listen to the river (Siddhartha)

a sheltered life when you were younger
you've known the Brahman sophistication
lived with ascetics, bore the hunger
and practiced humble contemplation

finding the flaw in the wise man's lectures
to break the circle of reincarnation
first seemed based on mere conjectures
but shall lead to your salvation

listen to the river
hear its thousand voices
when it roars, when it whispers,
or rejoices
listen to the river
tell 'bout a thousand choices
while it roars, while it whispers,
and rejoices

you've been merchant, you've been lover
precious experience that you've acquired
though you've lived like undercover
you've known passion, you've known desire

listen to the river
hear its thousand voices
when it roars, when it whispers,
or rejoices
listen to the river
tell 'bout a thousand choices
while it roars, while it whispers,
and rejoices

learn from the ferryman
stay by the river
hear what it delivers
who searches he may never find
what's beyond his own thoughts
things beyond what's being taught

listen to the river
hear its thousand voices
when it roars, when it whispers,
or rejoices
listen to the river
tell 'bout a thousand choices
while it roars, while it whispers,
and rejoices

become aware of its holy sound
on your quest for your own ground