Joyful Display Blues

Joyful Display Blues is a slow-burning, midnight-porch blues-folk song that turns ancient Lotus Sūtra insight into raw, human sound. Finger-picked guitar and a low harmonica drone carry lyrics about bodhisattvas rising from the earth, the Buddha’s cosmic display of light, and the vow to transform anger, isolation, and attachment into courage, compassion, and wisdom. Lantern-warm tones and indigo sky textures give the music a mystical yet earthy feel. It’s a celebration of everyday alchemy—turning poison into medicine—and of the unstoppable joy that keeps us singing through dark nights.

Lyrics: 
(slow, minor-key folk blues; finger-picked guitar with a low harmonica drone)

[Verse 1 – The Long View]
I heard the earth was shakin’, Bodhisattvas risin’ from the ground,
Not some far-off heaven, but right here where truth is found.
They vowed to keep the story, when the Buddha’s voice was gone,
And the sky lit up like thunder—light from every pore shone on.

[Chorus – The Cosmic Call]
Oh the Buddha stretched his tongue to heaven,
snapped his fingers, the worlds all spun.
But that power’s not a parlor trick,
it’s the vow of everyone.
The joyful display of the Buddhas,
is the strength we carry inside—
Turning poison into medicine,
on this blues-folk midnight ride.

[Verse 2 – Everyday Alchemy]
Anger’s just raw energy, I can forge to fearless love,
Isolation melts to compassion, like rain from clouds above.
Attachment shifts to wisdom, seein’ life as it truly flows,
Every wound a door to freedom, every thorn a hidden rose.

[Chorus – The Cosmic Call]
Oh the Buddha stretched his tongue to heaven,
snapped his fingers, the worlds all spun.
But that power’s not a parlor trick,
it’s the vow of everyone.
The joyful display of the Buddhas,
is the strength we carry inside—
Turning poison into medicine,
on this blues-folk midnight ride.

[Bridge – Modern Mission]
Nichiren walked that lonesome road,
Superior Practice in his bones.
Told us chant the mystic name,
make this troubled world our own.
It ain’t some distant paradise,
it’s the grit beneath our feet.
We rise from earth like thunder,
with a vow we won’t defeat.

[Verse 3 – Eternal Present]
The light that shook ten thousand worlds,
still burns in every breath we take.
Every time we lift another soul,
the cosmic joy awakes.
This ain’t old scripture fading,
it’s a song the future sings,
A blues that rolls forever,
on Bodhisattva wings.

[Final Chorus – The Joyful Display]
Oh the Buddha stretched his tongue to heaven,
snapped his fingers, the worlds all spun.
But that power’s not a parlor trick,
it’s the vow of everyone.
The joyful display of the Buddhas,
is the strength we carry inside—
Turning poison into medicine,
on this endless midnight ride.

(Outro: slow harmonica fade, a soft guitar thumb-beat like a distant heartbeat)

Joyful Display Blues

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Welcome to the musical world of The William Altig Choir, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary sound.

Inspired by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and infused with deep spiritual themes, my music blends the rich traditions of blues and folk with modern elements, creating a unique fusion that resonates with both the heart and soul.

I've been captivated by the Lotus Sutra's messages of compassion, wisdom, and transformation since my youth. It's a journey of self-discovery that has found its voice in my music. Each song is a reflection of my own spiritual awakening and a celebration of universal truths.

My style is characterized by emotive storytelling, powerful lyrics, and a commitment to exploring the depths of human experience. Featuring contemplative blues, acoustic slide guitar, saxophone melodies, and the harmonies of a gospel choir, my music reflects a quest for enlightenment and a better understanding of the self.

Join me on this musical journey. Together, we can explore the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, finding solace, hope, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

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