving mere folly:
Then heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.

Brave Were the People

Brave were the people who lived in these hills.

Brave the great warriors who confronted the foe.
To defend what is holy, to defend what is true:
Our Lord on mankind did this duty bestow.
Glad all our children who people these hills,
Glad in the vision their hearts understand.
What became of past struggles? Now the records are still,
But courage still lingers, giving strength to the land.
Men hunger for riches, for power, and for fame;
By favor they think they will grow.
The battles they fight, the vict’ries they win
Are never the vict’ries they know!
Brave were the people who lived in these hills.
Brave, the great warriors who confronted the foe.
To defend what is holy, to defend what is true:
Our Lord on mankind did this duty bestow.

Brothers

I’ve lived in many countries

And mixed with many men.
I’ve shared their days of sunshine,
Gone with them in the rain.
The fires at evening said we were brothers.
The fires at evening said we were —
Brothers!
A soldier I saw weeping
Beside a dying friend.
My officers had said
I must hate him till the end.
But seeing his grief, I knew we were brothers.
But seeing his grief I knew we were —
Brothers!
A man sat on a doorstep
To see the children play.
The gentle way he smiled there
Would charm your fears away.

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A stranger, he, but love made us brothers.
A stranger, he, but love made us —
Brothers!
One day I climbed a mountain
With friends of other lands.
The words we used were different,
But joy one understands.
Our gladness in God’s world made us brothers.
Our gladness in God’s world made us —
Brothers!
Though words and customs vary
Like waves upon the sea,
One life beneath the surface
Binds everyone to me.
Who knows the truth knows all men as brothers.
Who knows the truth knows all men as —
Brothers!
Then brothers, why endeavor
To set ourselves apart?
The fences we’ve been building
Squeeze tight upon our hearts!
Come sing the truth that all men are brothers!
Come sing the truth that all men are —
Brothers!

Canticle of the Creatures

Altissimo omnipotente bon Signore,

Tue son le laude, la gloria et l’honore
Et ogni benedictione.
A Te solo se confano,
Et nullo homo
È degno de nominarTe.
Laudato sia Dio mio Signore
Cum tutte le Tue creature,
Specialmente messer lo frate sole:
Lo quale giorna et illumina nui per Lui.
Et ello è bello, et radiante cum grande splendore,
De Te Signore
Porta significatione.
Laudato sia, mio Signore
Per sor luna et per le stelle:
In cielo le hai
Formate clare et belle.
Laudato sia, mio Signore

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Per frate vento et per l’aire
Et nuvolo et sereno et omne tempo:
Per le quale dai alle
Tue creature
Sustentamento.
Laudato sia, mio Signore
Per sor acqua: La quale
È multo utile et umile
Et pretiosa
Et casta.
Laudato sia, mio Signore
Per frate foco:
Per lo quale Tu allumini la nocte.
Et ello è bello et jucundo
Et robustissimo
Et forte.
Laudato sia, mio Signore
Per nostra matre terra:
La quale ne sostenta et guberna et produce
Diversi fructi et colorati fiori et herbe.
Laudate et benediciTe mio Signore
Et regratiate:
Et servite a Lui
Cum grande humilitate.

Channels

Birds sing of freedom as they soar lightly on the air.

So may our hearts soar, high above all curbs and care.
Mother, we thank You, Your joy shines in ev’rything!
Open these channels that the world once more may sing.
Trees, standing firm, hold the secret of inner pow’r.
Give us, when tested, strength to endure.
Mother, we thank You, Your joy shines in ev’rything!
Open these channels that the world once more may sing.
Stars send a message of light through eternity:
Lord, when in darkness, Your radiance we see.
Mother, we thank You, Your joy shines in ev’rything!
Open these channels that the world once more may sing.
Flowers so soft and fragile stay fragrant though pressed to the ground.
May we thus learn forbearance, for in kindness love is found.
Mother, we thank You, Your joy shines in ev’rything!
Open these channels that the world once more may sing.
Mountains, remote and still, hint at higher worlds unseen.

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So may our lives be: soaring and serene.
Mother, we thank You, Your joy shines in ev’rything!
Open these channels that the world once more may sing.
Rivers seek passage, unhindered by rock or tree.
So may our lives flow, steadfast toward the sea!
Mother, we thank You, Your joy shines in ev’rything!
Open these channels that the world once more may sing.
Together: Mother, we thank You, Your joy shines in ev’rything!
Open these channels that the world once more may sing.
Mother, we thank You, Your joy shines in ev’rything!
Open these channels that the world once more may sing.

Cherish These

Is there anywhere on earth,

Perfect freedom, sorrow’s dearth,
Selfless friendship, blameless birth?
Cherish these, naught else has worth.

Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

When the cherries bloom,

Kyoto sings all day long
Rising melodies to the sun;
Blossoms awake to the gladness of song:
See them smile and greet ev’ryone.
Tell me, little sisters,
What have you to say?
“Live your life as perfectly
As this perfect day!”
When the cherries bloom,
Kyoto sings all day long
Rising melodies to the sun;
Blossoms awake to the gladness of song:
See them smile and greet ev’ryone.

Children of God!

Children of God!
Your time of trial has ended!
See where the dawn irradiates the night:
Soon all your tears will rise like dew to the sun.
Sorrows will turn to joy; your griefs, to delight!
Children, rejoice, for lo! the Kingdom of God

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 Comes in full splendor: It needs but your sight!

The Christ Child’s Asleep

The Christ child’s asleep.

The silence is so deep
That round about, with hope in their eyes,
The animals await;
Their breathing they abate:
They know their time has come to arise.
For Jesus came on earth
To offer second birth
To all who would the blessing receive.
The inner peace he brings
Can lift us on soul-wings
To soar in light, and heaven perceive.
Our pleasures and pains,
Our losses, our gains
Have kept us long bound.
The ropes of yearning hemmed us ’round.
We dreamed of imposing on desert sand
Flower gardens of beauty, verdant vales of delight:
Imagination misted our sight!
The freedom we would know
Christ offered long ago,
And even from his slumber flows peace.
All creatures here on earth,
Alive to their own worth,
Can welcome love, and win their release.
The Christ child’s asleep.
The silence is so deep
That round about, with hope in their eyes,
The animals await;
Their breathing they abate:
They know their time has come to arise.

Christ Has Come

Jesus Christ is born this day!

Hallelujah!
Born to drive our night away!
Hallelujah!
Joy on the mountains!
Joy in the valleys!
Joy to the nations:

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Christ has come!

Christ Is Risen

Christ is ris’n this Easter morn:

Thus our lives to joy are born!
He from death is ever free:
In his life e’en so are we!
Gone all our darkness,
Vanished forever!
In our souls Thy light we see.
Gone our delusions,
Clear now, our vision:
In Thy joy we live ever free!

The Christmas Mystery

Long ago there was a little shed.

There three mighty kings did bow their heads
To a gentle babe of low degree,
Whom men called the son of Mary.
Who’ll tell to me this mystery:
How a tiny babe in a manger laid
Could so many hearts to love persuade?
This holy son of Mary.
Shepherds came and knelt in wonder there,
Seeing him in light beyond compare,
And his eyes that told them all love was he,
Whom men called the son of Mary.
Who’ll tell to me this mystery:
How a tiny babe in a manger laid
Could so many hearts to love persuade?
This holy son of Mary.
Wonderful it was, that Christmas Day,
How from far and near they came to pray,
How from far they glimpsed his majesty,
Whom men called the son of Mary.
Who’ll tell to me this mystery:
How a tiny babe in a manger laid
Could so many hearts to love persuade?
This holy son of Mary.
Could it be that in that little one
Spirit’s universal love did shine?

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If it’s true, he lives in you and me,
Whom men call the son of Mary.
Who’ll tell to me this mystery:
How a tiny babe in a manger laid
Could so many hearts to love persuade?
This holy son of Mary.

Cloisters

Long I’ve called You, my Lord,

Long I’ve called You.
Many years I have longed for Your sight.
Bathed the darkness with tears of devotion;
Offered candles in prayer to Your light.
How much longer, Friend,
Must I cry Your Name?
I am Yours, ever Yours.
Will You come?

Come Away, Death

(William Shakespeare, “Twelfth Night”)

Come away, come away, death,

And in sad cypress let me be laid;
Fly away, fly away, breath,
I am slain by a fair cruel maid.
My shroud of white, stuck all with yew,
Oh! prepare it.
My part of death, no one so true
Did share it.
Not a flower, not a flower sweet,
On my black coffin let there be strown;
Not a friend, not a friend greet
My poor corpse where my bones shall be thrown.
A thousand thousand sighs to save,
Lay me Oh! Where
Sad true lover never find my grave,
To weep there.

Come, Chillun, Wake Up!

Come, chillun, wake up!

It’s mo’nin’ and ol’ brother sun
Just shook his finger

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 To tell you the new day’s begun!
Open your window
And listen to the summer air — for
Melody, melody’s everywhere!
The world is waiting
To tell you of a million things:
The shout of daybreak,
The flutter of a robin’s wings!
Come out and listen,
There’s magic for us all to share — for
Melody, melody’s everywhere!
God made all chillun
From laughter, so don’t close your heart!
The song of dawn won’t be finished
Till you’ve sung your part.
This world’s a temple,
And mo’nin’ is a time of prayer — when
Melody, melody’s everywhere.

Come Gather Round

Come gather round:

Let Joy sing out today!
Dawn now is breaking,
And the mountains say:
It’s only light
Can make the darkness run.
Lift up your head,
Greet the rising sun!
Some people think
To harvest happiness
By weeding troubles,
Easing ev’ry stress.
The trouble is
That troubles never end:
Get rid of one,
And you face its friend!
It’s in your heart
The songs of joy resound:
You’ll hear but echoes
In the world around.
Wind on a hill
Sounds lonely, if you’re sad,
Free, if you’re free,
Cheerful, if you’re glad.
Friends, come with me —

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 We’ll chant of battles won!
Shots not of anger:
Joy will be our gun!
Before the light
The veils of sorrow rend;
In inner freedom
All delusions end!

Come with Me to Braşov

Come with me to Braşov;

There’s a fair today.
In our wooden wagon,
We’ll be on our way!
We’ll let no one stop us:
There’s a fair today!
Who would still our laughter?
Who would kill our song?
Send them back to Russia:
That’s where they belong!
Who would steal our freedom?
Who would mold our thought?
They’ve no right to own us:
Conscience can’t be bought!
Life was made for living:
Living can’t be taught!

Dare to Be Different!

Dare to be different!
Dare to be free!
Dare to roam far
Like wind on the sea.
Fly like a gull:
Soar high on the air.
Be strong in your courage
When others despair.
Never in anger,
Never in haste,
Go without pride,
Be never abased.
Freedom is yours
If freedom you give —
To all give it freely:
In freedom you’ll live!

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Mountains that stand up
Tall to the sky
Tell us no dreaming
Is ever too high.
Dare to climb boldly:
Brave that high peak!
You’ll never know failure
If bravely you seek!
Dare to be different!
Dare to be free!
Dare to roam far
Like wind on the sea.
Fly like a gull:
Soar high on the air.
Be strong in your courage
When others despair.

Dark Eyes

I’ve known them forever:

They’ve haunted my slumber,
And called to me out of the deeps of space.
The love that they promise
Has helped me remember
Another time, a caring embrace.
Dark eyes in the morning,
Dark eyes in the evening,
Dark eyes in the starlight at end of day:
Dark eyes that speak silence,
They whisper, “Come find me:
You’ll never know true love, if you stay.”
Now I seek them in the wintertime,
Oh, I seek them in the spring:
Those two dark eyes draw my heart away
To where sun and moon sing!
I laugh now in the summertime,
When ripples on the river play.
I laugh, soaring with the meadowlarks.
Love has made my heart gay.
I’ve known them forever:
They’ve haunted my slumber,
And called to me out of the deeps of space.
The love that they promise
Has helped me remember
Another time, a caring embrace.

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 Daughter of Aran

When she smiles, the sunrays play in her eyes.

From the sky, her laughter draws song
As, her hair to befriend,
Cheerful breezes descend:
It’s to Nature her spirits belong.
Oh, her spirit was made
From the sun on a glade —
Far, far from the noisy throng.
There on Aran, loud waves lashing the rocks,
Screaming gulls that rise, surfing the air;
There, where clouds meet the hills
And beget dancing rills:
Oh, it’s freedom her wild spirits share!
It’s release that she brings:
When she smiles, my heart flings
Far, far ev’ry worldly care!

Dearest, I Love You

This is a love song, first in Romanian, then in English.

Draga, te iubesc — Noapte si zi —

Dearest, I love you: More ev’ry day.
Whence, ah! these mists of fear, cold on my heart?
Whence, ah! the chill that holds lovers apart?
Draga, te iubesc — Noapte si zi —
Dearest, I love you: More ev’ry day.
Surely, though men slay love, Love cannot die.
Surely, though men prove false, Truth cannot lie!

