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.”
Shyam!
Deva Premal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
darshana dina
naye, darshana dina
shyama naye
bela bho prabhu
arpana garchu
pauma parchu
mero shyam, mero shyam
manama mero shyam
In Deva Premal's song "Shyam!", the lyrics speak of the joy and anticipation of seeing the beloved deity Shyam, who is a symbol of divine love in Hinduism. The opening line "shyama naye darshana dina" translates to "It's a new day to see Shyam." The artist is expressing the excitement felt upon awakening to see Shyam, which represents a new opportunity for devotion and connection. This sentiment is reinforced in the repetition of "shyama naye," which emphasizes the freshness and novelty of each encounter with the divine.
The next lines "bela bho prabhu, arpana garchu, pauma parchu" express the artist's desire to offer herself completely to Shyam. "Bela bho" means "this time," suggesting a sense of urgency and immediacy in making the offering. "Arpana garchu" means "I offer" and "pauma parchu" means "I lay down," both emphasizing the surrender and devotion offered to Shyam. The chorus "mero shyam, mero shyam, he prabhu, he prabhu, prabhu, manama mero shyam" simply translates to "My Shyam, my Shyam, oh master, oh master, master, my heart belongs to my Shyam." It's clear that the artist is deeply devoted to Shyam and feels a sense of pure love and connection that transcends words.
Line by Line Meaning
shyama naye
I seek a new vision of the divine, of Shyama
darshana dina
Grant me the blessing of your divine vision
naye, darshana dina
Grant me a new vision of you and the blessing of your divine vision
shyama naye
I seek a new vision of the divine, of Shyama
bela bho prabhu
O Lord, this is my time, my moment to offer myself to you
arpana garchu
I offer myself to you, surrendering all that I am
pauma parchu
I drink the nectar of your divine presence and offer my devotion
mero shyam, mero shyam
O my beloved Shyam, O my beloved Lord
he prabhu, he prabhu, prabhu
O Lord, O Lord, my Lord
manama mero shyam
O my beloved Shyam, reside in my heart forever
Writer(s): Manose Newa, Miten
Contributed by Leah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.