Shambala
Solomon Burke Lyrics


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Wash away my trouble, wash away my pain
With the rain of Shambala
Wash away my sorrow, wash away my shame
With the rain of Shambala

Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Everyone is helpful, everyone is kind
On the road to Shambala
Everyone is lucky, everyone is so kind
On the road to Shambala

Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?
How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?

I can tell my sister by the flowers in her eyes
On the road to Shambala
I can tell my brother by the flowers in his eyes
On the road to Shambala

Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?
How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?
How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?
(Tell me) How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?

Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah




Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, Shambala
Ah, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh yeah, road to Shambala

Overall Meaning

Solomon Burke’s song “Shambala” speaks of a utopian world in which all troubles, sorrows and shame are washed away by the rain of Shambala. The song describes everyone as helpful and kind on the road to Shambala, where everyone is also considered lucky. The repeated question, “How does your light shine in the halls of Shambala?” seems to speak to one’s impact on such a world - a world where the name alone connotes a sense of tranquillity and peace. Moreover, the imagery of identifying one’s siblings and friends by “the flowers in their eyes” also suggests that this is a community deeply connected to and aware of each other’s emotions and needs.


Burke’s song speaks to what many may yearn for, particularly during uncertain times: a world where everyone is kind and helpful, a world where troubles are washed away with ease, and where individuals are understood and supported by their community. The mention of light, although brief, also speaks to a sense of hope and possibility - a world illuminated by the collective good of its inhabitants. In all, the song paints a vivid picture of a harmonious and idyllic world, one that strongly contrasts with the flawed and imperfect society that many navigate on a daily basis.


Line by Line Meaning

Wash away my trouble, wash away my pain With the rain of Shambala
I seek release from my distress and agony through the transformative energy of Shambala


Wash away my sorrow, wash away my shame With the rain of Shambala
I desire absolution from my grief and guilt through the purifying power of Shambala


Everyone is helpful, everyone is kind On the road to Shambala
The journey towards Shambala is marked by communal support, compassion, and generosity


Everyone is lucky, everyone is so kind On the road to Shambala
The path to Shambala is characterized by a culture of fortune and benevolence towards all beings


How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala? How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?
What is the nature of your inner radiance when in the presence of the spiritual realm of Shambala?


I can tell my sister by the flowers in her eyes On the road to Shambala
On the path to Shambala, I can intuitively recognize my sibling's connection to the divine through the beauty and vitality of their gaze


I can tell my brother by the flowers in his eyes On the road to Shambala
While journeying to Shambala, I can discern my kin's proximity to the sublime based on the luminescence and grace of their countenance




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DANIEL JOSEPH MOORE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Lorenzo Paredes

I didn't know Shambhala was so funkified. That bass line is so contagious.

imnokid

Tony, thanx for uploading this. I'm on a Soloman dive and this was in his discogs and I didn't have it.