Dearest, When I Think of Thee

Dearest, when I think of thee,

Heaven opens, and I see
Shafts of light upon the earth:
All, then, seems of noble birth.
(Shafts of light upon the earth:
All, then, seems of noble birth.)
Kindness, then, appears divine;
Human error, then, benign:
Goodness rules the universe;
Men a higher love rehearse.
(Goodness rules the universe;
Men a higher love rehearse.)

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Thoughts of you my peace assure,
Calm my heart, and make it pure.
Even so, your actions screen
All in life that’s base or mean.
(Even so, your actions screen
All in life that’s base or mean.)

Deirdre’s Sorrows

Oh, it’s sorrow and grieving

All my brief life I have known!
Happiness is like a faded leaf
On the wild, wild winds blown:
Oh, the wild winds ever blow!
What is beauty? What is love?
What is trust, when nothing’s true?
It’s a dark world, dark with pain:
Give me freedom for my own!
Give me freedom for my own!

Desdemona’s Song
(William Shakespeare, “Othello”)

The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree;

Sing all a green willow;
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee;
Sing willow, willow, willow.
The fresh streams ran by her, and murmur’d her moans;
Sing willow, willow, willow;
Her salt tears fell from her, and soften’d the stones,
Sing willow, willow, willow.
Let nobody blame him, his scorn I approve;
I call’d my love false love; but what said he then?
Sing willow, willow, willow—
“If I court mo women, you’ll couch with more men.
If I court mo women, you’ll couch with more men.”

Desert Solitude

John, renouncing all,

Left his home.
Wrapped in solitude,
Far from men’s ways,
Roaming across desert sands,
Seeking God’s truth.

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Long years he spoke only with God,
‘Til, silent of soul,
Wisdom did fill the ache of his heart:
Then he did see God alone.

Divine Friendship

Dearest friend,
In the blend
Of your life’s path with mine,
I have found
Love is crowned
With freedom’s vine.
Sorrows all disappear
When friendship’s gaze is clear.
May our sight,
Shunning night,
Toward God incline.

Divine Love Sorrows

(Adapted by Paramhansa Yogananda from Fritz Kreisler’s “Liebeslied”)

I have been roaming,

Forsaken by Thee,
Who hast seen me groping,
Hardly ever answering.
I shall be roaming, roaming,
Bursting all the bound’ries of heart.
Ever more moving t’ward Thee,
To Thy vast unthrobbing heart.
Come Thou to me, O Lord,
O come at last to me.
Centuries and centuries I have waited now for Thee.
Through endless incarnations I’ve called out for Thy name,
Searching by the streamlets of all my silv’ry dreams.
I know that Thou must come at last
to steal the flowers of my heart.
In sorrow thrills I piped my love,
I sadly sing my song to Thee.
And yet I know my love must reach Thee,
Though many lives I have to wait.
On mountain crags of high devotion
I sadly sing my song,
My song, my song.

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 The Divine Mother
(music Bizet, lyrics, Swami)

Yes, it’s She,

The Divine Mother,
She Who made the universe!
Yes, it’s She,
The Divine Mother,
Ruler of ev’ry heart’s desire!
Love more ancient,
Bliss eternal,
May our hearts soon be merged in Thee!

Door of My Heart
(by Paramhansa Yogananda, harmony by Swami)

Door of my heart, open wide I keep for Thee.

Wilt Thou come, wilt Thou come? just for once come to me?
Will my days fly away without seeing Thee, my Lord?
Night and day, night and day, I look for Thee night and day.

Dublin Town

To Dublin town one day

Came a monk, wise and grey.
“Good people, come,” he cried, “give ear:
No matter your state,
How rich or how great—
In God’s eyes it’s nothing at all.
The riches you’d gain
With struggle and strain
Are nothing! Oh, nothing at all!”
An urchin brightly thought,
“If all gain is but naught,
And if the good Lord heeds it not—
What harm would I make
By lifting that cake?
Why, none! The cake’s nothing at all!
Oh, sure and it’s sweet,
And soft, and a treat:
Sure, too, but it’s nothing at all!”
He’d spied the cake itself
On a bakery shelf.
So, angel-like, he smiled and drew near.
As trout swallow bait

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He lifted that plate
And ran like a two-legged deer!
Yes, off he did run
Just like shot from a gun—
Or wind—or a two-legged deer.
The baker’s wife now sped,
Took a stick to his head,
And scolded well and angrily.
“Ow! Ouch!” the boy cried,
“That wicked monk lied!
All gain,” he said, “’s nothing at all!”
“Take that!” she replied.
“If gain is your guide,
This pain, too, is nothing at all!”

Emerald Isle

Come hear, while I sing you of emerald hills,

Of valleys and meadows so fair
That all who have seen them have carried away
Memories in their hearts, friends, like the lilacs of May:
Oh, my song is the story of the lilacs of May.
My song is the story of deer on the hills,
Of larks that soar, seeking the sun,
Of nightingales lifting the curtain of night
As with music they bring down heaven’s blessing of light:
Oh, my song is the story of God’s blessing of light.
Come join me in singing of that emerald isle,
Of flow’rs that, like jewels, besprinkle the lea,
Of waterfalls eager to embrace the wide sea
As we with our Maker united would be,
As we with our Maker reunited would be.
Come hear, while I sing you of emerald hills,
Of valleys and meadows so fair
That all who have seen them have carried away
Memories in their hearts, friends, like the lilacs of May:
Oh, my song is the story of the lilacs of May.

Fairies’ Lullaby
(William Shakespeare, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”)

You spotted snakes with double tongue,

Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen;
Newts and blindworms, do no wrong,
Come not near our fairy queen.

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Philomel, with melody,
Sing in our sweet lullaby;
Lulla lulla lullaby,
Lulla lulla lullaby.
Never harm, nor spell nor charm,
Come our lovely lady nigh;
So, good night, good night,
So good night, with lullaby.
Weaving spiders come not here;
Hence, you long-legged spinner, hence!
Beetles black, approach not near;
Worm nor snail, do no offense.
Philomel, with melody,
Sing in our sweet lullaby;
Lulla lulla lullaby,
Lulla lulla lullaby.
Never harm, nor spell nor charm,
Come our lovely lady nigh;
So, good night, good night,
So good night, with lullaby.

The Fairies’ Song

(William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wives of Windsor”)

Fie on sinful fantasy!

Fie on lust and luxury!
Lust is but a bloody fire,
Kindled with unchaste desire,
Fed in heart, whose flames aspire
As thoughts do blow them higher and higher.
Pinch him, fairies, mutually;
Pinch him for his villainy;
Pinch him and burn him and turn him about,
Till candles and starlight and moonshine be out.

Farther Away Than the Stars

I have a Love Who’s far away,

Far away, far away;
I have a Love Who’s far away,
Farther away than the stars.
And yet, She’s stolen my heart away,
Heart away! heart away;
And yet, She’s stolen my heart away,

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Farther away than the stars.
Keep me not bound, no! teach me to fly,
Far from earth’s madness — free ere I die!
Keep me not bound here, teach me to fly,
Farther away than the stars.
There’s nothing here nearly so dear,
Nearly so dear, nearly so dear.
There’s nothing here nearly so dear
As Her laughter away in the stars.

Father, Mother, Friend, Our God

Father, Mother, Friend, our God:

We Thy wonders all acclaim.
May our thoughts be only of Thee;
Train our hearts to sing Thy name.
All desires born of delusion
Here we lay, Lord, at Thy feet.
Thy one light brought by our great Masters,
Make us ever one with Thee.
(Alternate ending for weddings)
In Thy light we find our freedom,
In Thy love we drink Thy name.

The Few Were Soon Many

The few were soon many, great multitudes came,

Drawn by the magnet of love.
The brink men mistook for the banks of a stream
Was revealed an ocean’s broad shore.
Christ’s spirit embraced saints and sinners alike,
And his words were sweet music people’s faith did restore.

Free At Last!

Free at last from dire oppression!

Free from armies shouting hate!
Free at last from brute aggression:
Free a new life to create!
Let us now, hands joined together,
Bless with peace our native isle;
Bless our fields of flow’ring heather.
May all hearts be free from guile!

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 Let us build new lives in beauty.
Let the grass wave full and green.
Let peace be our highest duty;
Joy in every eye be seen.
Free at last from dire oppression!
Free from armies shouting hate!
Free at last from brute aggression:
Free a new life to create!

Full Fathom Five

(William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”)

Full fathom five thy father lies;

Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Nothing of Him that doth fade,
But doth suffer a Sea change
Into something rich and strange.
Sea nymphs hourly ring his knell:
Ding dong, Ding dong.
Hark! now I hear them, Ding dong, bell.

Give Me Light

Give me a light to light my way.

Truth is the light, so wise men say.

God! God! God!

(lyrics of “God, Christ, Guru” by Paramhansa Yogananda, adapted by Swami Kriyananda)

From the depths of slumber, as I ascend

The spiral stairway of wakefulness,
I will whisper, whisper:
God! God! God!
Thou art the food, and when I break my fast
Of nightly separation from Thee,
I will taste Thee, and mentally say:
God! God! God!
No matter where I go, the spotlight of my mind
Will ever keep turning on Thee;
And in the battle din of activity my silent war cry will be:
God! God! God!
When boist’rous storms of trials shriek
And when worries howl at me,

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I will drown their noises, loudly chanting:
God! God! God!
When my mind weaves dreams, dreams
With threads of memories,
On that magic cloth will I emboss:
God! God! God!
Ev’ry night, in time of deepest sleep,
When my peace dreams and calls: Joy! Joy!
My joy comes singing evermore:
God! God! God!
In waking, eating, working, dreaming, sleeping,
Serving, meditating, chanting, divinely loving,
My soul will constantly hum, unheard by any:
God! God! God!

God Is Truth; God Is Love

God is Truth; God is Love:

Father, Mother, both are one.
When our hearts cry out in pain,
Mother, bring us peace again!
Every mother brings to birth
Hints of Thy love for all the earth.

The Gods’ Blessing

Honor, riches, marriage, blessing,

Long continuance, and increasing,
Hourly joys be still upon you!
Juno sings her blessings on you.
Earth’s increase, foison plenty,
Barns and garners never empty,
Vines with clust’ring bunches growing,
Plants with goodly burthen bowing.
Spring come to you at the farthest
In the very end of harvest:
Scarcity and want shall shun you,
Ceres’ blessing so is on you.

God’s Call Within

Listen! Listen!
Whispering within your soul:

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Hints of laughter, hints of joy;
Sweet songs of sadness, of quenchless yearning
For the Light,
For My love, your true home.
Long your heart has played the dancer.
Long you’ve toyed with merest shadows
Of the treasures left behind you,
Deep in your soul.
Long you’ve plumbed the dark for answers.
Long you’ve begged from beggars’ empty hands
Gifts of life they too were seeking:
Gifts none could share.
Friend, how long will you wander?
Friend, as long as you seek your home
In a land where all are strangers,
Love locks her door.
Leave to the weak his craven life!
To the coward leave his dreaming!
O My saint, wake up! Reclaim the light.
Seek the truth behind all seeming.
Turn, turn, turn within:
In silence of soul, in cave of love
Find My abode.
Listen! Listen!
Whispering within your soul:
Hints of laughter, hints of joy;
Sweet songs of sadness, of quenchless yearning
For the Light,
For My love, your true home.

Good Night, Sweetheart

What do you feel

The night may reveal?
Darkness can’t harm you,
Its fears are unreal.
Light will enfold you;
Just open your heart:
Let peace through your dreams gently steal.
Good night, Sweetheart,
I’ll see you in the morning.
Till then, sleep tight; sweet dreams!
Starlight, Sweetheart,
Your golden hair adorning,

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Bring peace on silv’ry beams.
Though sep’rate for awhile,
The mem’ry of your smile
Will linger in my heart,
And bless me.
Now flow, Sweetheart,
All cares and troubles scorning,
Adrift on astral streams.

Go On Alone!

Some men call it progress—

Down with those who doubt!—
To join the causes others join,
And shout when others shout.
Come, you’re a man,
No passive stone!
Stand up, and call your soul your own!
Go on alone! Go on alone!
Banish weakness: Go on alone!
Go on alone! Go on alone!
Don’t look back! just go on alone!
Some men lack the daring
Ever to be free!
They shun the heights, and crowd the depths,
And court security.
Come, you’re a man,
No passive stone!
Stand up, and call your soul your own!
Go on alone! Go on alone!
Banish weakness: Go on alone!
Go on alone! Go on alone!
Don’t look back! just go on alone!
Cowards see but pride in
Singularity,
“Oh, never mind if men are wrong,
So long as they agree!”
Come, you’re a man,
No passive stone!
Stand up, and call your soul your own!
Go on alone! Go on alone!
Banish weakness: Go on alone!
Go on alone! Go on alone!
Don’t look back! just go on alone!
Claim the power within you
Error to defy!

