Walk alone

written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905.

**Originally titled as "Eka", the song was first published in the September 1905 issue of Bhandar magazine.

**I influenced by Harinaam Diye Jagat Matale Amar Ekla Nitai Re, a popular Bengali Kirtan song of Dhapkirtan or Manoharshahi gharana praising Nityananda, disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Ekla Chalo Re was incorporated in the "Swadesh" (Homeland) section of Tagore’s lyrical anthology Gitabitan.

This song exhorts the listener to continue his or her journey, despite abandonment or lack of support from others. The song is often quoted in the context of political or social change movements. Mahatma Gandhi, who was deeply influenced by this song, cited it as one his favorite songs.  (courtesy - IAS helper)


If they answer not to your call walk alone,
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O  thou unlucky one,
open your mind and speak out alone.

If they turn away, and desert you when crossing the wilderness,
O  thou unlucky one,
trample the thorns under your tread, and along the blood-lined track 

travel alone.

If they do not hold up the light when the night is troubled with storm,
O thou unlucky one,
with the thunder flame of pain ignite your own heart and 

let it burn alone.

http://youtu.be/qHWzN0E8wj0