I Passed My Life as a Stranger, Lord

A beautiful song by Swami Kriyananda, sang by Dambara Begley with tambura accompaniment by Pavani Johnson.

Recorded December 31st 2023 in the Temple of Light at Ananda Village.

Lyrics:

1. I’ve passed my life as a stranger, Lord.

Roamed far in foreign lands:

Far, Lord, far too far!

Only he who knows he’s far from home,

Only he, Lord, understands.

Only he who knows he’s far from home

Feels the earth and understands.

2. Sometimes a stranger did take me in,

Then love I thought was near –

Love, Lord, where is love?

As the winds upon the desert sand

Whisper hope, then disappear:

As soft winds breathe on the desert sand,

So love sighs, then disappears.

3. Sometimes a child laughed, and I did pause,

And dreamed of joys at home –

Joys, Lord, only a dream!

For what joy is there without your smile?

Empty, like the ocean foam.

For what joy is there without Your smile?

You’re the sea; all else is foam.

4. How long must I be a wanderer, Lord?

You know where I belong;

You know, Lord, yes, You know.

Home is where my Lord’s sweet presence is;

I’ve grown tired of strangers’ songs.

Home is where my Lord’s sweet presence is;

Bless me that I hear Your songs.