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The world may change or disappear,
But truth can never die!
Come, you’re a man,
No passive stone!
Stand up, and call your soul your own!
Go on alone! Go on alone!
Banish weakness: Go on alone!
Go on alone! Go on alone!
Don’t look back! just go on alone!

Go with Love

Go with love. May joyful blessings

Speed you safely on your way.
May God’s light expand within you.
May we be one in that light someday.

Guide Me, Lord

Guide me, Lord, throughout this day,

In all I do, in all I say.
Tell me when I go astray;
Hold me in Thy light.
Help me see that happiness
Comes not with wanting more, but less.
Teach me all my friends to bless:
Hold them in Thy light.

Hail Mary
(Luke 1:39–42)

Hail, Mary, full of grace—

Hail, Mary, full of grace—
Blessed art thou,
Blessed art thou among women,
Blessed art thou,
And bless’d is the fruit,
And bless’d is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

Hark, Hark, the Lark

(William Shakespeare, “Cymbeline”)

Hark, hark! The lark at heaven’s gate sings,

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And Phoebus ’gins arise,
His steeds to water at those springs
On chaliced flowers that lies;
And winking Marybuds begin
To ope their golden eyes:
With ev’rything that pretty is,
My lady sweet, arise:
Arise, arise!

Have You Seen Sorrento?

I’ve roamed the far hills

And learned many skills;
I’ve wandered on many a shore.
Though often I’ve thought
I’d gained what I sought,
A voice always said, “There’s more.”
Go sing with the sun
And dance with the moon!
Go ride on the highest star!
The reaches of space
Lack one special place:
It’s there that my heart did soar.
Have you seen Sorrento?
Roamed her emerald hills?
Breath’d her morning magic:
Flowers and bounding rills?
Beauty’s spring is gladness,
Shaming mortal skills.
Have you seen Sorrento?
Gazed on Naples’ bay?
Sailed upon the blue sea,
Heard the wavelets play?
Tell her, if you go there:
I’ll return someday!

Hawaiiana

Haliki pa weha
Hanalei peha
Hakane likea na kalea kapu.
Hali ki pa weha
Hanalei pe Ha
Ma ka ne li me a ka namea kapu.

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Ne mi Kauai ki wahini lei ki
Pakale Ha lia Napali ma
Me lu ka le hi ka
Na pali kane la
Wahini me Hawaii le Kauai mu.

English “translation”:
The young man sailed in a little boat
from Hali, a distant island in the southern seas.
He sailed in safety far, far—
to Hanalei, the peaceful, the beautiful.
The dark stranger, alas, was kapu (taboo).
But on this isle of Kauai he met a beautiful maiden,
who, seeing him, fell in love,
wreathing him in a lei of fairest flowers.
And so it was that this Hali man,
wreathed in sacred flowers from the Napali coast,
became purified of all sin,
and united in holy love to this Napali maid.
She took him home with her and wedded him,
in the land of Hawaii, on the fair island of Kauai,
according to the rites of the ancient land of Mu.
[(not real Hawaiian, and no disrespect intended)]

Hello There, Brother Bluebell!

Hello there, Brother Bluebell,

Play me a tune today!
The breezes on the meadow
Have made you look so gay!
The meadowlarks are singing:
Joy’s in the air.
Come set your bells a-ringing!
You’ve gladness to share!
Hello there, Sister Dewdrop,
Linger a little while!
Your colors in the sunlight
Would make a monarch smile.
What need have I for treasures:
Diamonds or gold?
The fairest of all pleasures
Are here to behold!
Hello there, dearest kinsmen:
Pebbles and laughing brooks —
You timid little beetles

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 That hide in private nooks.
God made us of His gladness:
Come, then, and sing.
To cure the world of sadness:
Oh, ring, Bluebell, ring!

He Who Clothes the Field

He who clothes the field with lilies—

He who feeds the birds of the air—
He who floods the hills with sunshine—
He whose love all creatures share:
Will He not clothe us? Will He not feed us?
Are we not, like them, His own?
Fill your chalice at His fountain:
Know that you live not alone!

The Hill That Was Tara

Tara’s brave hill, so quiet the day I came there:

Not a green leaf stirred on the air—
Not a bird did proclaim
Ancient grandeur and fame;
Only ruins faint mem’ries declare.
I marveled to think, How can greatness e’er die?
How can song disperse in the sky?
How can hopes and dreams fade?
How, the warrior’s sharp blade
Become dust? Was vict’ry a lie?
I stood there and pondered the great deeds of men’s past,
How, like clouds in the sunset, no glory can last.
Even we, as we labor to achieve some bright end,
Must accept, after glory, that the night will descend.
I’ve dreamed a broad rainbow over thicket and thorn,
Over crags that called, “Tarry: Your hopes are forlorn!”
All too oft, in my dreaming, courage turned to despair,
Till I learned that success is but the courage to dare.
As I gazed, and thought sadly of Tara’s demise,
Suddenly I saw her walls rise:
Saw her long, regal halls,
Heard her people’s brave calls—
As though time had doffed a disguise.
And I knew in that moment, the deeds that men do
Never die: Each vict’ry is true!

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 Ev’ry effort we spend
Gives more strength in the end,
Till our gladness in life’s ever new!

His Mission Begins

To show that his care was for men everywhere,

Jesus started his mission at a wedding nearby.
When wine there was spent, to the servants he sent,
And requested them the jars with water to fill.
Then many jars full of water were brought before him with care.
He held his hand up in blessing, and the water turned to wine!

Home Is a Green Hill

Home is a green hill.

Home is a wind,
Blowing betrayal far, far away.
Home is the knowledge
Heaven is near.
Home’s the end of the fray.
Home is my heart’s land.
Home’s where I am.
Nothing can dim the light of my soul.
Home is forever.
Home is today.
Home’s a heart that is whole.
Often I dream
That life is a play:
Laughter forever,
And skies never gray.
But when I’m silent,
Freed from all care,
I discover my home’s
Everywhere!
Home is a green hill.
Home is a wind,
Blowing betrayal far, far away.
Home is the knowledge
Heaven is near.
Home’s the end of the fray.

If You’re Seeking Freedom

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If you’re seeking freedom
In a revolution,
Oh, if you’re seeking freedom,
You won’t find it there.
For once the guns stop blazing,
You’ll find it amazing
How the world can drag on
Just as before!
If you’re seeking freedom
In a marble mansion,
Oh, if you’re seeking freedom,
You won’t find it there.
For even when it’s sunny,
You’ll be counting money,
Keeping up that showcase,
Your face lined with care!
And if you’re seeking freedom
On a throne of power,
Oh, if you’re seeking freedom,
You won’t find it there.
For though men all obey you,
What if they betray you?
Tense you’ll be, and waiting
For foes everywhere!
But if you’re seeking freedom,
Cast away desires.
Why barter like a beggar?
You’ve wealth everywhere!
For never can you buy it.
Grasp, and you deny it.
Freedom can’t be hoarded:
It’s free as the air!
And if you’re seeking freedom,
Seek it on the mountains,
God’s sunlight on your shoulders,
The wind in your hair.
For there’s no one can hold you,
Boss about, or mold you.
Once your heart is free,
You’ll be king everywhere!

I Give My Daughter’s Hand

Father, I place my daughter’s hand,

Firmly in Thine for Thy keeping.
Bless her and keep her all her days,

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As, in Thy name, I have always,
Dear Lord, always sought to do.

I Live Without Fear

Though green summer fade,

And winter draw near,
My Lord, in Your presence
I live without fear.
Through tempest, through snows,
Through turbulent tide,
The touch of Your hand
Is my strength, and my guide.
I ask for no riches
That death can destroy:
I crave only Thee,
Your love and Your joy.
The dancers will pass,
The singing must end.
I welcome the darkness
With You for my Friend.

Imogen’s Song
(William Shakespeare, “Cymbeline”)

Fear no more the heat o’ the sun,

Nor the furious winter’s rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
Fear no more the frown o’ the great,
Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke;
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The scepter, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning flash,
Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone.
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finish’d joy and moan:
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.

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 In the Spirit

I was caught up in ecstasy:

’Twas a day sanctified by God.
There He showed me the truths of heaven,
Truths which all, seeking Him, should know:
How the soul, made to live in freedom,
Can reclaim its eternal right;
How the night, born of our delusions,
Can be fired, blazing with His light!

In the Temple of Isis

Still your mind if you want to pray.

Send all cares far away.
Sing, then: Love’s ever near.
Isis comes: Await the day.
Isis comes: Await the day!
Mother comes: Await the day!
Still your heart if you want to pray.
Send all cares far away.
Sing, then: Love’s ever near.
Isis comes: Await the day.
Isis comes: Await the day!
Mother comes: Await the day!
Still your soul if you want to pray.
Isis comes: Await the day.
Isis comes: Await the day!
Mother comes: Await the day!

Invocation

Lord, we’ve come to share Thy music,

Share our wonder in Thy love.
Lift our hearts on rays of gladness
To Thy light above—
To Thy light above!

Invocation to the Woodland Devas

You devas of woodland, of mountain and field:

Come show’r on us blessings and light.
The wonders that Nature, befriended, can yield,
Reveal to our hearing and sight.
Your melodies, whispering joy on the air,

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 Affirm that God’s ev’rywhere.
O devas of woodland, of mountain and field,
Be with us in blessing this night.

Irish Lullaby

Go to sleep, little dear.

May the angels draw near
And with peace-dust sprinkle your eyes.
May the curtain of night
Banish pain from your sight,
That your dreams to heaven arise.
Forsake all care
As your thoughts rise there,
Through a vault of star-spangled skies.
Go to sleep, little one.
Heaven’s blessings you’ve won
By the innocence of your smile.
May the whole of your life
Heal with calmness all strife,
And teach kindness, free from all guile.
Men’s hearts enthrall
By pure love for all,
For it’s love makes living worthwhile.

It’s God’s Green Earth

It’s God’s green earth!

It’s not yours. It’s not mine.
It’s a legacy given to all.
It’s ours to enjoy—
To love; to improve—
But never ours to destroy!
It’s God’s green earth!
May we never despair
For the hatred so many express.
The tension they feel
Is wisdom’s stern way
Of teaching those who transgress.
Some men hate, some love:
How little they see
The fruits they reap are the same.
Hate all: you reap hatred;
Love all: you reap love.
The joy is yours, or the pain.

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It’s God’s green earth!
It’s not yours. It’s not mine.
It’s a legacy given to all.
It’s ours to enjoy—
To love; to improve—
But never ours to destroy!

It’s Time to Go to School

It’s time to go to school.

It’s time to go to school.
It’s time to go right now.
It’s time to go to school.
It’s time to go to school.
It’s time to go right now.
There’s so much to learn each day.
There’s so much to learn each day:
Why the world was made and how.
There’s so much to learn each day.
There’s so much to learn each day:
Why the world was made and how.
All life is like a school.
All life is like a school.
It’s time to learn right now.
All life is like a school.
All life is like a school.
It’s time to learn right now.

It Was a Lover and His Lass

(William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”)

It was a lover and his lass,

With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
That o’er the green corn field did pass,
In spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding ding:
Sweet lovers love the spring.
Between the acres of the rye,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
These pretty country folks would lie,
In spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding ding:
Sweet lovers love the spring.
And therefore take the present time,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,

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For love is crowned with the prime
In spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding ding:
Sweet lovers love the spring.

I’ve Passed My Life as a Stranger, Lord

I’ve passed my life as a stranger, Lord,

Roamed far in foreign lands.
Far, Lord, far too far!
Only he who knows he’s far from home,
Only he, Lord, understands.
Only he who knows he’s far from home
Feels the earth, and understands.
Sometimes a stranger did take me in;
Then love I thought was near:
Love, Lord — where is love?
As the winds upon the desert sand
Whisper hope, then disappear:
As soft winds breathe on the desert sand,
So love sighs, then disappears.
Sometimes a child laughed, and I did pause,
And dreamed of joys at home:
Joys, Lord — only a dream!
For what joy is there without Your smile?
Empty, like the ocean foam!
For what joy is there without Your smile?
You’re the sea: All else is foam!
How long must I be a wanderer, Lord?
You know where I belong!
You know, Lord: Yes, You know!
Home is where my Lord’s sweet presence is:
I’ve grown tired of strangers’ songs.
Home is where my Lord’s sweet presence is:
Bless me, that I hear Your songs!

