Making use of Bob Dylan's hit, Mr. Tambourine Man,
another tune penned in honor of Avatar Meher Baba's
120th birthday and performed as part of a celebration skit.

Hey Mister Avatar
keep your nazar on me
I'm still dreamin' but no chance
that I'll be wandering
Hey Mister Godman
you came here just for me
and on one samahdi morning
I'll come following you

And you might have heard about him
from your Ma or Pa
or some photo that you saw
or someone you call rock star
and now you're ponderin'

Your ego-mind is spinning
you're thinking that you know it all
you're just another one to fall
deep into the ocean of his eyes
that go on smiling

Hey Mister Avatar
keep your nazar on me
I'm still dreamin' but no chance
that I'll be wandering
Hey Mister Godman
you came here just for me
and on one samahdi morning
I'll come following you

And I thought I knew what love was
until I heard his call
He was silent all the time
used an alphabet board
then hand signs
"in love with humanity," he said.
Cast his glance and filled my head
with crazy sorrow.

To dance with my heart crying out
for the chance just to make him mine.
Distributing His sweet prasad
opening hearts as we take your darshan
Some waiting only for the sight
of your form passing.

Hey Mister Avatar
keep your nazar on me
I'm still dreamin' but no chance
that I'll be wandering
Hey Mister Godman
you came here just for me
and on one samahdi morning
I'll come following you

He's the Being of all beings
the very highest of them all
His love's for everyone
He's humorous and friend to all
He is the night time and the day light
for our soul's searching.

And you might hear laughter singing
ghazals sung into the night
His lovers gather in delight
with hugs exchanged and stories told
some look young, but then they're old
at least that's what I'm told
recognizing Him once again 
as God Beloved.

Hey Mister Avatar
keep your nazar on me
I'm still dreamin' but no chance
that I'll be wandering
Hey Mister Godman
you came here just for me
and on one samahdi morning
I'll come following you


Hey Mister Avatar
keep your nazar on me
I'm still dreamin' but no chance
that I'll be wandering
Hey Mister Godman
you came here just for me
and on one samahdi morning
I'll come following you





Hey Mister Avatar

Tangled Up In Truth

Early one morning, I was lying in bed
thinking about my life
started wondering why I was here
was it only to find a wife,
go to school and get a job,
maybe raise a couple of kids?
started thinking there was so much more
and whaddaya' know
--there is!

I learned about a spiritual guy
He calls himself Avatar
He lived a most amazing life
He traveled near and far
somehow I knew
Tangled Up In Truth

He visited Hollywood, USA
met all the movie folks there
He bowed down to sadhus and saints
in India, that's popular
Some say He broke his silence
some say that He never did
in '69 He dropped His body
and some say that He just died.
Me, I read every book
and asked everyone I could.
Have you heard about Him?
Please tell me what they knew,
as my fire grew
I was Tangled Up In Truth.

I headed down to Myrtle Beach
to find out for myself
Meher Baba's got His home by the lakes
so beautiful and far out
I had a couple of crazy dreams
as I sat there by the edge of His bed
from His photo on the wall He smiled, 
said, "I'm closer than your very breath."

The beach there was so wonderful
as I was tossed about in the waves
I felt Him as the Ocean of Love
and I'll trust him till the day
I disappear from view.
I was Tangled Up In Truth.

Next thing I knew, I was on a plane
headed for a distant land
so much to see and think about
I don't try to understand
I hold on tightly to the hem
of the Master's garment worn
as He leads me through this crazy place
there's shelter from the storm.

Meanwhile, by the dhuni fire
His lovers gather in a row
tossing all their fear and desires, 
all their worries and they know
just what He'll do
We're all Tangled Up In Truth!

Mansari lit a wooden fire and handed me a plate
"it's wonderful that you love Him too. 
You know, it's all Baba's will."
Now I think about so many friends
and my family members too.
Will they ever come to know
the love that He has for you?

Me, I would tell everyone
and try to make them understand
but I know, that it's not for me
and it's always in His hands
so, I defer to You!

Tangled Up In Truth

Tangled Up In Truth

Meher Baba, He is the Godman

Come gather round people
wherever you're from
and bow down to the Master
whose grave site was
constructed using
recycled stones
from a post office 
of the British forces
But there is no force greater
than His never-ending love
For inside, there rests the Godman.

