Gopinath, Hear My Prayer (extended version)

[Long instrumental opening — low cello, distant uilleann pipes, sparse harp]


[Single male voice — fully sung, slow and steady]
Gopinaat, my Lord, hear my prayer.
I am bound to this world of sorrow.
There is no one here who is truly mine.
Only You are my shelter.

Gopinaat, my Lord, hear my prayer.
I am lost in the bondage of maya.
Wealth and pleasure have carried me far,
And desire has darkened my heart.

[Short fiddle response]
Gopinaat, all is in Your hands.
I have no power to free myself.
This restless mind will not obey me,
And still I follow where it leads.

Gopinaat, desire is my enemy.
It burns within my heart without end.
Again and again I promise to leave it,
Again and again I fall.

[Instrumental passage — cello and fiddle]
Gopinaat, how shall I be purified?
The senses are stronger than I am.
I have wandered so long in forgetfulness.
Now I have come to Your feet.

Gopinaat, You know what I am.
Nothing within me is hidden from You.
I have no virtue that I can offer,
No claim upon Your mercy.

[Uilleann pipes answer softly]
Yet, Gopinaat, I belong to You.
I have no master other than You.
However fallen this servant may be,
Do not turn me away.

Gopinaat, take this heart from me.
Break the pride that keeps me far away.
Let me remember Your holy name.
Let me remain at Your feet.

[Long instrumental interlude — harp, fiddle, cello]
Gopinaat, my Lord, hear my prayer.
I have spent my life chasing shadows.
Now all that I ask is Your mercy.
Without You, where shall I go?

Gopinaat, my Lord, hear my prayer.
Let this restless wandering end.
I place everything that I am before You.
Keep me always close to You