The Dual Allure of Language and Music
The allure of language seems to be an ancient phenomenon for us. Whether it is the words used in everyday conversation, the lyrics of a song, the stories in a book, or an ad one reads in the subway, language holds a unique fascination. Adding to that is the allure of one’s native language—often called the "mother tongue" or, as it is now referred to, the "first language."
Bilingual and multilingual individuals often exhibit enhanced neural connectivity, which allows them to process and attach meaning to sounds more quickly, and in some cases enabling seamless transitions between languages. They can shift from recognizing a sound to attaching meaning and, in the process, form connections to what that word describes or attempts to convey.
In everyday conversations, we might not always experience an "aha" moment, especially when communicating in a language other than our first. However, when it comes to literature or spiritual texts, the experience often becomes more profound. This might be due to the serious tone and depth of the messages these texts convey. In such cases, one might experience an “aha” moment when they understand something in their native language, which resonates more deeply. And it increases tenfold when it comes to music.
Recently, the Gujarati rendition of Green Felt Below Me by E.J. Gold of a Fourth Way song from Gorby’s Songbook created such an “aha” moment for me. The reason lies not only in the lyrics but also in the musical style, which resembles the indie rock scene of a bygone era in India.
I am sharing both versions below (English and Gujarati), both shared by artist E.J. Gold on his official YouTube Channel. Take a moment to notice and experience the differences, not only in musical style but also in expression. The English version features a wonderful intro with banjo and carries a folk vibe—grounded and rustic, while the Gujarati version feels rawer, incorporating flute and other instruments, yet remains emotionally powerful.
So, even if you don’t understand either of these languages, just try to connect with the music.
Do let us know what you liked about the song, and feel free to share your favorite lines or lyrics!
This game will someday set you free…
રમત, જે તમને મુક્ત કરશે…
Very nice!