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.”
Rang De
Deva Premal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jai Ma rang me rang de
Satya-prakashake hei,
Bhranti-vinashake hei
Sachidanande tu hei,
Aisa Hamko rang de
Niremale mane kare de,
Prem-atule kare de
Aisa hamko rang de
The lyrics of Deva Premal's song "Rang De" celebrate the divine feminine energy, often referred to as "Ma" or mother. The opening lines, "Rang de, rang de, rang de, Jai Ma rang me rang de," can be understood as a request to the divine mother to color us with her divine love and energy. It is an invitation to embrace her presence and allow her essence to permeate our being.
The following lines, "Satya-prakashake hei, Bhranti-vinashake hei," emphasize the qualities of the divine mother. Satya-prakashake refers to the illuminating power of truth, while Bhranti-vinashake represents the ability to dispel illusions and confusion. These qualities are requested to be bestowed upon the seeker, as they are seen as attributes that can transform and liberate.
"Sachidanande tu hei, Aisa Hamko rang de" further emphasizes the divine nature of the mother. Sachidanande refers to the eternal truth, consciousness, and bliss that she embodies. The seeker asks to be colored in a way that aligns them with this divine essence, inviting the mother to awaken and manifest within them.
The last lines, "Niremale mane kare de, Prem-atule kare de, Prem ka sagare to hei, Aisa hamko rang de," speaks of the yearning to purify the mind, transcending dualities, and to be immersed in the ocean of love. It is an expression of the seeker's desire to be infused with pure love, to experience the depth and vastness of love that comes from the divine mother.
In summary, these lyrics invite the divine mother to grace the seeker with her love and transformative qualities. It is a plea to be colored with her essence, to be guided by truth and clarity, to awaken to the eternal and blissful nature of existence, and to experience the boundless love that she embodies.
Line by Line Meaning
Rang de, rang de, rang de,
Color me, color me, color me,
Jai Ma rang me rang de
Mother, color me in Your divine colors
Satya-prakashake hei,
You are the radiance of truth
Bhranti-vinashake hei
You destroy all illusions
Sachidanande tu hei,
You are the embodiment of truth, consciousness, and bliss
Aisa Hamko rang de
Please color me in such a way
Niremale mane kare de,
Make my impure mind pure
Prem-atule kare de
Fill me with immeasurable love
Prem ka sagare to hei,
You are the ocean of love
Aisa hamko rang de
Please color me in such a way
Writer(s): Kaur Tejpal, Singh Sukhwinder, A Rahman
Contributed by Sydney C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.