Deva's parents are a mystic/artist father and a musically talented mother, she was taught violin, piano and received voice training. By the time she was five years old, she was already chanting the Gayatri Mantra daily, and since that time she continues to integrate meditation into her life.
She has studied Shiatsu, Reflexology, CranioSacral Therapy and Massage, but music remains her first love. The influence of Indian classical music is evident in her singing, although she has never attempted to copy or steal from the tradition. "It just comes naturally," she says, "as if I'd heard it all before, in another life."
Among the numerous letters of appreciation she has received since the release of her albums, many describe how her music has been used to accompany and enhance the sacred passages of birth and death. In fact, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the world famous author of On Death And Dying, requested that Miten and Deva bring their music to accompany her passing. "We have played for many people," says Deva, "but to play personally for Elizabeth was something I will never forget.”
Idé Weré Weré
Deva Premal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ide were were
Ide were were nita ochun
Ide were were nita ya
Ocha kiniba nita ochun
Cheke cheke cheke
Nita ya
Ide were were
Ochun is the goddess of love,
chant which speaks about a necklace
which is a symbol of the initiation into
love.
(Yoruba, West Africa)
The lyrics of Idé Weré Weré by Deva Premal is a chant that praises the Yoruba goddess of love named Ochun. The first two lines "Ide were were nita ochun, Ide were were" is an invocation calling out to Ochun. The repetition of "Ide were were" is rhythmic and creates a meditative atmosphere. The next two lines "Ide were were nita ochun, Ide were were nita ya" means "the symbol of Ochun" and "Ochun claims me". The lyrics reflect the Yoruba belief in the power of the goddess Ochun to initiate people into the realm of love.
The line "Ocha kiniba nita ochun, Cheke cheke cheke, Nita ya" is a metaphorical reference to a necklace that is worn by the initiated ones in the worship of Ochun. The necklace signifies the bond between the devotees and the goddess. The words "cheke cheke cheke" are also an emphasis on the power of the goddess and her influence on love.
The importance of Ochun in Yoruba culture is reflected in Deva Premal's song Idé Weré Weré. The lyrics display reverence and devotion to the goddess and reflect the Yoruba people's belief in the power of Ochun in initiating people into the realm of love. The captivating rhythm and melody of the song enriches the devotional atmosphere and invites people to connect with the divine power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Ide were were nita ochun
This chant is about the goddess of love, Ochun. The phrase 'Ide were were' is about a necklace which represents initiation into love.
Ide were were
Repeating 'Ide were were' is like a meditation or prayer. It serves as a focus for the mind and helps to bring about a sense of calm and inner peace.
Ide were were nita ochun
By repeating this particular phrase, the singer is expressing a deep appreciation for the power and beauty of Ochun, the goddess of love. They are invoking her spirit and asking for her guidance and blessings.
Ide were were nita ya
The phrase 'nita ya' is an affirmation or declaration of intent. By saying 'Ide were were nita ya,' the artist is committing themselves to the path of love and asking for Ochun's help in staying true to that path.
Ocha kiniba nita ochun
The word 'kiniba' refers to the initiation ceremony, which involves the presentation of a necklace symbolizing the start of the journey towards love. By saying 'Ocha kiniba nita ochun,' the artist is reaffirming that they are committed to this journey.
Cheke cheke cheke
This is an onomatopoeic phrase that suggests the sound of a rattle or shaker. In the context of the song, it may be seen as an invocation of the power and energy of Ochun, or as a way of channeling that energy into the body and spirit.
Nita ya
This is a repetition of the phrase earlier in the song, 'nita ya.' By doing this, the singer is once again affirming their commitment to the path of love and asking for Ochun's help in staying true to that path.
Ide were were
The song ends with a repetition of 'Ide were were.' This serves as a final affirmation of the power and beauty of the chant, as well as a reminder of the artist's commitment to the path of love and their ongoing relationship with Ochun, the goddess of love.
Contributed by Nathaniel R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.