I had been struggling to find my voice in music after a decade long hiatus. I had some old songs that I had written in my 20s but I could no longer relate to them. I tried recording some of them, and they just felt too mechanical and for another time in my life. Also as of late I had been feeling increasingly lost. It’s a weird mix of lockdowns, Covid blues, midlife crisis, writer’s block, lack of clarity and a sense of direction.
I’m glad all of this at least led me to penning down “Gaao Mere Geet” which is the first song I have written since 2007. Lately I had this strong feeling of time being short compounded by the fact that I musically squandered my last 15 years. I find myself telling myself to breathe and relax and count the small wins every day. That’s basically what this song is about. I’m here, I’m alive, I can still create. So I will.
And that’s really what I want this song to mean for you. Whatever that thing is at your core, that moves you, that you know you were meant for, find it and nurture it. Finish writing that first draft of the book you’ve been meaning to write, or the tenth draft, it doesn’t matter. Write a chapter, write a page, tear it up, write again. Take that class, start that business, pick up that sport again, join that charity, travel to that place you keep telling yourself is too far and too expensive to go. Build, create, break, over and over. Live. Live the life you were meant to.
Kisi ke geet gaana literally translates to singing one’s praises, and that’s the other tongue in cheek double meaning of this song (I LOVE Urdu). Often done on the other side of the relationships, seldom while they thrive. So look around, who deserves your love, affection and maybe even praise today? Do it before you can’t.
And of course, love yourself. I got a load of work to do at this here myself.
Musically, though its a dark song, I wanted the music to be happy and hopeful. I think using the brass and horns in the last chorus is my favourite part of the song. And I have been lovingly carving this jazz, church choir, rock sound lately. The choir piece at the end gives the song some hope, some wings. I love it! What do you think?
“Gaao Mere Geet” releases on Spotify and Apple Music worldwide on Feb 10, 2022.