Song to the Siren encapsulates my memory of Nepal, a charming land that constantly lures my return. Sometimes, the beauty of this country scares me, as if too much of a good thing can be wrecking…
Tim Buckley (who wrote the original) and Robert Plant have fantastic versions, but Susheela Raman’s Hindustani voice hits the sweet spot of remembrance for me. This is the last number off her album Salt Rain — it leaves a lingering whisper and longing in the heart, and is simply divine even as a poem.
Susheela Raman – Song to the Siren
Long afloat on shipless oceans
I did all my best to smile
Till your singing eyes and fingers
Drew me loving to your eyes
And you sang “Sail to me, sail to me
Let me enfold you”
Here I am, here I am waiting to hold you
Did I dream you dreamed about me?
Were you hare when I was fox?
Now my foolish boat is leaning
Broken lovelorn on your rocks
For you sang, “Touch me not
Touch me not, come back tomorrow”
Oh my heart, oh my heart shys from the sorrow
I’m as puzzled as a newborn child
I’m as riddled as the tide
Should I stand amid the breakers?
Or should I lie with death my bride?
Hear me sing: “Swim to me
Swim to me, let me enfold you
Here I am, here I am, waiting to hold you”
