Lakshmi Ma

[bnewman]

The idea for this song began with just the sound-alike of the refrain, but I knew that, if I was going to write the whole thing, it would need to be a sincere devotional song. Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of material abundance. I also knew that I needed to write this song from where I am, which is a life of abundance — solidly upper-middle-class, with a good deal of privilege. I couldn't in good conscience write a song asking the Goddess for more when I have enough.

I should also mention that I don't literally believe in reincarnation, or any other afterlife — but I have never believed either that one must literally believe a myth in order to draw teaching or spiritual sustenance from it, especially in song and poetry. The intended teaching in this song (which is, as I understand it, consistent with but not exhaustive of the traditional Hindu understanding) is that everything is One, so the idea of a separate self is an illusion — another being living a life very different from yours is no less "you" than you are, and deserves your compassion in the same way.

lyrics by Benjamin Newman

ttto: "Wagon Wheel" by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor

listen to this song
 

/: G D Em C / G D C - :/

 

I’ve never gone hungry, never begged for bread

Got a good job and a good roof over my head

Enough and more by anyone's accounting

You know it’s pride to think we get what we earn

Just watch the wheel go 'round another turn

Every day I thank the Goddess for Her bounty

 

Lakshmi Ma, is life a wagon wheel?

Lakshmi Ma, or is it all unreal?

Jai Mahalakshmi!

 

Lakshmi Ma, this life is joy and pain

Lakshmi Ma, then we go 'round again

Jai Mahalakshmi!

 

As the wheel turns 'round we live many lives

One soul suffers while another one thrives

So cherish what you've got, but don't get greedy

The only treasure we keep when every life is through

Is the grace we gain by the good we do

Next time you might be born among the needy

 

Lakshmi Ma, is life a wagon wheel...?

 

This time around I got a lucky start

I've got more than enough, I'm gonna do my part

This wealth was meant for many hands to carry

So if you're one of those the Goddess chose to bless

Give what you can to lift up those with less

And remember all you own is temporary

 

Lakshmi Ma, is life a wagon wheel...?