I Wander with Thee

Father, now that I wander with Thee,

Flow’rs and fields are alive with Thy joy!
All that I owned to Thee I’ve given:
Now I sing; in Thy love I am free!
Father, now that I dance in Thy name,
Birds and animals share in my song!
All my sorrows, all my merriment

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 Join in music to set hearts aflame!

Quando Mi Sveglio

(“I wrote this song first in Italian, while I lived in Italy. Therefore I place the Italian
words first. I later translated the song into English.”)
Quando mi sveglio per salutar il sol,
Quando esco nella città,
Nel silenzio del mio cuor, Signor,
Penserò solo a Te.
Quando rido e quando piango,
Nei malintesi e nell’amor,
Nel silenzio del mio cuor, Signor,
Penserò solo a Te.
Coro: Dio, Dio, sono Tuo per l’eternità.
Dio, Dio, Tuo per l’eternità.
Nella sconfitta, nella vittoria,
Nella vita intorno a me,
Nel silenzio del mio cuor, Signor,
Penserò solo a Te.
Nel lavoro e nel riposo,
Nella gioia e nel dolor,
Nel silenzio del mio cuor, Signor,
Penserò solo a Te.
Coro: Dio, Dio, sono Tuo per l’eternità!
Dio, Dio, Tuo per l’eternità!

I Will Always Think of Thee

Every morning when I greet the sun,

When I move forth through crowded ways,
In my heart, Lord, ever so silently,
I will always think of Thee!
When I laugh, oh, and when I cry with pain,
When my best friends misunderstand,
In my heart, Lord, ever so silently,
I will always think of Thee!
Dear God, my God, I am Thine for eternity!
Dear God, my God, I am Thine eternally!
Though my path lead me over desert sands,
Though it take me through bitter storms,
In my heart, Lord, ever so silently,

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I will always think of Thee!
When I’m working and when in earned repose,
Let come vict’ry or low defeat,
In my heart, Lord, ever so silently,
I will always think of Thee!
Dear God, my God, I am Thine for eternity!
Dear God, my God, I am Thine eternally!

I Wonder

Baby Tim’s in the nurs’ry, asleep in his playpen,

His calico pony close by.
It’s all set, if a dream calls to carry its master
Away to a calico sky.
And I sit by my window and wonder
Why it’s only in dreams we can fly;
Why a pony can’t hurdle the sunset—
Maybe that’s what makes small babies cry!
Daddy sits in his study, and hums with his reading
The tune of his favorite song.
He tells me his “homework” seems nicer and lighter
With music to lift it along.
And I sit by my window and wonder
Why a book has no song of its own;
Why the world doesn’t flood us with music—
And why people must sing all alone.
Mommy’s out in the kitchen; she’s making our dinner.
I hear, by the clink of the pans,
That she’s happy just cooking and knowing we’re near her:
Her happiness flows from her hands.
And I sit by my window and wonder
How the world without mothers would be,
And if people could live without loving:
Such a world I hope never to see!

Jenny Will Love Me

Jenny will love me:

It’s all been foretold.
Was not our nag
To that blind parson sold?
Jenny will love me,
It’s clear as the day:
The heather bloomed early
This spring on the brae.

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Jenny will love me,
It’s clear as a bell:
Omens aplenty
The same story tell!
Not without reason
Her cat, colored white,
Crossed over my path
In the dark of the night!
Jenny will love me,
I’m sure of it now:
Did she not smile
When I gave her that cow?
Soon we’ll be one,
Like two peas in a pod:
Envied by men,
But united by God!

Jesus Went to Galilee

Jesus went to Galilee, and gathered round his chosen few.

There, together, filled with joy in God,
They did sing with him, and worship the Lord.
Their needs were very few, in their youth, in their joy,
All they asked of God was freedom to love.

Jim Brown

(Oh, keep a level head, boys,

And preach the lighter news.
Don’t disappoint the gentle folk:
Our church needs better pews!)
Jim Brown was hired to clean the church.
All week he kept it fair.
That Sunday, with his family,
He came to worship there.
That Sunday, with his family,
He came to worship there.
“Oh no, poor Jim, that may not be,
For then there’d be a war.
Our congregation are all white,
And you know what you are.
Our congregation are all white,
And you know what you are.”
Back home, Jim Brown knelt by his bed,
And wept till eyes grew dim.

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 That night his room became a shrine,
For Jesus came to him.
That night his room became a shrine,
For Jesus came to him.
He said, “My child, don’t feel so sad.
For twenty years I, too,
Have tried to enter that very church
With no more luck than you!
Have tried to enter that very church
With no more luck than you!”
(But, keep a level head, boys,
And preach the lighter news.
Don’t disappoint the gentle folk:
Our church needs better pews!)

John Anderson, My Jo

These lyrics, originally by Robert Burns, were “translated” into modern English by
Swami.
John Anderson, my sweetheart,
When first we two did meet,
Your locks were like the raven,
Your bonnie brow was sleek;
But now your brow is wrinkled, John,
Your locks are like the snow;
But blessings on your frosty head,
John Anderson, my sweet.
John Anderson, my sweetheart,
We climbed the hill together,
And many a lively day, John,
We’ve had with one another;
Now we must totter down, John,
And hand in hand we’ll go.
And sleep together at the foot,
John Anderson, my own.

Joined in Prayer

Joined in prayer, we worship Thee:

Rays of light that seek the sun.
Many drops do make a sea:
Thus our love, when joined as one!
Thus our love, when joined as one!

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 Join Us in Blessing

Join us in blessing this joyful occasion.

Sing out in gladness to greet this happy pair!
Long may they live in God’s love, in His freedom.
May they inspire in all the beauty they share.
Marriage was meant to bring men closer to God,
Helping them realize that love’s not their creation;
Teaching through their unity ev’ryone to bless.
Love, when its shared with all, is ours to possess.
Join us in blessing this joyful occasion.
Sing out in gladness to greet this happy pair!
Long may they live in God’s love, in His freedom.
May they inspire in all the beauty they share.

The Joy of Redemption

The joy of redemption one sinner did learn.

’Twas Mary of Magdala Christ saved.
Soul purity she gained by devotion and by faith.
By repentance, she was pardoned in love.

Keep Calling Him

(Words and music by Maitri Jones)

Keep calling Him, keep calling Him, keep calling Him.

Whether He replies or not, keep calling Him.
In the temple of unceasing prayer
Believe that He’s approaching there.
And call to Him, keep calling Him.
Thou dost know I’m praying, Lord, You know I love no other.
I’ll speak not, nor ask when to expect from you an answer.
You know my heart.
I’ll call to Thee again.
Keep calling Him, keep calling Him,
Whether He replies or not, keep calling Him.
I’ll wash Thy feet of silence with the waters of my tears.
The altar of my soul will be empty till Thou comest.
I’ll wait for Thee.
No matter days or years.
Keep calling Him, keep calling Him,
Whether He replies or not, keep calling Him.
In the center of my heart, I have a mystic throne for Thee.
The candles of my joys are dimly burning now in hope,

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Awaiting Thy coming.
Though it be eternity.
Keep calling Him, keep calling Him,
Whether He replies or not, keep calling Him.
Even when there’s no reply, Never let your longing die.
And call to Him, keep calling Him.
Remain persistent, undepressed, through dark and seeming silence.
If in the midst of life, disease, and death, you play the dancer.
Yet keep calling Him.
You will receive His answer.
Keep calling Him.
Keep calling Him.
Keep calling Him.

Krishna’s Flute

I’ve heard your flute high on a cloud;

Your call I can’t resist!
Oh, let me come and play with you:
We’ll scatter music with the dew,
And sound the morning mist.
I’ve heard you piping on a hill;
All else I’ve set aside.
Oh, let us dance the mountain peaks,
We’ll skip with breezes on the creeks
And soar the valleys wide!
Your flute has called me to the fields;
Now I’ve no place to live.
Don’t send me back rejected, Friend.
Whatever I call mine must end.
All that I am, I give.
I hear your flute in ev’ry tree,
In ev’ry flow’r and stream,
And sweetest melody of all—
A song that heaven’s joy recalls—
Here in my heart you seem!

Larks Fly High

Larks fly high in the summer sky,

Regardless of the weather.
Even so we, too, can ascend up high,
As long as we soar together.
A kindly hand all can understand,

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 And kindness helps awaken
Ev’ry thought of love that our souls demand
When, for love, desires are mistaken.

Let This Cup Pass from Me

Lord, let this cup pass from me.

Let my heart not know so much pain!
Must the love Thou bear’st Thy children
Ever suffer such disdain?
Would that I might reveal Thy greatness!
Nevertheless, Thy will be done.

Life Cannot Die!

Life cannot die!

Only death can meet death!
In Christ resurrected was the truth of Christ prov’d.
In Christ resurrected was Christ’s truth prov’d.

Life Flows On like a River

Life flows on like a river

That homes to the sea:
One hour bounding through mountain vales,
One hour winding through a lea.
None may linger on the way:
None may coax time to stay!
Fleeting scenes move by us like a dream.
Cling not: none will be your own.
Never grieve to be alone.
Go within you: There’s your home.

Life Is a Dream

Life is a dream.
Time, like a stream,
Carries our burdens away.
Never despair:
Joy’s ev’rywhere;
Love can befriend you today.
Free from all care,
Like birds on the air,

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Soar above griefs and worries:
Seek joy, and be gay!
Often on earth
Things of great worth
Worldly ambitions defy.
Sometimes a friend
Helps us ascend
Up from life’s cares to the sky!
Love is a star:
Though shining afar,
It can guide us and help us
Toward light to draw nigh.

Life Is Beautiful

Life is beautiful, life is gay,

When I give myself away;
When I live to please Thee, Lord,
Dancing in Thy ray.
Let me see Thee everywhere,
Hear Thy melodies in the air.
Let me feel Thy strength in me.
Give me joy to share.

Life Mantra

God is life. God is joy.

Life is God’s: Life is joy.
God is life. God is joy.
Life is God’s: Life is joy.
God, who is infinite, is life.
God, who is in all life, is joy.
Life is a mission from on high.
Life is a quest for inner joy.
Joy, joy, joy, joy!
God is life. God is joy.
Joy, joy, joy!
Life is God’s: Life is joy.
Joy, joy, joy, joy!

Lift Your Heart in Strength

Lift your heart in strength once more:

Soon your boat will come ashore.

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 Lift Your Hearts

Lift your hearts up to the Lord.

Hallelujah!
Spread the news that He is Joy.
Hallelujah!
Sing in the mountains!
Sing in the meadows!
Sing hallelujah: God is Joy!
Lift your hearts up to the Lord.
Hallelujah!
Spread the news that He is Truth.
Hallelujah!
Sing in the mountains!
Sing in the meadows!
Sing hallelujah: God is Truth!
Lift your hearts up to the Lord.
Hallelujah!
Spread the news that He is Love.
Hallelujah!
Sing in the mountains!
Sing in the meadows!
Sing hallelujah: God is Love!

Lightly I Fly

Lightly I fly when I live in laughter,

Lightly I fly when my heart sings.
Lightly I fly when I live in laughter,
Lightly I fly when my heart sings.
Fling to the ground every heavy burden.
Now I can soar up above the clouds!
Fling to the ground every heavy burden.
Now I can soar up above the clouds!
Lightly I fly when I live in laughter,
Lightly I fly when my heart sings.

The Light That Was Christ

The light that was Christ in darkness did shine:

’Twas the light that formed the heavens;
’Twas the light that shone in the blindest of hearts,
Making clear at last the way to inner peace.
To testify that Christ came from above,

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A messenger of God declared before:
“Fear not, Zacharias, for your wife, though now old,
Shall bear a son who’ll know wisdom’s ways.”
Lo! Zacharias and his wife,
Their wisdom reaped through the years,
Submitted to the will of God,
And became soon thereafter the parents of John.

Little Kathy

Little Kathy went dancing—

Went dancing, went dancing—
Little Kathy went dancing,
Went dancing one day.
She danced out in the garden—
The garden, the garden—
She danced out in the garden,
Her heart was so gay.
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
There she saw a small robin—
Small robin, small robin—
There she saw a small robin,
It sat in a tree.
“Little friend, come and join me—
Come join me, come join me—
Little friend, come and join me,
Come dancing with me!”
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
“I’m afraid I’d look silly—
Look silly, look silly—
I’m afraid I’d look silly,”
The robin said then.

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“For I’m timid and tiny—
And tiny, and tiny—
For I’m timid and tiny,
Birds can’t dance like men.”
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
“But you’ve wings you can fly with—
Can fly with, can fly with—
But you’ve wings you can fly with,
Why strut like a man?
Everyone can do something—
Do something, do something—
Everyone can do something,
It’s part of life’s plan.”
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
“Let’s go call all our neighbors—
Our neighbors, our neighbors—
Let’s go call all our neighbors,
The large and the small.
All the world should be dancing—
Be dancing, be dancing—
All the world should be dancing,
For God made us all!”
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.
Lara la liri,
Oh, lara la lay,
Little Kathy went dancing,
Her heart was so gay.

