India
I was fortunate to travel to India several years ago, and this song tells the story of this wonderful yet dichotic country. The vibrant colors, architecture, spirituality, people and music are juxtaposed with the harsh living conditions, abject poverty, and pure chaos in the streets. My takeaway was that no matter how we judge another’s existence, love and happiness can be abundant in any situation. We can’t save them all, and in fact there is no need for saving at all.
Lyrics
Om Shanti, Shanti Om
Colors never brighter
Smiles as wide they can be
What a welcome to the country
With all her sights to see
Adjusting to the mayhem
All my senses take it in
The essence overwhelming
In the chaos of the din
Weaving through the streets at night
I see the great divide
A beauty dressed in sari
With her head bowed to abide
I touch the marble beauty
Majestic magic within reach
This seventh wonder magnifies
The vastness of the breach
Oh India
Oh India
Your love it wraps so sweet
But your chasm cuts me deep
Oh India
India
On a camel in the desert
I received my greatest gift
A storm forced taking shelter
To a tarp held with a stick
Welcomed to their humble home
The half a dozen kids
Were quick to show me all their joy
Though clearly on the skids
Oh India
Oh India
Your love it wraps so sweet
But your chasm cuts me deep
Oh India, India
Om Shanti, Shanti Om
Om Shanti, Shanti Om
Om Shanti, Shanti Om
Later in the evening
Snuggled safely in my bed
I think of those six children
With the lightening overhead
I see them in their tattered clothes
The struggle to keep warm
Though I want to save the lot of them
Can’t keep them from the storm