A third generation Canadian with Scottish and English roots, Dawud Wharnsby's recordings and reputation have established him as an institution in the realm of English language Nasheed (spiritual songs of a world-rhythm/folk style, drawn from Islamic cultural and musical roots). In true folk-song tradition, his writings have taken on a life of their own - spreading far beyond officially targeted territories by way of a bootleg industry which circulates his recordings unofficially and uncontrollably throughout the world. Though distribution of Wharnsby's material is difficult to gage, his efforts have spawned an artistic movement and musical industry of young artists hailing from Los Angeles, London, Jakarta and all stops in between.
A traveler, writer, troubadour and multi-instrumentalist, Dawud (David) Wharnsby first emerged onto the North American folk music scene in 1991. His debut solo recording "Blue Walls and The Big Sky” (1995), firmly established his skills not only as a crafty lyricist, but also as a powerful vocalist, capable of drawing listeners into his world like a vibrant stage actor or an intimate storyteller.
Merging the Celtic/folk styles of his upbringing with sounds and embellishments of the Middle and Far East, his 1996 CD "A Whisper Of Peace” was followed by a string of internationally recognized recordings including, "Road To Madinah” (1999), "Sunshine, Dust and The Messenger” (2001) and "The Prophet's Hands” (2002) - all released through the US based label Sound Vision. Wharnsby's unique lyrical style, warm voice and knack for penning catchy melodies yield a rich reception from his listeners world-wide, who in many cases do not even speak English as their first language.
Several of Wharnsby's latest recordings feature collaborations with the likes of UK based artist, producer and peace activist Yusuf Islam (formerly CAT STEVENS) South African songwriter Zain Bhikha, Canadian percussion ensemble The Fletcher Valve Drummers, and award winning producer/songwriter Zuriani (KEB'MO', BRENDA RUSSELL, MELISSA MANCHESTER). His newest CD, “Vacuous Waxing” brings together a unique mix of featured artists, including Canadian songwriter Bill Kocher, UK bass legend Danny Thompson (PENTANGLE, NICK DRAKE, EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL, DONOVAN, RICHARD THOMPSON, ERIC CLAPTON), Canadian icon Stephen Fearing (BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS, SARAH McLACHLAN) and world renown sitar master Irshad Khan.
Dawud served as an executive member of the creative team behind educational multimedia entity Sound Vision for 7 years and now oversees his own world-music publishing entityEnter Into Peace. Frequently assisting with television and video production, Wharnsby has scored or personally hosted programs produced with the support of Canada's Vision TV, the National Film Board of Canada, CBC, and BBC Scotland. As a respected and vibrant solo musical performer, social activist and motivational speaker, he travels extensively throughout the world and often lectures at schools and universities - addressing gatherings of all ages with his inspirational talks and diverse educational programs for children. Though his performance venues have included Toronto’s prestigious Living Arts Centre, and London England’s famed Royal Albert Hall, Dawud (who got his start humbly busking on cold street corners of small Canadian and Scottish towns) maintains a love of simplicity - never straying far from opportunities to share his music informally with intimate audiences.
http://www.wharnsby.com/Biography/
Introduction
Dawud Wharnsby Ali Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The words of God is Glorious recitation
almost rich in helping us find our direction.
They narrate true for all time
prophecies for our future
and stories of our past.
The history of our ancestors and the wisdom of the prophets.
We know of the life Adam,
We know of Abraham,
the father of the believers, who brought all mankind into worship of the one God.
We know of the people of Laat,
the people of Noah,
the people of thamud,
and the people of Aad.
We have memorised the stories of Moses
and the children of Israel,
the beautiful story of Joseph and his brothers,
the people of Jesus, his miracles and his companions.
And we know of God's last Prophet and Messenger,
of he too came to the world as light
and also as a mercy for all mankind.
May God peace be upon these and all of God's chosen prophets.
Though where have they brought us
where the messages now,
as their wisdom trapped in our book shelves,
locked in our buildings of worship
or sealed in our boxes of faith,
where we now,
who are we now,
are we the people of belief
or how we become the people of boxes
The lyrics to Dawud Wharnsby Ali's song Introduction speak to the importance of understanding where we have come from and where we are going as a human race, using the various divine revelations and secret texts that have been passed down to us. The words of God are described as a "Glorious recitation," serving as a guide to help us find our direction in life. The lyrics go on to touch upon the various prophets and stories that are contained within these texts, from Adam, the first human and prophet, to God's last Prophet and Messenger.
The song raises a powerful question of whether we have truly heeded the wisdom contained within these texts or have simply locked them away in buildings and boxes of faith. The chorus asks, "Where have they brought us / where the messages now / as their wisdom trapped in our book shelves / locked in our buildings of worship / or sealed in our boxes of faith, / where we now, / who are we now, / are we the people of belief / or how we become the people of boxes." In this way, the song challenges listeners to consider whether they are truly using these texts to guide their beliefs and actions or if they have become complacent in their faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Among the secret texts and divine revelations we have received to help us understand where we came from and where we're going as a human race.
We have received writings and teachings from a higher power to guide us in our journey as humans, to help us comprehend our origins and our destination.
The words of God is Glorious recitation
The Holy Scriptures are a magnificent recitation of God's teachings and wisdom.
almost rich in helping us find our direction.
The teachings of God are incredibly abundant in helping us navigate our path in life.
They narrate true for all time
The Scriptures tell timeless stories and truths that are relevant for all generations.
prophecies for our future
The Holy Scriptures contain prophetic stories about events and outcomes that will happen in the future.
and stories of our past.
The Scriptures also contain stories and histories of our ancestors and how they lived.
The history of our ancestors and the wisdom of the prophets.
The Scriptures offer us the historical recordings of our forefathers and the wisdom of the Prophets.
We know of the life Adam, God's first prophet and this world's first human.
The Holy Scriptures tell us about Adam, who was the first human on earth and was also God's first prophet.
We know of Abraham, the father of the believers, who brought all mankind into worship of the one God.
The Scriptures also inform us about Abraham, who is known as the father of believers and who encouraged humanity to worship one God.
We know of the people of Laat, the people of Noah, the people of thamud, and the people of Aad.
The Scriptures recount the stories of the tribes of Laat, Noah, Thamud and Aad.
We have memorised the stories of Moses
The Scriptures help us to remember stories of Moses and his teachings.
and the children of Israel,
The story of Moses includes the experiences of the Children of Israel.
the beautiful story of Joseph and his brothers,
The Scriptures also share with us the touching tale of Joseph and his siblings.
the people of Jesus, his miracles and his companions.
The Scriptures speak of Jesus, his miracles, and his company of friends and students.
And we know of God's last Prophet and Messenger, of he too came to the world as light and also as a mercy for all mankind.
The Holy Scriptures inform us of the final Prophet and Messenger sent by God, who also brought light and mercy to all of humanity.
May God peace be upon these and all of God's chosen prophets.
We offer prayers for peace to all of the prophets selected by God.
Though where have they brought us where the messages now, as their wisdom trapped in our book shelves, locked in our buildings of worship or sealed in our boxes of faith, where we now, who are we now, are we the people of belief or how we become the people of boxes
Despite having access to the words of the prophets and the wisdom they offer, we have not made significant progress, and their teachings remain confined to our books and places of worship. We must now explore if we are truly a people of belief or if we have transformed into boxed individuals.
Contributed by Olivia R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.