Kashmir
Perry Joslin Lyrics

Whoa let the sun beat down upon my face
I am allowing the sunlight to shine directly onto my face in a moment of peaceful reflection.

Stars to fill my dream
The stars above me inspire and guide my journey.

I am a traveller of both time and space
I have journeyed across different places and times, seeking knowledge and wonder.

To be where I have been
I reflect on my past experiences and appreciate the wisdom and lessons gained from them.

Sit with elders of a gentle race
I seek the company and guidance of wise and peaceful individuals who offer unique perspectives and insights.

This world has seldom seen
The people I seek to learn from are few and far between, possessing a rare and valuable knowledge.

Talk of days for which they sit and wait
These wise elders speak of a future time in which their deepest hopes and dreams will be realized.

All will be revealed
In the future, truth and wisdom will be shared and understood by all.

Talk an' song from tongues of lilting grace
The wise individuals I meet speak and sing with a gentle and enchanting grace.

Sounds caressed my ears
The music and words of these wise individuals provide comfort and inspiration to me.

And not a word I heard could I relate
Although I could not fully comprehend the words spoken to me, their meaning and importance were clear to me.

The story was quite clear
The overarching message and significance of the story were easily understood by me.

Whoah-ohh-oh
An expression of excitement and awe at the experience.

Ooh, oh, baby I been blind
In the past, I was unable to see and understand the significance of certain experiences and opportunities.

No-yeah, ah mama, there ain't no denying
This fact cannot be disputed; I am now aware of my past ignorance.

Oh, oooh yes, I've been blind
I am acknowledging and accepting my past lack of understanding.

Ma-ma-ma, ain't no denying, no denying, yeah
Again, this is an affirmation that my past ignorance cannot be denied.

Oh! All I see turns to brown
In some moments, everything seems bleak and desolate.

As the sun burns the ground
In the relentless heat of the sun, everything appears scorched and lifeless.

And my eye fill with sand
The harsh desert sands obscure my vision and add to the sense of hopelessness.

As I scan this wasted land
I survey my surroundings, taking stock of the empty and void landscape around me.

Tryin'a find, tryin'a find
Despite the difficult circumstances, I am committed to finding a way out, a path to something better.

Where I been - ooh-ooh-ooh
I am reflecting on my past experiences and trying to understand how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Oh pilot of the storm who leaves no trace
A reference to a powerful, unseen force controlling events and experiences.

Like thoughts inside a dream
This force is ambiguous and difficult to comprehend, like the confusing, ephemeral quality of dreams.

You've the map that led me to that place
This force guides and directs me, leading me to a specific, meaningful location or experience.

Yellow desert screen
The harsh desert conditions are contrasted with a sense of beauty and wonder.

My Shangri-la beneath the summer moon
A reference to an idyllic and peaceful place, away from the difficulties of everyday life.

I will return again
Despite the challenges and difficulties, I am committed to returning to this place of peace and beauty.

As the dust that blows high in June
A comparison to the transience and fleeting nature of life, which moves like the windblown dust of the desert.

When moving through Kashmir
This experience took place in the region of Kashmir, which holds deep and meaningful significance for the storyteller.

Oh father of the four winds fill my sails
An invocation of a higher power to guide and direct the course of one's life.

'Cross the sea of years
A journey through time and experience, a metaphorical sea of past memories and future opportunities.

With no provision but an open face
Approaching each new experience and challenge with an open and receptive attitude, and no preconceived notions or bias.

Along the straits of fear
Traversing a narrow and treacherous passage, facing down fear and danger on the journey.

Oh! When I'm on, when I'm on my way, yeah!
An expression of excitement and purpose when starting a new journey or adventure.

When I see, when I see the way you stay yeah!
Referring to the steadfast and supportive people in the storyteller's life, who give him comfort and purpose during difficult times.

Ooh yeah-yeah, ooh yeah-yeah. When I'm down, yes
Even in moments of depression or difficulty, the storyteller is supported by his loved ones and feels inspired to keep moving forward.

Ooh yeah-yeah, ooh yeah-yeah. When I'm down, so down
Again, the storyteller acknowledges that he is not immune to difficult emotions or experiences, but takes comfort in the support of his friends and family.

Ooh my baby, ooh my baby let me take you there
The storyteller invites a loved one to join him on his journey, to share in the exciting and meaningful experiences he has encountered.

Oh, come on, come on, oh let me take you there
An enthusiastic and persuasive invitation to join him on his journey.

Let me take you there
An expression of the storyteller's desire to share his meaningful and transformative experiences with those he loves.

Ooh yeah yeah, ooh yeah yeah ... (fades out)
A final expression of excitement and passion for the journey, as the song comes to its close.