When I Awake

Paramhansa Yogananda's song "When I Awake" is a spiritual and deeply introspective piece that explores themes of awakening, divine love, and joy. The lyrics reflect a yearning for spiritual enlightenment and a desire to transcend the illusions of the material world. The repeated plea to the 'Mother' to awaken the singer from dreams signifies a call for spiritual awakening and liberation from the cycles of sorrow, fear, and ignorance.

The song's imagery of dancing hand in hand with the divine in light, joy, and love suggests a harmonious and intimate relationship with the divine presence. This metaphor of dance symbolizes the unity and bliss that come with spiritual awakening. The light, joy, and love mentioned in the lyrics are not just abstract concepts but are portrayed as tangible experiences that the singer aspires to attain upon awakening.

Yogananda, a renowned spiritual teacher and author of "Autobiography of a Yogi," often emphasized the importance of direct personal experience of the divine. This song encapsulates his teachings, encouraging listeners to seek a deeper connection with the divine and to awaken to their true nature. The repetitive structure of the lyrics reinforces the meditative and prayerful quality of the song, making it a powerful tool for spiritual practice and reflection.