Song lyrics

The Power of Intent

📜 Lyrics

O passion of my heart, if I desire, let everything come before me Let me take two steps toward my destination, and let the destination itself come near O longing of my heart, go on like this—I walk in their gathering still Awaken me in that moment when the assembly turns its face toward me O perfect guide, I am ready to walk, but remember this well: Let me lose my way when the destination appears before my eyes O passion of my heart, if I desire, let everything come before me Let me take two steps toward my destination, and let the destination itself come near Yes, let me remember you, give me your voice, I pray Should any hardship appear on the path of love, let me find my way through Why search now for that merciful eye—let cruelty upon cruelty fall I desire, O passion of sorrow, that difficulty follow upon difficulty About this yearning of my heart, I seek your counsel on one matter: What is my need in that moment when my heart comes to rest in you? O lightning of revelation, tell me—do you mistake me too for Moses? I am not Mount Sinai to burn; let whatever will, come before me O passion of my heart, if I desire, let everything come before me Let me take two steps toward my destination, and let the destination itself come near Release the boat to God's care—God himself is the boat's protector It is no hardship if the flowing shore comes to meet these waves

💡 Meaning & story

Behzad Lucknowi This immortal ghazal "O Passion of the Heart, If I Will It" is a masterpiece of the world of Urdu literature and music. It was especially written by Behzad Lucknowi and the voice of Noor Jehan made it eternal. ________________________________________ The Central Idea of the Ghazal This ghazal is about human will, the power of love, and the beauty of the journey more than the destination. The poet speaks of that power in his passion where the impossible becomes possible. ________________________________________ Explanation of the Verses Verse Number 1: O passion of my heart, if I will it, everything shall bow before me—if I take two steps toward my destination, the destination itself shall come to meet me. Explanation: The poet says that if my "passion of the heart" (true yearning) is sincere, then everything in the universe can bow before my will. Such is the measure of my courage that I need not travel a long journey to reach my destination; if I merely take two steps, the destination itself shall walk toward me. This is the pinnacle of self-confidence and love. ________________________________________ Verse Number 2: O heart's burning desire, let it be so—I go to my beloved's gathering, but awaken me at that moment when the gathering reaches its full splendor. Explanation: By "heart's burning desire" is meant that fire of love burning within. The poet says that I am going to my beloved's gathering, but perhaps my attention is elsewhere; O my love, alert me at that moment when the gathering is at its peak, so that I may fully appreciate that precious instant. ________________________________________ Verse Number 3: O perfect guide, I am ready to journey, but I ask of you—mislead me when the destination draws near. Explanation: This is the most beautiful and unique verse of the ghazal. The poet says to his guide that I am ready for the journey, but I have one condition: as soon as I approach the destination, lead me astray. Why? Because for the lover, once the destination is reached, the yearning ends; he does not wish to lose the pleasure of the journey and the quest. ________________________________________ Verse Number 4: Yes, remember me, grant me your voice—if on this path of love any difficulty should arise before you. Explanation: The poet says to his beloved or companion that if on this difficult path of love you ever face any obstacle or trouble, do not hesitate to call out to me; I shall be there to help you. ________________________________________ Verse Number 5: Why now search for eyes of mercy? Let cruelty be upon cruelty—I desire, O passion of my sorrow, that difficulty follow upon difficulty. Explanation: Here the poet's courage and lofty spirit shine. He says that I no longer need the beloved's compassion or gentle gaze. Let whatever cruelties befall me, befall; rather, I desire that a storm of difficulties come, for it is hardships that refine the metal of a person's passion. ________________________________________ Verse Number 6: About this passion of my heart I seek your counsel—what must I do when my heart comes to rest upon you? Explanation: The poet asks an innocent question: when my heart comes to rest upon you (when I fall in love with you), what should I do? This is both a confession of love and an attempt to know the beloved's opinion. ________________________________________ Verse Number 7: O lightning of revelation, strike without fear—have you taken me too for Moses? I am not a mountain to be consumed; I have the courage to face whatever comes before me. Explanation: Here the reference to Prophet Moses and Mount Sinai is used as an allusion. The poet says: O lightning of beauty, strike me fearlessly; I am not like Mount Sinai to be consumed to ashes, but I have the courage to confront this revelation. I am not weak; whatever comes before me, I shall face it. ________________________________________ The Refrain (Final Verse): Entrust your ship to God, for God Himself is the guardian of the ship—it is not difficult that among these waves, the shore itself comes floating toward you. Explanation: In the end the poet teaches the lesson of trust and hope. He says: entrust the ship of your life to Allah, for He is its guardian. If Allah's grace be upon you, then it is possible that among these very waves of the sea, you shall find the shore; that is, where you fear drowning, from there shall emerge the path to salvation. ________________________________________ Summary: This ghazal is a complete curriculum of determination, courage, the indifference of love, and trust in God.