Guru Shabad Singh became a Sikh in his early 20's and has not turned back since. A successful businessman and singer, his latest creation is an ode to Hari Mandir Sahib the Golden Temple. In it, he expresses his devotion to that holy place where he, like many, had inspirational experiences.
He had spent time in Amritsar in 1983 and 1984. He left Punjab before operation bluestar, but bore witness to the injustices that led up to the event. In that time he had the opportunity to meditate at the Hari Mandir Sahib for hours every day, and, like Sikhs around the world, grew a deep love for this holy place.
When asked why he made this song, Guru Shabad Singh replied, "I was going through a very difficult time in my life and my soul took me to the Golden Temple and the healing energy of Guru Ram Das. And so this song was born. It begins with….”When you’re in times of trouble, there’s a place you can go.”
This project has been done as a seva, and the video is available in different languages. Click here to watch with Spanish subtitles, and here for Punjabi subtitles.
Listen to Guru Shabad Singh on the Gurbani Media Center
Guru Shabad Singh's other music on Spirit Voyage
Lyrics:
When you’re in times of trouble, there’s a place you can go
Where peace comes down from the heavens, and the spirit flows
Take away your troubles, take away your pain
Let the Guru’s Nectar, flow through your veins.
When you stand at the Golden Temple with your eyes fill your soul
When you stand at the Golden Temple all God’s saints call you home
People come from far away, to this sacred place
To give their heads to the Guru, bow in humble grace
May the dust of some saint, be upon that spot
Where my head touches marble, love fills my heart.
Sit among the holy, sing the songs of God
There you’ll find true happiness, deep inside your heart
Feel the love that’s bursting, as your lotus blooms
Ecstasy awakens, everything in you.
You came into this life, by your destiny
To learn and grow in spirit, and set your soul free
Millions of lifetimes, tested your soul
Now all the saints have gathered, to welcome you home.
Guru Ram Das was a man, who loved the very soul
Of each and every living thing, to his heart he would hold
In his painful longing, tears flowed like rain
Just to touch the dust of the dust, of the feet of the saints
Giver of compassion, healer to this world
Take me back to his home, Harmandir.