Living Water

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 Solo:
He, who would slake his thirst
Now, and forever,
Let him not fill his cup
Here, from this well.
From living water,
Sipped in the silence,
In spirit, and in truth,
Break ego’s spell.
Choir:
Though fallen deep in sin,
By men abandoned,
If, longing for His grace,
Truth be your guide:
He can redeem you
From every evil!
Friend, only think of Him.
Walk by His side.

Looking for a Friend

Where are you going, my little one?

“In hope these empty streets I wend;
I’ve seen a star rise in the east,
And I’m looking for a friend.”
Turu, luru lurulay.
Turu, luru lurulay.
Where are you going, good shepherd folk?
“From a lowly valley we ascend.
A wondrous vision sent us here:
We’re looking for a friend.”
Turu, luru lurulay.
Turu, luru lurulay.
You learned men, where are you going?
“Our souls’ long journey we would end;
Therefore we’ve come to Bethlehem:
We’re looking for a friend.”
Turu, lulu lurulay.
Turu, luru lurulay.
Good people, let me come with you.
Perhaps he’s just around this bend,
But whether near or far, I, too,
Have been looking for a friend.
Turu luru lurulay.
Turu luru lurulay.

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 Lord, May We Serve You

Lord, may we serve You all our days,

Ever rejoice to sing Your praise.
As we together Your wisdom seek,
Charge us with truth whene’er we speak.
Lord, may we ever know Your will:
Come to us when our hearts are still.
As we Your guidance with joy receive,
May we, as one, Your bliss achieve.

Love Is a Magician

Love is all I know:

Sunrays on the snow
Of a winter long
In darkness, without song.
Oh, my heart’s afire,
Burning all desire.
Only You remain,
And life again.
Too long I did stray,
Flung lifetimes away,
Imagined You did not care.
I know now Your smile
Was mine all the while.
I listened, and Love was there.
I can’t breathe for love!
All the stars above
Call to me, “Come home!
Life’s waves all end in foam.”
Only Love can heal
All the pain I feel.
What a fool was I
To turn away!

Lullaby

Sleep, my child,
God’s peace attend thee
All this long night.
Harmony and joy befriend thee
All this long night.
Let the light of astral skies

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Brush all darkness from your eyes.
May your thoughts to heaven rise
With lullaby.

Make Us Channels of Thy Peace

Lord most high, our heav’nly Father,

All our lives we dedicate to Thee:
All our labors, all our joys and woes,
All our pleasure, all our melody.
Make us each a channel of Thy peace:
When in darkness, guide us from above.
Where there’s sorrow, may we sow Thy joy.
Where there’s hatred, may we share Thy love.

Mañana, Friends

Mañana, friends, the world will still be there:

A world of suffering, a world of care.
Today we’ll dance and tell the universe
There’s love and song for everyone.
Fling joy, like roses, on the laughing wind;
Send melodies upon the air!
Tell everyone that joy is theirs alone
Who smile at life and call it fair.

The Man That Was Jesus

The man that was Jesus had shown his pure form.
Upon a high mountain he stood,
Transfigured, transfigured,
Transfigured, transfigured in light,
That his chosen might see that he was the Christ.
Ah, hope of all hope! Ah, joy of all joy!
Toward Thee we aspire, who believe in Thy word.

Many Hands Make a Miracle

Many hands make a miracle:

Let’s all join hands together!
Life on earth is so wonderful
When people laugh and dance and struggle as friends,
Then all their dreams achieve their ends.

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Many hands make a miracle:
People climbing together!
Soon we reach to the pinnacle
Of every mountain peak we hazard as one:
We’ll lift our hands to welcome the sun!
Many hands make a miracle:
Let’s all join hands together!
Life on earth is so wonderful
When people laugh and dance and struggle as friends,
Then all their dreams achieve their ends.
Many hands make a miracle:
People climbing together!
Soon we reach to the pinnacle
Of every mountain peak we hazard as one:
We’ll lift our hands to welcome the sun!
We lift our hands to welcome the sun!

Mary and Elizabeth Meet

When God so arranged that this mother to be,

Elizabeth, wisest of souls,
Did meet Virgin Mary, Saint John in her womb
Did stir, for he recognized the Christ.
Elizabeth then bowed, as she knew her babe’s intent,
And sang out in love and great awe:

Melody’s Everywhere

Daddy’s in the garden talking to his roses.

Sally’s in her bedroom combing her hair.
Mommy’s in the kitchen sharing with a neighbor,
Oh, melody sings to us everywhere!
Say, listen to the robin singing from the housetop!
Hear my little kitty romping on the stair!
Listen to our dog, Jim, barking up a pear tree!
Yes, melody sings to us everywhere!
Oho! The wind is calling: hear it in the meadow,
Telling everybody, “Toss away care!”
Hear it: My, it’s happy! Swirling leaves have joined it:
And melody sings to us everywhere!

Memories

Evening—garden—silent fountain,

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Glimm’ring stars in its depths.
A sudden leaf falling toward the water:
Ripples bring memories.
Sunshine—laughter—young folk dreaming
Of a world they would mold.
Each girl a fair muse, each boy a hero:
Ripples bring memories.
Friend, all our lives we spend seeking the stars,
Thinking them almost at hand.
How far must we roam ere our minds turn within?
Ere we at last understand?
Twilight—mist falls—old folk linger,
Dream what they might have done.
Youth’s shining star has become an ember:
Ripples bring memories!

Memories of That Isle

Though I roam
Far from home,
Memories of that isle
Follow me
’Cross the sea,
Songs that soothe ev’ry mile.
Far away
Though I stray,
Memories of those hills—
Gentle rain
Cools my brain,
Frees my heart of its ills.

Mist

Sing of mist on the mountain peaks,

Mist that roams through the valleys deep.
Sing of distance and forest air;
Sing of the sea at evening.

Monasteries

Measured steps going,

Candlelight glowing;
Monks in rows, sighing,
Flickering lights, dying:

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Echoes down the years
Dimly tell of their fears.
Gone, their chants, gone prayers,
Leaving cells barren lairs.
When men’s hearts turn from light,
What is left, but night?
When Thy Truth they profane,
What is left, but pain?
When men’s hearts turn from light,
What is left, but night?
Lord, I pray
That, someday,
Love come back to this land—
That men may understand.

More Boxes? No, Thank You!

(A sailor from England remarked to a foe,

“The reason we win is, We pray ere we go.”
“But we pray as well, and just look at our dead!”
“Ah, but we pray in English,” the Englishman said.)
(I, my, me, mine! I, my, me, mine!
I, my, me, mine! I, my, me, mine!
I, my, me, mine, I, my, me, mine, I, my, me, mine, I, me, mine,
I, my, me, mine, I, my, me, mine, I, my, me, mine, I, me, mine!)
I had a little box when my Lord made me,
And in that little box I did put a tree,
A pony, a teddy bear, a bright green sled:
Everything around me that my eyes did see.
How can a little box ever hold a sled,
A pony, and a tree?—puzzles your poor head?
It can’t, of course, but in a tiny baby’s mind
This whole wide world becomes a little box instead.
Well, as I grew older my box grew, too:
Held airplanes, and ships, and a birch canoe,
And school books, a foreign trip, and college proms.
Good times, and friends aplenty—yes, and also, you!
But somehow in this box would only fit one school,
One family, one country, and one social rule,
And certainly one church, for only my way’s right,
And anyone with other ways is just a fool.
Well, so I used to think, but now I must confess
At judging fools I wasn’t any great success.
Truth somehow lived without me, though I called it mine:

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What box could hold the world?—it’s just preposter-ess!

Mother of Us All

All Your children, Mother, call You—

Knowing not it’s You they call.
Some, through mists of their unknowing,
Bruised and hurting, when they fall,
Turn away. But who can leave you?—
You, the Mother of us all!
If the child forgets its mother,
Will she coldly turn away?
Wise or foolish, we’re Your children:
Guide us, Mother, if we stray!
Those whose hearts are torn with anguish
Lack the pow’r Your name to call!
Heal their wounds, Ma, soothe their sorrows—
You, the Mother of us all!

Mother of Wisdom

Mother of wisdom, mercy, and grace:

Grant us Thy vision, grant us Thy peace!
Our love receive, though blindly we pray!
Silently guide our thoughts when we stray!
How many years, so proud of our wisdom,
Turning from God, we’ve wandered alone!
So many years we’ve boasted but madness!
Now our souls call Thee: Make us Thy own!

Move, All You Mountains

Move, all you mountains that stand in my way:

Nothing can stop my progress!
Move, all you mountains that stand in my way:
Nothing can stop my progress!
Tall trees, fall aside!
Every bramble I slash with the sword of freedom.
Tall trees, fall aside!
Every bramble I slash with the sword of freedom.

The Non-Blues

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(Spoken: What’m Ah doin’, hangin’ out in this cellar?
It’s like this: Ah’m composin’ a blue!
No, it ain’t the blues, ’cause it’s only one—
An’ brother, one’s all Ah can do!)
Ah’m a-hangin’ mah haid like Ah oughta—
(Spoken parenthetically: How’s this? Have Ah got the hang of it?)
Mah chair is a case of gin,
An’ mah mouth Ah have drooped like a Saint Bernard
Till its corners are touchin’ mah chin.
You may ask, “Why ya feelin’ so blue?”
Well, Ah ain’t; Ah jus’ thought Ah should try,
’Cause some feller said, “All those songs o’ yours
Ain’t fer real: they don’t make no one cry!”
So Ah thought, Let’s jus’ find me some cellar,
For the only way to feel blue
Is, forget the sun, an’ pretend the world
Is as dark as a fireplace flue.
(Spoken: Oh, that’s realism, yeah! Love that gutter!
Yet, Ah wonder if we ain’t been misled.
How much reality can a man see, anyway,
When he sits all day, hangin’ his head?)
Now, it ain’t that Ah don’t know what grief is;
This ol’ heart has had its full share!
But grief’s one thing, an’ complainin’ another:
Why multiply grief with despair?
For Ah find that this whole world around me,
Like a mirror upon the wall,
Smiles back when Ah smile, looks blue when Ah’m blue,
An’ that blue shade Ah don’t like at all!
So Ah’m goin’ back to mah bad ol’ haunts!
Mah time here is almost done.
The fact is, feller, Ah can’t stand this cellar;
Ah jus’ gotta get out in the sun!

Of His Dreams Our Love Was Made

God is our father, our mother, too;

God is our dearest treasure.
God’s ever near, the one friend who
Loves us without any measure.
Of His dreams our love was made.
Only from Him is love repaid.
Let us in gladness all live for Him;
Serve Him in every season.

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Serve Him with thought, with hand and limb;
Love Him without any reason.
God befriends us as we are:
Fools we, that hold His love afar!

O Master!
(Melody by Mukti LaMar. Words by Swami and Mukti.)

O Master, may thy joy fill our days.

O Master, may thy wisdom guide our ways.
The time has come for us to see
That there’s but one reality
Upon the earth, and high above:
The truth that all was made from love.
A love that calls to us to fly
Above the hills, above the sky,
Above the storms, above the pain:
A land where peace and laughter reign.
O Master, may thy joy fill our days.
O Master, may thy wisdom guide our ways.
Guide all our hopes and all our dreams
Past every glow that only seems,
Into the light, the inner sun,
Into the truth that we’re all one.
Help us to find, in every hour,
In every thought, in every flower,
A joy that spans eternity,
The truth that makes us ever free!
O Master, may thy joy fill our days.
O Master, may thy wisdom guide our ways.

O Mistress Mine
(William Shakespeare, “Twelfth Night”)

O mistress mine! Where are you roaming?

Oh! stay and hear; your true love’s coming,
That can sing both high and low.
Trip no further, pretty sweeting;
Journeys end in lovers meeting,
Ev’ry wise man’s son doth know,
Ev’ry wise man’s son doth know.
What is love? ’tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;

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What’s to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies no plenty;
Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth’s a stuff will not endure.
Youth’s a stuff will not endure.

One Day When I Was Walking

One day, when I was walking

Alone across the lea,
I thought I heard a sad, sweet voice
Declare these words to me—
Declare these words to me.
Young man, where are you roaming
Across this barren land?
The flowers are dead, the brittle trees
Are dying on ev’ry hand—
Are dying on ev’ry hand.
The grass, it has been eaten,
The cattle hang their heads;
It’s many a day in the ruthless sun
Since they were lastly fed—
Since they were lastly fed.
The farmer, he sits weeping.
A life of dreams has sped.
His true love shared it to the end.
Now their dog howls by her bed—
Their dog howls by her bed.
Young man, go to the farmer.
Gaze deep into his eyes.
Read there the dreams that filled his heart,
And killed his happiness—
And killed his happiness.
For life he thought these meadows
Would give to be his own;
But life he gave not first to them,
And life he’s never known—
And life he’s never known.
For peace he thought these meadows
Would give to be his own;
But peace he gave not first to them,
And peace he’s never known—
And peace he’s never known.
For joy he thought these meadows

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 Would give to be his own;
But joy he gave not first to them,
And joy he’s never known—
And joy he’s never known.