The Dharshan has passed
but people still come
to feast upon their only Beloved's
love for them, each and every one
Any time that you're ever failing
just call on Him by name
and He'll surely come
For inside you, there is the Godman.

Can you hear Him now?
Can you quiet your self?
Your ego's trying to put you on the shelf,
but you cannot deny Him,
His love's silent call.
It's the same call that's come through the ages
but you'd better start listening
and be good to yourself
for inside each one is the Godman.

A door has been opened
you can't hide your heart
On the Avatar of the Age
surely you can depend
He's asking you to rely on Him.
And stop putting on these sad faces
for all winners and losers are just pawns in His game
Avatar Meher Baba, He is the Godman!

Meher Baba, He Is The Godman

Turn and Look Within

Yes, and how many times must I stand at the gate
before I can see the Godman?
I heard that He lives at Guruprasad
but He's always in seclusion
Yes, and how many tears must one lover cry
before he can lay it aside?
All his worry, and fear, and misery
no longer a thorn in his side.
Yes, and what will it take for a wise man to know
that Meher Baba is man, but then he's God?

The answer my friend is to turn and look within.
The answer's to turn and look within.

Now I've missed my moment to take His darshan.
Heck, I wasn't even born!
So many stories and people to meet.
I suppose they're the lucky ones.
But somehow in my head
I just know that it's true
when He said He left His body aside
to live in the hearts of His lovers today
where He'll abide for all time.
Yes, and did He break His silence,
how will we know?
Is it so hard to decide?

The answer my friend, it's always found within.
The answer, it's always found within.

Yes, and how many times will Illusion take hold?
Maya will deceive every time.
Yes, and can you surrender to His will
and let go of following your mind?
Yes, the lover and Beloved will be as one.
Remember Him each and every time.
Do your best and leave the rest to Him.
On Meher Baba you can rely.

The answer my friend is speaking from within.
The answer is speaking from within.
Yes, the answer my friend, it's always found within.
The answer, it's always found within.
And yes, the answer my friend --
just look within!
The answer's to turn and look within.



Turn and Look Within

I wonder how many may have heard 
Bob Dylan's version of Froggy Went a Courtin'?
The tune has been recorded by many, including Dylan's hero, Woody Guthrie.
I think I first heard it on Sesame Street. Here is a version for Meher Baba.

Meher Baba Went a Courtin'

Merwan went a-riding on his bike
Babajan kissed him between the eyes
and so began a most amazing time, Baba, Baba.

Only Merwan's father knew the deal
Merwan looked as though he was off his wheel
his mother was sad, 'cause she'd lost her son, Baba, Baba.

It took him nine months to come back down
Banging his head upon the ground
wrapped it all up in a scarf to hide the scar, Baba, Baba.

A visit to Upasni Maharaj
who hit him with a stone between the eyes
that was the end of his disguise
now He is the Avatar.

Sai Baba cried, "Parvardigar!"
He saw Merwan was God-realized
come back down as the living Christ
-- that means He is God in human form!

Friends and family don't always agree.
They start to call Him "Meher Baba"
and some follow Him to His ashram-a
and so begin their spiritual lives.

He gave an occasional discourse
communicated with His alphabet board
You've had enough words, they've all been recorded,
now is the time we live as one.

"Oh, Meher Baba, won't You break your silence?" they said,
"Oh, Meher Baba, won't You break your silence?"
We miss how You used to sing for us
and now we sing our songs for You!

He dropped His body when His work was done
but He's there resting upon the hill
if you cannot make the journey, then I know He will!
'Cause anyone can bow to Him in their heart.

We're at the height of many-ness, uh-huh.
I know we're at the height of many-ness, Baba.
And when we're at the height, then He appears
Avataric period last one hundred years,
anytime the wick of righteousness burns low.

So here is the end of my silly song, Baba.
As silly as it all might seem
Baba has told us that's it's all a dream.
Best to give it all to Him!

Oh Meher Baba, 
Meher Baba,
Meher Baba Avatar!

Baba Went a Courtin'

Lately, when reading the words of Meher Baba or His mandali
I'm finding they are as poetry or spontaneous song.
The words for this tune are mostly from Meher Baba's "right hand" man,
Eruch Jessawalla, who interpreted His alphabet board and hand gestures. 
A book compiled and edited by William Le Page, entitled, 
It So Happened...Stories From Days With Meher Baba
includes a transcribed tape recording of Eruch, 
"Meher Baba Is".



