Desiderata
Les Crane Lyrics


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Desiderata. Desiderata. Desiderata.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender,
Be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others -
Even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons - they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter,
For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.


Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career -
However humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is.
Many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection, neither be cynical about love.
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
It is as perenial as the grass.
Take kindly the council of the years,
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune,
But do not distress yourself with imaginings -
Many fears are borne of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe.
No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,




it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Overall Meaning

Les Crane's song Desiderata is a powerful reminder to live a peaceful and fulfilling life, no matter the ups and downs. The opening lines encourage the listener to maintain composure amidst lifeā€™s many stresses and to find solace in silence. The lyrics then implore us to make connections with others and share our true selves, even with those whom we may not like or understand. We should avoid those who are loud and make us feel vexed, and we should not compare ourselves to others as it can lead to vain or bitter feelings.


The song also highlights the importance of balance, encouraging us to enjoy our achievements while also planning for the future. We should be cautious in our business dealings, recognizing that trickery is often present in the world. However, the song warns against being cynical about love and feigning affection, as these are qualities that are essential to living a fulfilling life. One should also listen to the wisdom of elders, as well as be gentle with themselves and not let excessive fear be the driving force of their lives.


The closing lyrics nurture a sense of cosmic mindfulness in the listener, reminding them that they are a part of the universe and that everything is unfolding as it should. This sense of surrender is extended towards God, encouraging the listener to make peace with their own beliefs, and pursue their dreams in spite of life's challenges, with the ultimate goal of finding happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
Amidst the chaos and rush, try to keep calm and find solace in silence.


As far as possible without surrender, Be on good terms with all persons.
Without compromising your beliefs, try to maintain cordiality with everyone you come across.


Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others - Even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.
Express your thoughts calmly and clearly but also listen to the stories of even those who seem uninteresting or ignorant.


Avoid loud and aggressive persons - they are vexations to the spirit.
Stay away from people who are loud and aggressive as they can bring negativity to your life.


If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Don't compare yourself to others as it can make you proud and resentful, there will always be people better or worse than you.


Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Appreciate what you have accomplished so far and also look forward to your future plans.


Keep interested in your own career - However humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Stay passionate about your career, no matter how small, as it will be valuable throughout life's changing circumstances.


Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
Be careful in your business dealings as there is deceit and dishonesty in the world.


But let this not blind you to what virtue there is. Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Despite the dishonesty, recognize the goodness and virtues in people as there are many who strive to live a noble life.


Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection, neither be cynical about love. For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, It is as perenial as the grass.
Be true to yourself and don't pretend to love or act cynical about it, as love is as constant and natural as grass.


Take kindly the council of the years, Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Be open to advice from older people and gracefully accept when it's time to let go of the things of youth.


Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune, But do not distress yourself with imaginings - Many fears are borne of fatigue and loneliness.
Build up inner strength to protect yourself from unexpected hardships, but don't let your imagination cause undue stress as many anxieties stem from exhaustion and isolation.


Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
While being disciplined is important, also be kind to yourself and don't be too hard on yourself.


You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.
You are a part of the universe just as much as the trees and stars and have a right to be here.


And whether or not it is clear to you, No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Even if you don't understand it, have faith that the universe is unfolding according to a plan.


Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.
Be content with your concept of God and at peace with it.


And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, Keep peace with your soul.
Despite the chaos in life, maintain emotional stability and inner peace.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Despite the deceitful and exhausting aspects of life, it is still a beautiful world.


Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Be cautious in life, but also make an effort to be happy.




Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JONATHAN DOUGLAS, SOREN RASTED, M EHRMANNS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@johnbrowning8021

I have made this my blueprint of life since I first heard it back in the 70's as a stupid teenager. It helped me put things into perspective. Now I am 67. No regrets.

@scottdavis691

You were never a stupid anything, John. You are THE BEST.
https://youtu.be/snYdSubiDiI

@sageoates9925

This has been my LifeLead ever since I first heard it somewhere mid teens.

@mindfulgratitude3041

John Browning: true THAT. Me too. Age 60. We were BLESSED to hear LES back in our day. Be well my friend.

@johnbrowning8021

@thecouchtripper I thank you. Nice to hear positive comments on YT. They are so rare.

@glenystasmania

@@johnbrowning8021 Heard this when I was about 10 - loved it, became my favourite inspirational piece.

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@vanessaglover5983

I have a '45 record (Les Crane) of the poem that was given to me by my mother some 50 years ago when I was an teenager with zero self worth. I cherish this poem and the record. I have refered back to it and shared it with others multiple times thtough the years. THANK YOU MR. ERHMANN.

@jasminejones9937

same šŸ‘lucky us !

@mr.nobody5786

Whenever you are feeling down or insignificant all you need to listen to this, you can't help but be inspired and renewed.

@shakti7457

I had a poster of desiderata hanging on my wall, as a teenager. It s still my favorite poem!

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