Before the world takes my soul… just one time please come to me
Before I fade to my death… in my dreams please visit me
Don’t let me cry… before I die
* * *
I have aged, yet so terribly… without my father by my side
I was raised but in a shadow… I slept in all the tears I cried
My days were without end or hope… only in nights did I abide
For it would reflect my sorrow… even my tears they had no guide
Who would come and take my hand… and show the whole world to me
A father comforts his child… but the night comforted me
So tell me why.. Before I die
* * *
I watched you leave our humble home… and by our door waiting I stood
But no-one came back to raise me… and my heart never understood
Did you think I’d cause you trouble? … O’ father by God I couldn’t
I was raised as my mother taught… every morning kiss you I would
We’d place your prayer mat by you… every morning I’d come to you
In my nights you’d come to me… the last thing I saw was you
Love can’t deny.. Before I die
* * *
Every night when lonely I slept… in my dreams I would see your face
I’d ask you father please come back… by your daughter’s side is your place
Once lived by me pride and honour… now sorrow becomes my disgrace
When the world has its eyes on me… and with doubt my whole heart is laced
Sorrow became my own friend… it replaced you O’ father
And so when I meet my end… it shall be my grave digger
And would I lie… Before I die
* * *
When the world had its grip on me… I did not know to who I’d turn
In every path this life took me… still for my father I would yearn
I gave men’s tears a new meaning… from my own tears sorrow would learn
I was surrounded by my doubt… I slept on worry and concern
I slept hoping O’ father… that soon you’d return to me
Like the rib of your mother… a broken heart sat in me
Patience is shy… Before I die
* * *
O’ father let me hear your name… bless me the sight of your beauty
My mind so young it sits confused… and I’ve grown in all my worry
Let my own speech caress your speech… let my words tell your heart, sorry
Sorry for whatever made you… leave me to mourn your tragedy
Was it Fatima Zahra… your remembered when your eyes gazed
In the eyes of your daughter… I apologise for my ways
To speak I try… Before I die
* * *
As my death knocks upon my door… I tell it wait for my father
For to me still he must return… on him I will give up never
O’ death don’t take me nor taunt me… do not tell me of Karbala
For in my mind Hussein still walks… and he’s searching for his daughter
In my mind Hussein’s asking… where is the heart of my eyes
And so for years I’m waiting… delay for me my demise
Let me love rise… Before I die
* * *
(London – 14/08/10)