Like Meher Baba's Own

Meher Baba takes upon Himself a form.
Does that mean when He drops His form, then -- 
He is not?
He takes form and becomes our companion
making us feel His love, His existence --
more tangibly.

He comes down as our true friend
and He wants us to accompany Him.
And we can do so by leading our natural lives
becoming more and more child-like.
We can be innocent, honest, kind, and loving,
and for real.

How does that feel? How does that feel?
To answer His call, to surrender your all,
like you've come home,
like you're Meher Baba's own.

He wants us to remember Him
have Him by our side, all the time -- 
constantly.
In our thoughts and in our hearts
and you can do it, if you keep His
company.

But how will you, please Him?
By speaking words you would not
hesitate,
to speak as though you are with Him,
thinking thoughts, and acting only as if
in His presence.
And if you do so,
He'll be pleased.

How does that feel? How does that feel?
To answer His call, to surrender your all,
like you've come home,
like your heart's always known,
you're Meher Baba's own.

Baba wants us to hold fast to His daaman,
that is, the hem of His robe.
To hold His daaman all the time
means becoming more and more,
child-like.

That leads to our becoming more
dependent on Him, but not just
putting it on.
Doing whatever we think or feel,
sitting back and saying, "It's all Baba's will."
We should do our duty
but we have His constant support
there behind.

How does that feel? How does that feel?
To answer His call, to surrender your all,
like you've come home,
like your heart's always known,
you're Meher Baba's own!



Like Meher Baba's Own

I Want Truth

Time after lifetime, I've longed for You
followed the sound of Beloved's flute
stayed at your heels in hot pursuit, 
because I...
wished and longed for nothing less
than your love and your tenderness
your waves have washed me ashore
and because I

want Truth,
Yes, I want Truth
Baba, I want Truth,
so bad,
Baba, I want Truth.

Fashions come and fashions go
as above, so below
still some claim that they don't know about You.
But you have been so good to me
you're there when I cannot see
I feel you right there next to me 
because I

want Truth,
Yes, I want Truth
Baba, I want Truth,
so bad,
Yes, I want Truth.

The drunken times and the dollar signs
Illusion tangled up my mind
still I hold on tightly to your, daaman.
The mountains and the rolling hills
are nothing when compared to You
Your form is nothing but a cloak that You, put on

I want Truth,
Yes, I want Truth
Baba, I want Truth,
so bad,
Baba, I want Truth.

Well, all my friends
I wish they could
know true LOVE of the Master
But any time I try to describe
they think I'm out to pasture!

I talk with the mandali
I love them so,
we both agree
There's no place we would rather be than
with Him.
But when He returns, how will we know?
Will He find us, will He be close?
Will He be right under our nose, or will I...

want Truth,
Yes, I want Truth
Baba, I want Truth,
so bad,
Baba, I want Truth.

Yes, I want Truth
Baba, I want Truth,
so bad,
Baba, I want Truth.

I Want Truth

Lay Your Head Down (On the Master's Tomb)

Lay your head down, down on the Master's tomb.
Be here right now, find out what He's all about.

Whatever worry you have in your mind,
just give it to Him. Just take your time.

Lay your head down, down on the Master's tomb.
If no one's around, you might be lucky,
there might be room.
Surrender to Him, it all started with His whim.
Lay your head down, find out what He's all about.

You woke up early for the morning light,
but you missed singing arti the other night.
Whatever worry you have in your mind,
just give it up -- He's right there in front of you.

Please don't delay, lay your head on the Master's tomb.
Whatever's in your heart, hand it all over to Him.

Why wait any longer to feel His love?
His presence will chase away any gloom.
Why the long face as you stand to leave,
when you can always take Baba with you.

So lay your head down, down on the Master's tomb.
Surrender to Him, it all started with His whim.
Lay your head down, down on the Master's tomb.

Lay Your Head Down (On the Master's Tomb)

With Meher Baba By Their Side 

Oh, many a lover has a tale to tell
how in their time of crisis
His love they could feel
He was right there beside them
they could not deny
His love, it was with them
With Meher Baba By Their Side

In my humble opinion, we're lucky as hell
In song and in story we can share in His love
For He is our Beloved and He is our friend
and He wants us to trust Him
With Meher Baba On Our Side 

Oh, to be in His company could take a lifetime
And I'm told it was not easy, but it could be joyful as well
He could be so demanding, always changing His mind
Perhaps He was showing His human side?

