When the ‘mahapiritha’ found its way into a song lyric
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i|g fifkyi bysrekso fid÷Í
Ôúf;a fid÷reu /hl
wysñ fmï iqj bjikd
;ju uf. ys; kqU mqiqU ñysÍ
It’s difficult to imagine to what extent the modern-day Sinhala song has advanced.
This rare gem, written by Sunil R.Gamage and composed by Dr Rohana Weerasinghe for Pundit Amaradeva to sing in the early 2000s is a fine example of that phenomenal reach. Popularity wise, or from a commercial angle, I am unable to comment on its success but it’s a remarkable piece of creative art, both in lyrical and musical form.
It’s heart-warming to note how the metaphor of ‘mahapiritha’; the most sacred blessing closest to a Buddhist’s heart, finds its way into a lyric of a song. Its complex usage speaks well for the writer’s brilliance.
To the protagonist in the song, the unbearable shock of his lost love echoes relentlessly, and he seeks to convert it into the rendering of ‘mahapiritha’ to gain solace. He knows the impact will torment him for eons and wants the relief offered by the ancient chanting to be repeated in his ear to overcome the envisioned pain, not only in this birth, but in the journey of samsara as well. The memory of the relationship is that holy to him hence the comparison.
The first verse describes with appropriate imagery the mess the protagonist is in with no hope of a recovery. He prefers to live the rest of his life with the bittersweet memory and seeks only the momentary comfort offered by the chant. He sees no way out of the misery except repenting what could have been a fault on his part for not trying enough to salvage the relationship. He broods sullenly whilst struggling to come to terms with the reality.
The second verse, once again with a subtle simile, focuses on his quest to get to the bottom of the torturing separation. Sadly, he is unable to find answers nor point a finger with any conviction and instead is seen drifting into an abyss of uncertainty. It’s followed by his confession as to how difficult it is for him to pass the night without her physical presence by his side.
The rhythmic melody Dr Rohana Weerasinghe has composed suits not only the poignant piece of writing but maestro Amaradeva’s ageing baritone as well, no less than a hand in glove. The prelude and interludes have a certain reverberating effect created by the use of right instruments and the impact stays with the listener for a long time to come. It is the same soothing effect the real ‘mahapiritha’has. The light keyboard sounds backed by strings give way to a haunting flute and the musician has very cleverly used a wailing female voice to render a set of sorrowful notes in-between to support the heart-breaking minor, major chord transitions. It also reflects the protagonist’s turbulent past.
Throughout the song, a light guitar woven around the husky vocals could be heard as if to share his grief. The pulsing percussion adds a steady base to the melody which brings about a certain devotional feeling of continuation toward the familiar ‘mahapiritha’. The arrangements speak well for the musician’s brilliance.
The singer’s seasoned voice adds the required melancholy to the gloomy lines of lost love.By this rendering, he had been able to add another beauty to his already overflowing treasure trove.
The song is now on YouTube. I invite you to listen to it.
https://www.youtube.com/ watch? v=oeWDnIdHGXM
Sasanka Nanayakkara