Palm Sunday

Sing out Hosanna

To the son of David!
Blest he that cometh
In the name of God!
Sing out Hosanna
In the highest!
Sing Hosanna
To the Lord!

Peace

Peace gave us the mountains.

Peace gave us the sky.
Nightly, when starlight enfolds us,
Peace is its lullaby.
Amen. Amen.
Peace gave us the morning.
Peace gave us the sun;
Bird songs that call us to welcome
Day, and fresh labors begun.
Amen. Amen.
Peace gave us the seasons.
Peace gave us the rain—
Cool clouds that gather to bless us,
Mist hands that soothe away pain.
Amen. Amen.
Peace gave us our hearts’ love.
Peace gave us our smiles:
Rays of God’s presence within us.
Light that all strife reconciles.
Amen. Amen.

The Philosopher and the Boatman

(Intro: The way to perfection is narrow and steep.

The bypaths are many, the pitfalls are deep.
By theory alone many think to arrive:

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Here’s one who could teach them—if he were alive!)
A philosopher stepped into a boat,
The river to cross would he.
So learned was he, he thought no man
Could be half so clever as he.
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
To the boatman he said, “Good man, pray tell,
Of the German philosophers three—
Schopenhauer, Hegel, und weighty Kant—
Whom you deem the wisest to be?”
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
“Please excuse me, sir,” the boatman said,
“I’ve not read your philosophers three.
All day I’m obliged to ply these oars,
To support my family and me.”
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
“In that case, my good man, your wretched life
Is as good as a quarter lost!
Why, without the writings of those three men,
Not a shelf of books would I trust!”
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
“Now then, tell me, good man,” the scholar said,
“Have you studied the Frenchman, Descartes?”
“I’ve told you before,” the other cried,
“I’m unschooled. Hard work is my ‘art’!”
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
“Hard work! What a waste! Sad, foolish man,
Half your life has been thrown away!
Yet—still a fragment might be redeemed:

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 Memorize one theory a day!”
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Of a sudden a storm, with raging might,
Did lash that river to foam;
Like a drifting petal it tossed their boat
Till it seemed they’d never get home!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Then the boatman cried, “My learned sir,
Our chances are growing dim!
Two questions you’ve asked me so far this trip;
Now I’ll ask you one: Can you swim?”
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
“I can’t swim a stroke!” the philosopher cried,
As he clung in despair to an oar.
“Then the whole of your life is lost, my friend.
You’ll not need those books anymore!”
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a mighty scholar was he!
The boatman regrets to say his fare
Never reached the opposite bank.
All that pond’rous learning inside his head
Gave him weight, you see, and he sank!
Chorus to last stanza:
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a weighty scholar was he!
Singing wise, oh, with his books, oh,
Such a weighty scholar was he!

Praise Ye the Lord

Praise ye the Lord, all creatures:

He who did make the mountains!
He who did make the woods and fields,

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He who made the sky!
Praise Him who gave us gladness!
Praise Him who fills our hearts with song!
Praise Him who lifts their notes on high,
There where earthly hopes belong!
Praise ye the Lord, all creatures:
He who did make the seasons!
He who did make the hush of night!
He who made the sun!
Praise Him, who gave us laughter!
Praise Him who taught our hearts to love!
Praise Him and thank Him, ev’ryone:
Seek Him in His light above!

Prayer Before Meals

Receive, Lord, in Thy light

The food we eat, for it is Thine.
Infuse it with Thy love,
Thy energy, Thy life divine.

Psalm of David

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

From whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
Who made the heavens and the earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:
He that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, He that keepeth Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper:
The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:
He shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out
And thy coming in from this time forth—
And even forevermore.

Ra Ma

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Ra Ma, Ra Ma,
Ra Ma-a Ra.

Rama and Sita

Rama was a ruler’s son—

Long ago! Long ago!
Sita was his wife so fair.
Truly she his life did share,
Though much suffering she won—
Long ago! Long ago!
Ram, O Sita Ram!
Rama’s father banished him—
Far from home! Far from home!—
All alone the woods to roam:
Sita gladly shared his doom.
Thus his sorrows soon grew dim—
Far from home; far from home!
Ram, O Sita Ram!
Homeless wanderers were they—
Many years! Many years!
Raised in silk, in marble halls,
Now they slept by waterfalls.
For their bed they gathered hay—
Many years! Many years!
Ram, O Sita Ram!
One day came an evil man—
Woe the hour! Woe the hour!
Stole Ram’s wife while Ram was gone.
Carried her to his own home:
Thus her soul’s dark night began.
Woe the hour! Woe the hour!
Ram, O Sita Ram!
True was she, though sorely pressed—
Rama’s wife! Rama’s wife!
Long she spurned the stranger’s pleas.
Harsh she called his life of ease:
Only tested love is blessed.
Rama’s wife! Rama’s wife!
Ram, O Sita Ram!
Ram at last did win her back—
Sorrows fled! Sorrows fled!
Soon they to their palace went,

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 Ended now Ram’s banishment.
Ended all their years of lack!
Sorrows fled! Sorrows fled!
Ram, O Sita Ram!
But for Ram and Sita true—
Long ago! Long ago!—
Love was all their riches still.
Palace gold could never fill
Hearts that heaven’s laughter knew.
Long ago! Long ago!
Ram, O Sita Ram!

Rise in Freedom

Nothing on earth can hold me;

Rise, O my soul, in freedom.
Nothing on earth can hold me;
Rise, O my soul, in freedom.
Rise, O my soul, in freedom:
Nothing to fear anymore.
Rise, O my soul, in freedom:
Nothing to fear anymore.

Rubaiyat Quatrains
(a small selection)

Quatrain 1
AWAKE! for Morning in the Bowl of Night
Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to Flight:
And Lo! the Hunter of the East has caught
The Sultan’s Turret in a Noose of Light.
Quatrain 2
Dreaming when Dawn’s Left Hand was in the Sky,
I heard a Voice within the Tavern cry,
“Awake, my Little ones, and fill the Cup
Before Life’s Liquor in its Cup be dry.”
Quatrain 14
The Worldly Hope men set their Hearts upon
Turns Ashes—or it prospers; and anon,
Like Snow upon the Desert’s dusty Face
Lighting a little Hour or two—is gone.
Quatrain 31
Up from Earth’s Centre through the Seventh Gate

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 I rose, and on the Throne of Saturn sate,
And many Knots unravel’d by the Road;
But not the Knot of Human Death and Fate.
Quatrain 51
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.
Quatrain 74
Ah, Moon of my Delight who know’st no wane,
The Moon of Heav’n is rising once again:
How oft hereafter rising shall she look
Through this same Garden after me—in vain!
Quatrain 75
And when Thyself with shining Foot shall pass
Among the Guests Star-scatter’d on the Grass,
And in thy joyous Errand reach the Spot
Where I made one—turn down an empty Glass!

Sail with Me to Capri

Sail with me to Capri: island melody;

Mist upon the mountain; sunlight on the sea.
Sail with me to Capri: fairest isle I know;
Leave the cities’ madness; world of pain and woe.
Daily we’ll wake up singing, eager to greet the day;
Smile on friend and stranger, dance all our cares away!
Swim in the Blue Grotto, silver on our skin;
Find the key to freedom: happiness within.

Say “Thank You”

If you want to sing as the birdies sing,

Sing as the birdies sing,
Sing as the birdies sing,
If you want to sing as the birdies sing,
Look at the world: say “Thank you.”
. . . Dance as the rabbits dance
. . . Fly like the butterflies
. . . Flow as the river flows

The Secret of Laughter

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The secret of laughter lies in the laughing,
Not in the search for joy:
It’s a swallow winging on the wind!
It’s innocence in a boy.
Luru luru lero,
Luru luru lye!
Joy will come to anyone
Whose heart has learned to fly!
Joy in the singing, not in the song sung,
Welcome, but never crave:
If you think that laughter lies in things,
To things you’ll be but a slave!
Luru luru lero,
Luru luru lye!
Joy will come to anyone
Whose heart has learned to fly!
Joy in the giving, not in the gaining:
Grasp, and you’ll never sing—
You could win the world and still be poor;
Win peace, and live like a king!
Luru luru lero,
Luru luru lye!
Joy will come to anyone
Whose heart has learned to fly!
Sing when the sun shines, sing when the rain falls,
Sing when your road seems strange.
In a tempest, seize the lightning flash,
And ride the winds of change!
Luru luru lero,
Luru luru lye!
Joy will come to anyone
Whose heart has learned to fly!

The Shawl of Gold

A poor little girl walking in the cold,

Her clothing all tattered and thin,
Spied a rich man standing outside a church—
Outside a church, outside a church—
Spied a rich man standing outside a church,
The service about to begin.
“Please, sir,” she said, “hear an orphan child:
The cold winds of winter have come.
I’ve no place to live, not in all the world!

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 Oh, help me find work in some home!”
The rich man frowned: “Don’t you hear that hymn?
Good people have gathered in prayer.
It’s a day for worship, impious girl—
Impious girl, oh, impious girl!—
It’s a day for worship, impious girl!
Don’t speak here of earthly affairs!”
He turned, then, and entered the holy church.
The girl wandered down the cold street.
And there all at once she beheld a small boy,
No jacket, no shoes for his feet.
His clothing was shabby, as worn as her own.
He shivered against a closed door.
“Ah, alas!” he cried, “none will take me in—
Take me in, none will take me in!—
Ah, alas!” he cried, “none will take me in,
Though I’m starving and cold, for I’m poor!”
Seeing him, she cried, “How I feel for you!
It’s bitter with no friends to live!
Here, please take my shawl: it’s all I can spare,
Though it’s shameful so little to give!”
She wrapped him all up in the flimsy cloth,
And kissed his cold forehead, and smiled.
Suddenly a warmth, like a summer breeze—
Summer breeze, like a summer breeze—
Suddenly a warmth, like a summer breeze,
Encircled this poor girl and child.
And a tender voice said, “My daughter, I’m here.
No more shall you weep without friends!
For in yonder church there’s no love like yours!
Those with pure hearts, their needs I attend.
“My child, all men’s sorrows would turn to joy,
If they knew that to share is no loss.
For it’s kindness broadens the human heart—
Human heart, the human heart—
For it’s kindness broadens the human heart:
I know, I who died on the cross!
“Worship means but love, and My love you’ve found
By your gift to Me here in the cold.”
And she found their clothes were now woolen and warm,
And the shawl was now spun of fine gold.

Shepherds, Awake!

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When in Bethlehem Jesus was born,
The angels did herald the news.
To shepherds that slept upon a wintry field,
They sang: “Awake in the Lord!”

Sing in the Meadows

Sing in the meadows and ev’rywhere:

Sing out a blessing to ev’ryone!
Lift up your voices, lift your hands on high.
Sing and the battle is won.

Sing Out with Joy!

Sing out! Sing out with joy!

God’s light has descended!
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
All our nights have ended.
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
God’s light has descended!
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
All our nights have ended.
Sing on ev’ry mountain!
Oh, sing in ev’ry valley!
Sing within your soul
That you live in the Lord!
Sing on ev’ry mountain!
Oh, sing in ev’ry valley!
Sing within your soul
That you live in the Lord!
Sing, sing, sing out with joy!
God’s light has descended!
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
All our nights have ended.
Sing out, all people,
Sing to the Lord!
Sing, sing out with joy,
We live in the Lord!
Sing on the mountains!
Sing on the plains!
Fill your heart with gladness,
For Jesus has come!
All you who labor,
All you who sorrow,

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Know that the Savior
Awaits but your love!
Joy on every mountain!
Joy in every valley!
Joy has come to earth:
Welcome Christ in your soul.
Joy in every meadow,
Joy in every home!
Joy will come to you
Once you live in the Lord!
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
God’s light has descended!
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
All our nights have ended.
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
God’s light has descended!
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
All our nights have ended.

Sing Out with Joy! (for the Festival of Light)

Sing out, sing out with joy:

God’s light has descended!
Sing out, sing out with joy!
All our nights have ended!
Light on ev’ry mountain,
Oh, light in ev’ry valley,
Light from all the Masters:
We live in the Lord.
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
God’s light has descended!
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
All our nights have ended.
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
God’s light has descended!
Sing out! Sing out with joy!
All our nights have ended.

Sleep Is Calling [a children’s lullaby]

Sleep is calling, fly up high!

