Lyrics
[Intro: Deep ancient drones, distant bells, haunting female vocalization, slowly rising orchestral strings] [Verse 1: Solemn Slavic female solo, dark and mystical] The world is consumed by the forest fire, Of birth and death, of suffering and pain. The Guru, an ocean of all that is good, Comes as a cloud of compassion and rain. [Refrain: Deep sacred choir, swelling strings] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [Verse 2: Haunting female voice, growing intensity] In Mahaprabhu’s chanting, in dancing and song, In music, his heart is immersed in delight. His body is trembling, his hairs stand on end, And tears of devotion flow forth from his eyes. [Refrain: Layered male and female choirs] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [Instrumental: Medieval bowed strings, deep orchestral pulse] [Verse 3: Reverent, lyrical female solo] Each day he is worshiping Radha and Krishna, Adorning Their forms with garments so fine. He cleanses Their temple and lovingly serves, And guides the devotees in service divine. [Refrain: Expansive sacred harmonies] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [Verse 4: Warm but majestic, rich orchestral accompaniment] Four kinds of food offered unto the Lord, The devotees honor with hearts satisfied. And seeing the servants of Hari content, The Guru himself is fulfilled and delighted. [Refrain: Powerful choral response] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [Instrumental Interlude: Sweeping cinematic strings, distant bells, ancient choral drones] [Verse 5: Mystical longing, expressive Slavic female voice] The names and the forms of Sri Radha and Madhava, Their qualities sweet and Their pastimes of love, Their sweetness, unbounded, he longs to relish, At every moment, again and again. [Refrain: Rising orchestral crescendo] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [Verse 6: Intimate, mysterious, ethereal] Within the green bowers of Vrindavana, The gopis arrange for the lovers to meet. So skilled in assisting their loving affairs, The Guru is cherished and dearly beloved. [Refrain: Majestic layered choir, dramatic strings] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [Instrumental: Monumental orchestral build, deep drums, soaring strings] [Verse 7: Powerful, solemn, full emotional intensity] The scriptures declare him as worthy as Hari, And saints of devotion regard him as such. Yet he is the servant most dear to the Lord, Beloved of Krishna, so close to His heart. [Refrain: Massive sacred choir, full symphonic orchestra] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [Verse 8: Profound surrender, female solo rising to a climax] By grace of the Guru, the Lord’s grace is gained, Without his compassion, no progress is made. At morning, at noon, and at close of the day, I praise him, remember, and bow at his feet. [Final Refrain: Monumental cinematic climax, Slavic female lead soaring above massive sacred choir and full orchestra] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [Outro: Orchestra falls silent, solitary female voice, distant cathedral echo] Vande guroh shree charanaaravindam [End: Long reverberation fading into silence]