Well, the mandali loved Him, animals too
even a monkey that didn't know where to go
it fouled up the bedclothes,
that mischievous little guy,
but even he was Lucky
and had Meher Baba On His Side.

Oh Baba, please help us, the villagers cried
for without fresh water
our crops will all die
Baba lit up His dhuni and as the flames grew higher
the drops, they started falling
With Meher Baba By Their Side 

Baba, that man's a scoundrel
it's known about town
but he comes for your dharshan
and at your feet he bows
You treat him like royalty,
but what do we know?
He's one of your lovers
With Meher Baba On His Side 

Baba, I dedicate my sing-song to You
and I sing for your mandali
and because of them too
They are superheroes
without a disguise
and they lived their lives for You
With Meher Baba By Their Side 


With Meher Baba By Their Side

Friends With You

Meher Baba came through town
with His mandali men
they'd been walking for miles
I knew right then,
as He walked close by
I fell to the ground
I lost track of time
-- there was no time!

All I really wanna' do
is Baba be friends with You

I asked if I might
stay with Him
to serve the Lord, 
through thick and thin
He told me that 
I should do my best
just let it be, 
He'd do the rest

All I really wanna' do
is Baba be friends with You

But Baba, I could be good
at chopping wood
mending fences or building stone walls
washing up or sweeping up
keeping watch for You
or cooking for You

All I really wanna' do
is Baba be friends with You

He said, "You'd be better off
out in the world. 
Now go and get married
raise a boy or a girl.
But don't you forget
to write to me
and I will see 
to everything.

Thank you Baba that's what I'll do
and I can be friends with You

Now it's been years
since my first contact
And I think of Him often
-- before I act
I know that His presence
is forever near
and I have no worry
I have no fear

All I really wanna' do
is Baba to stay with You!

All I really wanna' do
is Baba to stay with You!


Friends With You

Positively Love Street

I am so fortunate to have made His contact
He's the Ancient One who knows me
well before I knew Him.

How could I be dissatisfied
with my position or my fate?
He planned it all well before I got here.

And don't it feel so good to know He's got my back?
Why not stop your crying now and surrender.

And do you wonder why I remain quiet every year?
July 10th is the day He began His silence.

Part of His Avataric work was to give every one a push.
Look how He's made everything so easy.

Take some time to remember Him
and to repeat His name.
Let it go and watch to see what happens.

Don't Worry, Do Your Best, Leave the Rest To Him.
"Be Happy In My Love and I Will Help You."

Oh, but some take me for such a fool,
for the way I think and act.
I know your wish is for me to be responsible.

How can I let you down,
although I try and try?
My ego wins and I am left here -- crying.

You said to trust in You
and I take You at your word.
Relying more and more on You
for help with my problems.

But I wish that for just one time
I could stand in front of You
and love myself the way You say 
that You love me!

Would I lose consciousness
or would I disappear?
Someday I'll be worthy of merging with You.

Positively Love Street

With Or Without You

The caravan is leaving, you best go on home
do not try to contact Him, you're on your own
Remember that we're all to be resolved
to following His orders and to rely on God

Look out now, the New Life is coming through
and it's going to be lived with or without you

Baba has gone begging, better make some sense
His turban and His robe look like some comic dress
but the work that He is doing cannot be seen
and if we knew His language, what would it mean?

Look out now, Baba's New Life is calling you
and it's going to be lived with or without you


Baba heard you crying, now He calls for you
It looks as though you have got some explaining to do
His order has been broken, there are rules
Tomorrow you will be sent out into the world

Look out now, Baba's New Life's to continue
but the Master's nazar will be on you.

Offer something to them, in bhiksha please
but under no circumstance are you to fall to your knees
Among you He is a brother and a man
Only His companions could understand

Meher Baba's New Life is coming through
and it's going to be lived with or without you

The butter, it is simmering at the factory
Have you never cooked with New Life ghee?
Perhaps then, our sanskaras are being skimmed
to allow more of His love from within.

Look out now, Baba's New Life will continue
and it's going to be lived with or without you

With Or Without You

What if Bob Dylan wrote and performed songs for the Avatar of the Age, Avatar Meher Baba?
They might sound a bit like this, but then again -- they might not!  
In His Love and Jai Meher Baba!

Baba who?    Visit:  www.ambppct.org

contrailsoverboston@gmail.com

"Baba Bob"

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