Be a cloud moving in the sky!
Sail above the winding rivers.
Ask the stars, “What am I?”

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 Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby.
Sleep is calling, soar in light.
Be a star shining through the night.
Tell all creatures that you love them.
Tell the shadows, “Be bright!”
Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby.

Someday

Someday, friend, we’ll all be free:

Loose these chains, someday!
When the hidden light we see,
Veiled within earth’s clay.
He alone is a prisoner
Whose thoughts have been bound.
He alone can escape this cage
Who wisdom has found.
Someday, friend, the darkness will flee:
God will be ours someday!

Song of Mary Magdalene

I am Thine,
Thou art mine—
Hand in hand forever!
Loving Thee
I live free—
Dancing in Thy light.
Naught that I was remains.
Gone is the night!
Now I rest,
Ever blessed,
Fed by Thy sight!
I am Thine!
Thou art mine!
Hand in hand forever!
Thine, Thine, I am Thine,
I am Thine forever!
I am Thine, Thou art mine,
Hand in hand forever!

Song of the Nightingale

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Nightingale! Nightingale!
Sing of joy through the night.
Teach my heart
To impart
Ev’rywhere your delight.
Sing of moonrays on the rain.
Sing that love’s not in vain.
Ev’ry grief, ev’ry wrong
Has its ending in song.
Nightingale! Nightingale!
Sing of joy through the night.
Teach all men
How to spin
Clouds of gloom into light.
Without silence, what is song?
Without night, where is dawn?
Were it not for men’s woes,
Who would smile at a rose?
Nightingale! Nightingale!
Sing of joy through the night.
Let each tone,
Silence-grown,
Earth and heaven unite.
Morning laughter, evening tears,
Snow and blossoms—all fade!
Joy must sing in the night
To face change unafraid.

The Sorrow of Jesus

The sorrow of Jesus was not for himself.

He griev’d for God’s love, which, eternally giv’n,
Is spurn’d by God’s children, lost in forests of pride.

The Soul’s Cry to God

(Divine Romance, 3rd movement)

Lord, I long to see thee!

Lord, I long to see thee!
Lord, I long to see thee!
Lord, I long to see!

Spring Song
(William Shakespeare, “Winter’s Tale”)

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When daffodils begin to peer,
With heigh! With heigh!
With heigh! the doxy over the dale,
Why, then comes in the sweet o’ the year;
For the red blood reigns in the winter’s pale.
The white sheet bleaching on the hedge,
With heigh! With heigh!
With heigh! the sweet birds, Oh, how they sing,
Doth set my pugging tooth on edge;
For a quart of ale is a dish for a king.
The lark that tiralira chants,
With heigh! With heigh!
With heigh! with heigh! the thrush and the jay,
Are summer songs for me and my aunts,
As we lie tumbling in the hay.

Springtime in Romania

Springtime in Romania!
Gay songs under trees;
Bright flowers in the meadows:
Sunlit memories.
Shepherds’ flutes still echo
Down the twisting years.
Gypsy violins still play:
Laughter tinged with tears!
Still the soft notes linger
In the fading light,
Touching hearts with sadness:
Dewdrops in the night!

The Temptation of Christ

Bass (Satan):
“Behold all the wonders God’s grace can bestow:
If you but reclaim what you’ve given.
Why not ask of God any wonder you crave?
Worship me to satisfy all human needs.
Dominion now over all this noble earth!
All I ask of you is: Worship me!”
Tenor (Jesus):
“Get thee behind me,” Jesus declared.
“Satan, know you not our Father offers love in your stead?
His gift of love to all is my only food;

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He is all I own. What does man need, but Him?”
Alto:
Then the darkness lifted: Love destroyed Satan’s power.
Then at last the Savior could begin bringing all to God.
Soprano:
For he taught them in freedom, wanting naught in return.
All he offered was perfect peace, perfect freedom of soul.
Tenor:
“God is all I love: He is all there is!
Wise is he who says, ‘I am wholly His!’”
Bass:
“God is all I fear! Lo! my throne of pow’r,
Shaken by His love, Was destroyed in that hour!”
Soprano, Alto:
Throughout all the world a new spirit was born.
Jesus brought to men’s hearts hope for those steeped in sin.

Thank You, God, for the Sun

Thank you, God, for the light of the sun.

Thank you, God, for the rainbow.
Thank you, God, for this day begun.
Thank you, God, for the sun.
Thank you, God, for the bright summer flowers.
Thank you, God, for the green fields.
Thank you, God, for these wakeful hours.
Thank you, God, for the flowers.
Thank you, God, for the smile of Your love.
Thank you, God, for our gladness.
Thank you, God, for the stars above.
Thank you, God, for Your love.

That Night When Christ Was Born

Once there lived a tiny nightingale

In the ancient land of Israel.
Not a note he ever sang until
That night when Christ was born.
That night! That night!
No song he did sing,
So wise men tell,
Till that night when Christ was born.

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On that night he came upon a field;
There a band of shepherds to sleep did yield,
For none knew what wonders the dark concealed,
That night when Christ was born.
That night! That night!
No song he did sing,
So wise men tell,
Till that night when Christ was born.
Suddenly an angel host appeared,
With their songs the solemn darkness cleared,
And the shepherds awoke, God’s host revered,
That night when Christ was born.
That night! That night!
No song he did sing,
So wise men tell,
Till that night when Christ was born.
Then the nightingale did fly up high
Till he joined the angels in the sky;
In his joy he opened his beak to cry,
That night when Christ was born.
That night! That night!
No song he did sing,
So wise men tell,
Till that night when Christ was born.
As he tried to chirp that holy name
Suddenly his voice in music came,
And with angel choirs he did proclaim
That night when Christ was born.
That night! That night!
No song he did sing,
So wise men tell,
Till that night when Christ was born.
Ever since that night, the nightingale
Every heart with music does regale,
And his favorite song, it is the tale
Of that night when Christ was born.
That night! That night!
No song he did sing,
So wise men tell,
Till that night when Christ was born.
Then let us, if we would sweetly sing,
Join the angels praising Christ the king,
That they to our hearts once more may bring
That night when Christ was born.

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 Chorus for last verse only:
That night! That night!
No song we can sing,
So wise men tell,
Till that night when Christ is born.

There’s Joy in the Heavens

There’s joy in the heavens!

A smile on the mountains!
And melody sings everywhere!
The flowers are all laughing
To welcome the morning:
Your soul is as free as the air!
Leave home in the sunshine,
Dance through a meadow—
Or sit by a stream and just BE.
The lilt of the water
Will gather your worries
And carry them down to the sea.
Men hunger for freedom,
But don’t see their dungeon
Is only the thought that they’re bound!
Desires are their shackles:
The hope that tomorrow
The doorway to joy will be found.
There’s joy all around us!
Why wait till tomorrow?
We’ve only this moment to live.
A heaven within us
Is ours for the finding,
A freedom no riches can give!
There’s joy in the heavens!
A smile on the mountains!
And melody sings everywhere!
The flowers are all laughing
To welcome the morning:
Your soul is as free as the air!

This Is My Son

“This is My son, in whom I am well pleased.

Naught of himself remains, Naught but the true light!
Heed well his words. The way he shows is My way.
All who would find the truth: walk where he leads.”

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 Three Wise Men

Then three wise men came from afar,

Guided by the heavenly star.
Christ, the light of God, had descended,
That, receiving him, all might be saved.
Thus, the promise of God was maintained;
Thus, all true souls were called to the light,
That their darkness be lifted, that their hearts be made whole!
When Mary’s babe smiled, he conveyed truth and grace.
That their darkness be lifted, that their hearts be made whole!
Then three wise men came from afar,
Guided by a heavenly star.
Christ, the light of God, had descended.
Christ, the light of God, had come,
That, receiving him, that, receiving him,
All might be saved, all might be saved.
Three wise men came, guided by a star,
To do honor and welcome the Christ born on earth.

Through All Trials

Through all trials we sing Thy name.

Joy in Thee is life’s sole aim.

Through a Long and Lonely Night

Through a long and lonely night

I’ve whispered Your name!
Through the pains and joys of life
My plea stays the same:
Tempt me no longer.
This world’s not for me!
I have known all its charms—
Fold me now in Your arms:
Make me free!
Lifetimes have passed! I’ve called out to You
Through hope and despair.
Lifetimes I’ve known the goals that I sought
Awaited nowhere!
Help me remember
There’s one goal alone!
All I am is Yours!
All I’ve done is Yours!

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 I’m Your own.

Through Many Lives

Through many lives I’ve drunk the cup of laughter:

No man could tell the pleasures I have known.
The stars in the endless sky,
If one could count, would come to billions.
Yet as vast as are their numbers,
So many years I’ve wandered far from You.
Through many lives I’ve drunk the cup of sorrow.
No man could tell the bitter tears I’ve shed.
The drops in the endless sea,
If one could count, would come to billions.
Yet as vast as are their numbers,
So many years I’ve wandered far from You.
Through countless lives I’ve sought Your cup of sweetness,
Found other cups, yet thirsted evermore!
The streams in the hills of time
All found their way into a desert:
Ev’ry noon of bright fulfillment
Ere many hours did sink to evening gloom.
I long for You in summer and in winter,
Only for You my heart thirsts day and night!
I’ve learned that the sweetest songs
Ears ever heard were but Your echo.
Lord, at last fill me completely,
For nevermore I’d wander far from You!

The Thunder of AUM

This song is part of Ananda’s Festival of Light. Someone from Hollywood wanted to
make the music the theme song of a cowboy movie! What a desecration that would have
been!
AUM! AUM! AUM! AUM!
Out of the silence came the song of creation.
Out of the darkness came the light.
Out of the darkness, out of the silence
Thundered the Cosmic Sound, Amen!
Out of the darkness, out of the silence
Thundered the Cosmic Sound, AUM!
AUM! AUM! AUM! AUM!
Gone is our bondage with the dawn of new freedom!
Gone is delusion in the light!

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“Gone is delusion! Gone is your bondage!”
Thunders the Cosmic Sound, Amen!
“Gone is delusion! Gone is your bondage!”
Thunders the Cosmic Sound, AUM!

Thy Light Within Us Shining

Thy light within us shining

Has shown where freedom lies:
From earthly walls confining
To soar in Spirit’s skies.
How oft, like sheep, we’ve strayed apart!
Now, guided by Thy ray,
In inner freedom of the heart
Our night has turned to day!

Thy Will Be Done

Thy will, Thy will,

Thy will be done!
All that I am is Thine,
All that I am.
Nothing of man endures,
Wonder or scorn.
Birth, life, and death are one:
Veils of Thy love.
Thy will, Thy will,
Thy will alone!
All that I’ve done is Thine,
All that I’ve done!

To Death I’m a Stranger

To death I’m a stranger,

Poor youth that I am!
What destiny bears me
Hence to that shore?
The chalice of life,
Scarce sipped at the brim,
Has slipped from my grasp
And stains the dark floor.
Has life any meaning?
The grail that men seek
Has never been found

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On earth.
The “fountain of youth”—
Ah, only a myth!
None who ever roamed
Far in search of it
Ever found what he sought.
Yet, see how the night sky,
Which banishes the sun,
Is banished in time by the dawn!
Death comes like a gypsy
Who camps on the way;
At dawn, his dark caravan’s gone.
To death I’m a stranger.
Yet, strangest of all,
The stranger I feared
Is a stranger no more!
The shadow I feared
But hides from the sun!
In death there is peace
On God’s infinite shore!

To Jordan Came Jesus

To Jordan came Jesus to be baptized by John.

When John did demur, Jesus said:
“It is right that I came thus to honor God’s law,
For our Father wills it so.”
When he came from the river, a voice from above
Did declare so all heard it, “Lo, this is My son!”

To Mary There Came

To Mary there came an angel of light

Who announced the will of the Lord.
Her purity blessed mankind with new life:
Through Mary the light descended.
O God of peace! O God of joy!
May our souls find their freedom in Thee!

To Souls That Were Fallen

To souls that were fallen,

He spoke of God’s love,
And coaxed them with kindness
To turn back again.

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“Forsake,” he said,
“The fulfillments of earth,
For the comfort they bring you lasts hardly an hour.”

Two Souls

Two souls were conceived

At night,
Ere stars in the sky
Gave light—
Ere planets were born,
Ere hearts could know scorn,
Together, they danced in
God’s sight.
Up pathways of radiance
They flew—
Before them, bright stars
They strew.
Deep seas and vast plains,
Men’s joys, and men’s pains—
All these, in perfection
They knew.
Their love called them down from
The skies,
To live here on earth in
Disguise:
They seemed mortal, now,
Yet, rememb’ring their vow,
They ever maintained their
Soul ties.

