This song was originally written in 1988 and has gone through several different recordings.
The lyrics have changed a bit over the years but this remains a very personal song to me. While recovering from a serious concussion in 2014, I played this song to myself most evenings for almost two years. The heart of this song is the Gurmukhi section which was written by Guru Ram Das in the sixteenth century.
What he is saying is that he has fallen from his own weaknesses and that he is without merit but God has saved him. To me it is in the same spirit as the song Amazing Grace. It became my personal prayer.
lyrics
Love and Ecstasy
Tho art my Lord Love and Ecstasy, I am Thine within Thee.
My self and my faults, Tho shall exalt me
Guide me to ecstasy and reality
Give me ecstasy, let me resurrect to act
In Thy light, I am bright.
Protect my Grace, from time and space
You are my love, You are my Lord
You are my shield, you are my shield.
Don’t let me yield, don’t let me down
Jo bhaveh teo rakhe leh, hum saran prabh ahiye ram rajeh
Hum bhool vigareh dinas rath har law rakeh
Hum barak toon gur pita hay, day mat samjaeh
Jan Nanak das har kandaya har paje rakhaeh
As it pleases you, you save me, I have some seeking your sanctuary oh creator
I am wandering around ruining myself day and night, O Divine, please save my honor
I am just a child, You O Guru are my father. Please give me understanding and instruction.
Servant Nanak is known as the Lord's slave, O Lord please preserve his honor.
Love and ecstasy
In my life you are my shelter, your grace is all that I need
In all pain you come as my comfort, all alone you are my company
In darkness my light, In the darkness you are my dream of light my ecstasy
You protect me with your kindness, Unseen with your love and light
dwelling in me I surrender my sorrows. In a vision of ecstasy, you take me to bliss
Love and light on and on to my destiny
Tho art my Lord Love and Ecstasy, I am Thine within Thee.
My self and my faults, Tho shall exalt me
Guide me to ecstasy and reality
Give me ecstasy, let me resurrect to act
In Thy light, I am bright.
credits
from The Soul Tree,
released April 11, 2023
Guruprem : Vocals, guitar
Simran : Vocals
Jamison Forkenbrok : Guitars
Randy Emata : Keys, programing vocals and production
Modular synths sparkle amidst piano, vibes, and other organic instruments stringing together constellations of sound. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 22, 2023