Light

"Light" is a song from David Leisner's song cycle Heaven's River, which sets the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore.

The audio selection features Courtenay Budd, soprano, and David Leisner, guitar. The recording is from a live performance in New York, 2009. Used with the permission of the composer.

Date: 1991Composer: David LeisnerText: Rabindranath TagoreSong Collection: Heaven's River

Print vitals & song text

Text

Light
by Rabindranath Tagore

Light, my light, the world-filling light, the eye-kissing light, heart-sweetening light!

Ah, the light dances, my darling, at the centre of my life; the light strikes, my darling, the chords of my love; the sky opens, the wind runs wild, laughter passes over the earth.

The butterflies spread their sails on the sea of light. Lilies and jasmines surge up on the crest of the waves of light.

The light is shattered into gold on every cloud, my darling, and it scatters gems in profusion.

Mirth spreads from leaf to leaf, my darling, and gladness without measure. The heaven’s river has drowned its banks and the flood of joy is abroad.

Audio

Track:

    Sheet Music

    Heaven's River

    Composer(s): David Leisner

    Song(s): 1. The Boat
    2. Light
    3. To the Stream

    Buy via Dobermann-Yppan Music Publisher

    Support us and help us grow

    Dear friends, Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive online archive of American song. Your gift is greatly appreciated.