Under the Greenwood Tree

(William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”)

Under the greenwood tree,

Greenwood tree, greenwood tree,
Who loves to lie with me,
Under the greenwood tree.
And turn his merry note
Unto the sweet bird’s throat,
Come hither, come hither,
Come hither:
Here shall he see
No enemy
But winter and rough weather.
Who doth ambition shun,

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Ambition shun, ambition shun,
Who doth ambition shun
And loves to live i’ the sun,
Seeking the food he eats,
And pleased with what he gets,
Come hither, come hither,
Come hither:
Here shall he see
No enemy
But winter and rough weather.

Walk like a Man

Walk like a man, even though you walk alone.

Why court approval, once the road is known?
Let come who will, but if they all turn home,
The goal still awaits you: Go on alone!
Follow your dream, though it lead to worlds unknown.
Life’s but a shadow, once our dreams have flown!
What if men cry, “Your dream is not our own”?
Your soul knows the answer: Go on alone!
Give life your heart! Bless everything that’s grown!
Fear not the loving! All this world’s your own.
Make rich the soil, but once the seed is sown,
Seek freedom, don’t linger: Go on alone!
Walk like a man, even though you walk alone.
Why court approval, once the road is known?
Let come who will, but if they all turn home,
The goal still awaits you: Go on alone!

Introduction to the Waltz

Men:
I love a little girl!
I love a little girl!
I love a little girl!
Where can SHE BE?
My dainty little girl!
My dainty little girl!
My dainty little girl!
Come closer TO ME!
Women:
I’m so dainty that I’m faintly—
Oh, so faintly—terrified.

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What will happen if I happen
To come stand by YOUR SIDE?
Men:
Why—
We’ll dance, my little girl!
We’ll dance, my little girl!
We’ll dance, my little girl!
Come dancing WITH ME!

Wartime Lullaby

Lullaby, my sweet baby, lullay, lullay,

Angel voices sing peace on the wind,
And though men cry with sorrows,
God’s silence within
Speaks of realms that no tears ever stained.
Beauty, men say, is a dream never known;
Shadow to them is a light.
But their gloom is a cry of a lost innocence.
Sleep sweetly with God through the night.
Lullaby, my sweet baby, lullay, lullay,
Mountain flow’rs are not frightened to bloom.
And though men spread destruction,
Life rises again
With a smile for the pull of the tomb.
Mercy still sings, though men’s leaders cry hate.
Peace is still loved, though they fight.
Bombs have never extinguished the candle of hope.
Sleep sweetly with God through the night.

Welcome
(to be sung by children at baptism ceremonies)

Friend, we bid you welcome,

Welcome, welcome!
All that we learn we’ll share with you:
That way we’ll grow together.
All that we learn we’ll share with you:
That way we’ll grow together.

Well Done, Lord!

(In India there lived, by the banks of a stream,

A hermit whose prayers chose applause for their theme.

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He gazed at the flowers, and he smiled at the sun—
Then he clapped with delight: “Lord,” he cried, “Oh, well done!”)
Well done, Lord! Oh, very well done!
The mountains that laugh with the gypsy clouds!
The fields smile to welcome the sun;
All Nature sings praises aloud.
The fields smile to welcome the sun;
All Nature sings praises aloud.
The trees dance to show their elation!
A day on God’s earth has begun!
And every true heart in Creation
In speechless wonder is bowed.
And every true heart in Creation
In speechless wonder is bowed.
Well done, Lord! Oh, very well done!
The joy that You’ve planted in children’s hearts!
The thrill known in bearing a son;
The hope when a trial departs.
The thrill known in bearing a son;
The hope when a trial departs.
The gladness of men in their neighbors!
Of youth, in its victories won!
Our joys are the proof of Your labors:
How wonderful, Lord, are Your arts!
Our joys are the proof of Your labors:
How wonderful, Lord, are Your arts!
Well done, Lord! Oh, very well done!
At last I’ve discovered the mystic key:
The world’s joy, O Secretive One!
Replies to Your sweetness in me.
The world’s joy, O Secretive One!
Replies to Your sweetness in me.
For here in my heart lies the answer:
Your love, shedding light like the sun!
All life seems to leap like a dancer
When, gazing, I see only Thee!
All life seems to leap like a dancer
When, gazing, I see only Thee!

What Is It For?

What is it for,
Walking alone, alone?
What is it for,
Walking alone?

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 Must our paths ever be
Like the winds on the sea,
Oh—walking alone?
What is it for,
Singing alone, alone?
What is it for,
Singing alone?
Must our songs ever be
Like the winds on the sea,
Oh—singing alone?
What is it for,
Laughing alone, alone?
What is it for,
Laughing alone?
Must our joys ever be
Like the winds on the sea,
Oh—laughing alone?
What is it for,
Living alone, alone?
What is it for,
Living alone?
Must our lives ever be
Like the winds on the sea,
Oh—living alone?

What Is Love?

What is love? Is it only ours?

Or does love whisper in the flowers?
Surely we, children of this world,
Could not love by our own powers.
What is joy? Is it just a dream?
Or does joy laugh in ev’ry stream?
Are the clouds mindless after all?
Or is joy all Nature’s theme?
“God is dead”—so men say:
Can’t they see all life’s His play?
Not a church binds Him as its own.
Not a creed makes Him fully known.
Foolish we, if we limit Him:
Ev’ry atom is His throne.
What is love? Is it only ours?
Or does love whisper in the flowers?
Surely we, children of this world,
Could not love by our own powers.

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What is love? What is love?
Is it love we touch in the flowers?

When Human Hopes

When human hopes toward Thee aspire,

Dark woods of grief are set afire!
Beyond all reach of earthly skill:
Thy love alone our hearts can fill.
Christ’s light that shone on earth from heaven
Opened for us the inner door.
To all who love, the gift is given:
Joy and freedom evermore!

When I Was a Boy

(William Shakespeare, “Twelfth Night”)

When that I was and a little tiny boy,

With hey, ho, the wind and the rain;
A foolish thing was but a toy,
For the rain it raineth every day,
For the rain it raineth every day.
But when I came to man’s estate,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain;
’Gainst knaves and thieves men shut their gates,
For the rain it raineth every day,
For the rain it raineth every day.
But when I came, alas! to wive,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain;
By swaggering could I never thrive,
For the rain it raineth every day,
For the rain it raineth every day.
But when I came unto my beds,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain;
With tosspots still had drunken heads,
For the rain it raineth every day,
For the rain it raineth every day.
A great while ago the world begun,
With hey, ho, the wind and the rain;
But that’s all one, our play is done,
And we’ll strive to please you every day.
And we’ll strive to please you every day.

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 When You Come from Napoli

When you come from Napoli,

La la la la, la la la
Life is long and joy is free,
La la la la
Chorus: La la la, etc.
Can’t you hear this music say,
La la la la, la la la
Dance your troubles all away,
La la la la
Chorus: La la la, etc.
When you come to Napoli,
La la la la, la la la
Sing this happy song with me,
la la la la
Chorus: La la la, etc.

And here are the Italian lyrics:

Sono qui da Napoli,
La la la la la la la,
Cantano con gioia lì,
La la la la.
Chorus: La la la, etc.
Ogni sguardo, ogni fior,
La la la la la la la,
Lì ci parla dell’amor,
La la la la.
Chorus: La la la, etc.
Canta anche tu con me,
La la la la la la la,
Manda i guai lontan da te,
La la la la.
Chorus: La la la, etc.

Where Has My Love Gone?

(A mystical love song)

Where has my love gone?

Long are the nights,
Now that she’s left me,
Dimmed my delights.

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Where is my love, friend?
Passed she this way?
Saw you her smile?
Ah! What did she say?
Ah! Passed she here?
My sweetheart, passed she here?
Sweet was her promise
When first we met;
Whispers of heaven
Made me forget
Heartaches and labors,
Earth-searing pain.
“Rest now,” she said,
“You’ve found love again.”
Ah! Passed she here?
My sweetheart, passed she here?
Surely she lied not.
Heaven did shine,
Piercing the darkness:
Love then was mine!
Could she not linger?
Must even she
Rise and depart
Like mist on the sea?
Ah! Passed she here?
My sweetheart, passed she here?
Life’s made of dreams, friend:
Dreams that must break,
Quickly dispersing
When we awake—
Strange, that when love calls
Memory stays,
Crying across
The tides of our days!
Ah! Passed she here?
My sweetheart, passed she here?
There by my bed
She left me a note.
Can you explain
These words that she wrote?
“Seek me,” she said, “Love,
Out on the sea:
Boundless the reaches
Of true love must be.”
Ah! Passed she here?
My sweetheart, passed she here?

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 Where He Dwells

Where He dwells, the earth in gladness

Puts forth green herbs, shading trees.
Gay streams bound through summer meadows;
Fragrance blows on every breeze.
They with happiness are blessed
Who the Lord have made their guest,
Who the Lord have made their guest.

Where Is Fancy Bred?

(William Shakespeare, “Merchant of Venice”)

Tell me, where is fancy bred,

Or in the heart, or in the head?
How begot, how nourished?
Reply, Reply.
It is engendered in the eyes,
With gazing fed; and fancy dies
In the cradle where it lies.
Let us all ring fancy’s knell.
I’ll begin it ding, dong, bell.
Ding, dong, bell.
Ding, dong, bell.

Where the Bee Sucks

(William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”)

Where the bee sucks, there suck I:

In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat’s back I do fly
After summer merrily.
Merrily, merrily, shall I live now
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.

Who Dreamed of the Tragedy?

Who dreamed of the tragedy soon to befall?

Who dreamed that the Savior would perish through hate?
Palm Sunday, the multitude gathered in joy
Strewed palm fronds before him at Jerusalem’s gate.
How few in that music could detect the sad note
Of approaching disaster human destiny wrote.

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 Who Is Silvia?
(William Shakespeare, “Two Gentlemen of Verona”)

Who is Silvia, what is she?

That all our swains commend her?
Holy, fair, and wise is she:
The heav’n such grace did lend her,
That she might admired be,
That she might admired be.
Is she kind as she is fair?
For beauty lives with kindness.
To her eyes love doth repair,
To help him of his blindness,
And, being helped in habits there,
And, being helped, in habits there.
Then to Silvia let us sing,
That Silvia is excelling;
She excels each mortal thing
Upon the dull earth dwelling.
To her let us garlands bring,
To her let us garlands bring.

Why?

There lived a tender maid

In a far-off country.
The strangeness of this world made her sigh.
Her friends asked their fathers
For money and clothes,
But all she could ask was—
Why?
She saw the solemn clouds
Gathered watching a rainbow;
The bright rays of their joy filled the sky.
Her teachers explained it
All wisely away,
But still her heart wondered—
Why?
She saw the silent stars
Thrill the night with their gladness.
They seemed some wond’rous truth to imply.
Her elders all slept,
But the magic of light
Awoke her to ponder—
Why?
She saw a mother smile

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As she tended her baby;
A widow weep, that love had to die.
The joy of new friends,
And the sadness of parting:
All these made her ask God—
Why?
One night into her heart
Stole the secret of oneness—
The bond not even time can untie.
For Love then possessed her
And made her His own.
In love she at last learned—
Why.

The Wonders Man Carved

The wonders that man

Did carve out of stone
And wove out of music,
Then called them his own,
Did last a brief hour,
As in Greece and in Rome:
It was grace at last that did free us,
When our souls sought love alone!

Yes, It’s Devil Worship!

Brother, I’ve a faint suspicion

You and I’ve been led astray:
Taught to drive the devil from us,
We’ve invited him to stay!
What we need is light!
For we can’t drive out the darkness
With a stick, with a stick,
No, we can’t drive out the devil with a stick.
Some proclaim all men are sinners,
Can’t escape the devil’s might.
How their interest must intrigue him,
They won’t let him out of sight!
What we need is light!
For we can’t drive out the darkness
Talking sin, talking sin,
No, we can’t drive out the devil talking sin.
Some of us were taught the slogan:

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 “Social evils must be slain!”
But can anger drive out sorrow?
How can passion conquer pain?
What we need is light!
For we can’t drive out the darkness
While we hate, while we hate,
No, we can’t drive out the devil while we hate.
Brother, have you ever wondered
Why the darkness lingers on?
If we want to see the sunrise
Let us turn and face the dawn!
What we need is light!
For we’ll only best the darkness
When we love, when we love,
Yes, we’ll only best the devil when we love!

You Remain Our Friend

Solo:
When we need You, You descend,
Seeking grieving hearts to mend.
By hate unaffected,
You remain our Friend.
On a cross rejected,
Doomed to meet a shameful end,
Still, with love perfected,
You remain our Friend.
Choir:
Long we feared to face Your love,
Lest our emptiness it prove.
Now at last our hearts we give You,
Who remain our Friend.

Lyrics collected by Karen G, 6/10/16

Includes all of Swamiji’s corrections before he passed away

Edits and corrections welcome!

Please send to [email protected]

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