We had a particularly wonderful ensemble rehearsal last night. We were working on two songs that get sung a lot throughout the Ananda world — Life Is a Dream and Home Is a Green Hill.
There have been moments when I’ve heard someone say that they get “bored” singing these songs, but I can’t for the life of me understand how that could be. It’s not just that the songs are beautiful in and of themselves; it’s the profound meaning in the lyrics and the deep consciousness that they convey.
As we worked on details and dived into subtleties — with various singers offering insights and making suggestions — it seemed that each song gradually yielded up its secret treasures.
And then it happened — that exquisite moment musicians live for: when the music itself takes over and you feel like you’re slightly outside yourself, observing the music happen through you. At least, that’s how it felt to me. I can’t speak for the other singers.
When we reached the end of that particular run-through of the song, there was only silence and stillness. No one moved for a glorious, blissful, eternal moment in time.
And that — to me — is the absolutely best kind of rehearsal.
Below are the beautiful lyrics to Home Is a Green Hill, followed by a recording of Swami Kriyananda singing it.
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.
