Nitin attended Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School and studied law at Liverpool University for a short time. He then went to London, where he met Sanjeev Bhaskar. The pair became friends and created a comedy double act, The Secret Asians, together. The show sought to turn absurdly dated Asian stereotypes on their heads. It led to a contract with BBC radio and eventually grew into the award-winning BBC TV sketch show Goodness Gracious Me.
During that time he met up with an old school friend, acid jazz keyboards-player James Taylor. He joined Taylor for a 40-date tour in as part of The James Taylor Quartet. It introduced him to the jazz club scene and provoked him into forming his own band, The Jazztones. He moved on to join forces with tabla master Talvin Singh to form the Tihai Trio and, after that collaboration ended in 1993, released his debut album, Spirit Dance on his own label. Shortly afterwards, he signed with Outcaste Records.
Sawhney's music is intensely political, commonly approaching themes of multiculturalism, empowerment, identity, immigration, poverty, and spirituality. He is active as an artist in residence for five different performing arts organisations in Europe and Asia, and along with George Martin is a patron for the British Governments Access-to-Music Program which brings music education to the inner-city students.
Sawhney's skills include classical and jazz piano and flamenco guitar. He has released six studio albums, as well as countless remixes and collaborations. After releasing Beyond Skin on London's Outcaste Records in 1999, he was signed by V2 to do six albums. His first album with the Virgin subsidiary, the millennial/apocalyptical Prophesy, in 2001 won a MOBO Award and a BBC Radio 3 Music Award.
Sawhney's music is influenced by his roots in India, utilising and featuring Urdu and Hindi lyrics, Qawwali singing, tablas and other instruments from the subcontinent, and Raga phrasings in music which is often primarily meant for the dance floor.
Sawhney's work in production and arrangement has led to his working in film and television scores. He has scored television ads for Sephora and Nike, as well as more than 25 films from his London-based Spirit Dance Studios. He was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for Film and TV Composition in 2004 for his music on Channel Four's film, Second Generation. From there, he has begun to see acceptance from the "classical" community, and in 2004 he was commissioned by the city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Britten Symphonia to compose new performance works. London's Royal National Theatre invited him to write, direct, and score a work to be opened in 2005.
For photographs and additional information visit Nitin's official site, www.NitinSawhney.com
Breathing Light
Nitin Sawhney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the police station commanded by officers loyal to the muslim government imprisoned ? ? .
Men tried to find what cover they could asbullets literally kicked around them.
We are free to be freed.
In Nitin Sawhney's song "Breathing Light," the lyrics describe a scene of intense violence during the conflict in Sarajevo. The fighting is described as the heaviest that the singer has ever seen, indicating that the brutality and destruction were particularly extreme. The police station, which is supposed to represent law and order, is commanded by officers who are loyal to the Muslim government, suggesting that the conflict has caused even those in positions of authority to take sides. The use of the word "imprisoned" implies that the officers are taking a particularly hardline approach, potentially committing human rights abuses in their efforts to maintain control. Meanwhile, the men caught in the crossfire are described as desperately seeking cover as bullets fly around them. The sense of chaos and danger is palpable in the lyrics, evoking a sense of fear and uncertainty.
However, the final line of the verse provides a sense of hope amidst the violence. The phrase "we are free to be freed" could be interpreted in a few different ways, but one possible meaning is that the singer believes that even in the midst of conflict, there is still potential for freedom and liberation. This idea could be seen as a call to action for listeners, encouraging them to believe that change is possible even in dark times.
Overall, the lyrics to "Breathing Light" offer a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of conflict, highlighting the ways in which even those who are supposed to protect civilians can be drawn into the violence. However, the final line suggests that there is still hope for a better future, even in the midst of chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
The fighting was the heaviest you've seen in sarajevo.
The conflict was intense and violent, beyond what one would expect to witness in the city of Sarajevo.
As the police station commanded by officers loyal to the muslim government imprisoned ? ? .
During this time of war, the police station, controlled by Muslim government officials, detained individuals for unknown reasons.
Men tried to find what cover they could asbullets literally kicked around them.
In an attempt to protect themselves from flying bullets, men desperately searched for any form of shelter.
We are free to be freed.
We have the freedom to break free from the burdens and constraints of our own minds and choices.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NITIN SAWHNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
S
Hard to believe this is 20 years old. Beautiful.
Brunodu68
music has no age bro
Oki Stokie
Im from bosnia, in the begining of this song there is sample from news about fighting and war and it kicks some bad memories every time i listen that. But soon as the music starts, i dont believe that man from england, captured so good mentality and flavour of bosnia in one song. I dont believe that nitin was ever here, but that man realy felt in some way what is like to drive thru bosnia and these landscapes. Wery special song for me and much respect, love and happynes to you sir sawhney. Thank you for this masterpiece.
sam fazers
Its is beautiful isn't it
Dan Boas
So beautiful articulated. 🙏💚
Dk
Man from india did that . Nitin is indian
Yannick
Be strong my friend . All the best .peace and love
DEM BLAAZE
Salam bro. Hope u are still well. Glad to see all the amazing replies here. Stay blessed and safe man
The Coloryst
It triggers deep emotion within me...the intensity of this music is breathtaking
Supershan
Same. Got me writing poetry