Portrait of the Ah-tiste as a Grumpy Old Fart... This is a song I wrote over 30 years ago, but this instrumental recording is about 10 or 12 years old in David Hildreth's studio (facebook.com/David-Hildreth-Music-108700065845932/?ref=profile_intro_card). It appeared in my mind nearly full-blown (structurally, anyway) as a result of simply experimenting with unfamiliar MIDI gear in Premarnava prabhu's studio in Bahulavana (winter, 1986, I think). This Sunday is his memorial service, and I owe him so much of a debt I can now not even begin to repay. I can only offer my undying love for his inspiration, both for his musical grace and influence, and far more for spiritual inspiration, as much him as any of the more advanced devotees of Lord KRSNA whose association I have had the unmerited privilege to experience in this life. Here are the lyrics, the sanskrit verse is from Sri Krsna Caitanya's siksastaka: Desolation Waltz Oh, my love, I have fallen Into a web of my own making Surely, now, I will soon perish Should you fail to rescue me There I stood, full of strength and confidence Fame and fortune at my beck and call Out of kindness now, you have taken all away Left me naught, save this desolation waltz Oh my love, I have fallen Into an ocean of desperate fear Tears keep falling from my eyes like rain And I am left alone, calling out your name While I dance the desolation waltz yugaiyitam nimisena caksusa pravisaiyitam sunyaiyitam jagat sarvam Govinda (x3) virahena me I know nothing, save you are my only love Whether your treat me well or ill You can do anything you like with me I can only stand with folded hands And do the desolation waltz

► Listen on DSound
► Listen from source (IPFS)