Bahá’í Tunes

A song summarizing episode 42 of the Society Builder's podcast exploring a "Spiritual Parenting" curriculum developed by Faegheh Evans.  The lyrics were written by Dr. Duane Varan but the vocals, instruments and musical composition were facilitated using AI.  The music is designed with a world fusion motif - with instruments from around the world including a didgeridoo laying the foundation for instrumentation (highlighting the Australian origins of the curriculum), steel drums (to create a celebratory calypso feel in parts), the sitar (for mystical accents), a South American deep forrest flute and a saxophone - bringing five continents together.  

Lyrics to the song 'Spiritual Parenting':

One word can shatter a heart
Another inspire a dream
Because our words really matter 
No matter how it might seem

When we acknowledge their virtues 
And help make our kids aware
Of the qualities they aspire to
And the character they share

[chorus]
Spiritual parenting 
is the song we sing
Cultivating virtues, character and agency

In the language we use
And the example we produce
We raise our kids to be the captains of their destiny

[musical interlude]

[verse]
As parents we wear different hats 
Donning the right hat for each occasion
As educator, counselor, guide or authority

It’s a journey of discovery 
Of exploring life’s mysteries
Of cultivating our true spirituality

[chorus]
Spiritual parenting 
is the song we sing
Cultivating virtues, character and agency

In the language we use
And the example we produce
We raise our kids to be the captains of their destiny

Spiritual parenting 
Is the song that we sing
Cultivating virtues, character and agency

In the language we use
And the example we produce
We raise our kids to be the captains of their destiny

An exploration of key themes in the Ridvan 2026 message of the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of the World.  The song includes a number of lines directly quoting from the message.  The lyrics were composed by Dr. Duane Varan but the musical composition, instruments and vocals were AI-facilitated.

The lyrics are as follows:

[verse]

We launch into the greater phase of the Plan
With confidence, conviction and clarity
Undaunted by the world’s swelling turmoil
Helping chart the course for a lost humanity

As community emerges - as a more conspicuous part of the Plan
With a culture of agency and support hand in hand
Our youth lead the charge – against a world of conflict and divide
They resist the impulse to condemn – [both] serving side by side

[Chorus]

[choir]
We need to be swift to act – and eager to learn
With new patterns of action – new patterns to discern
It’s time for a Profound insightful conversation
A shaping of actions, interactions and aspirations

[verse]

Hope is a scarce and precious resource
But we have conviction for humanity
We’re ever hopeful and firm in our hope
Because through experience we see a higher reality

Our Persian believers shelter the flame of hope [Ney accent]
They’re ever patient, resilient and true
As they serve their neighbors – and help them cope
Committed to principle – in all they do

[Chorus]

[choir]
We need to be swift to act – and eager to learn
With new patterns of action – new patterns to discern
It’s time for a Profound insightful conversation
A shaping of actions, interactions and aspirations

It’s time for a Profound insightful conversation
A shaping of actions, interactions and aspirations

[outro]

This is a Persian version (in Farsi) of the Society Builders podcast series them song.  The original lyrics are by Dr. Duane Varan with the musical composition, translation, vocals and instrumentation all AI-facilitated.

Lyrics are as follows:

سازندگانِ جامعه، راهو می‌کنن باز
به سوی دنیایی بهتر، به سوی فردایی ساز

با همدلی و همفکری، در مسیرِ ساختن
جامعه‌ای تازه و نو، با امید و پرداختن

بحرانی بزرگ افتاده بر جانِ بشر
از نبودِ یگانگی، دل‌ها شده در به در

اکنون وقتِ راهی نو، وقتِ تغییرِ فضاست
برای ساختن فردا، جامعه‌ای که زیباست

⸻

[کورس]

بیا تو این گفت‌وگو
برای تغییرِ رو به رو

سازندگانِ جامعه

⸻

[بند]

با جامعه‌های محلی خودت همراه شو
تو دلِ این فرصت‌ها، دنبالِ یک راه شو

می‌تونیم فضا رو ببریم رو به اوج
حال‌وهوای دنیا رو بسازیم مثل موج

⸻

[بند]

این الگو داره عوض می‌شه، رو به پیش
پر از حسِ امید و نور، پر از آرامش و خویش

یه ضربِ نو، یه آهنگ، یه حسِ تازه و ناب
یه ریتمِ نو تو راهه، پر از انرژی و تاب

⸻

[کورس]

بیا تو این گفت‌وگو
برای تغییرِ رو به رو

سازندگانِ جامعه

⸻

[بند]

آیین بهائی داره حرف‌های عمیق
نشون می‌ده راهی نو، روشن و دقیق

با گفت‌وگو و اقدام، در مسیرِ یگانگی
که چارچوبش وحدته، راهِ همگانگی

حالا وقتشه بلند شیم، قوی‌تر از همیشه
تعالیم اسم اعظم، راهی که می‌اندیشه

برخیزیم سوی شکوه، سوی اون سرنوشت
که در انتظار ماست، روشن و پر از بهشت

⸻

[کورس]

بیا تو این گفت‌وگو
برای تغییرِ رو به رو

سازندگانِ جامعه

بیا تو این گفت‌وگو
برای تغییرِ رو به رو

سازندگانِ جامعه
سازندگانِ جامعه

Song exploring the theme of 'Constructive Resilience', a term coined by the Universal House of Justice to describe the response of the Baha'is in Iran to systematic persecution.  The lyrics are composed by Dr. Duane Varan while the musical composition, vocals and instrumentation are all AI-facilitated.

The lyrics to the song are as follows:

No matter how bleak the immediate horizons
No matter how dark things may seem
While we obey our oppressor’s rule
It is our Faith that stands supreme

We neither succumb in resignation
Nor imitate the patterns we reject
We walk through every storm of trial
Faithful to our character, in every respect

[chorus]
Like the organs of a body, 
Each part different but aligned
Through our constructive resilience 
A new pattern you will find

Our conscious can’t be stilled 
Because our destiny will be fulfilled

[bridge]
Constructive resilience
Constructive resilience

[verse]
It’s an unbroken record of service
With means consistent with its ends
It’s an integrity that is never shaken
As we serve our fellow friends

Because no matter how dark the horizon
No matter how grim the day at hand
We know our future is bright and luminous
As all will celebrate the Persian land

[chorus]
Like the organs of a body, 
Each part different but aligned
Through our constructive resilience 
A new pattern you will find

Our conscious can’t be stilled 
Because our destiny will be fulfilled

[bridge]
Constructive resilience
Constructive resilience

Constructive resilience
Constructive resilience

This song is a reflection of the message of the Universal House of Justice to the Conference of the Continental Board of Counsellors dated December 31, 2025.  The message explores progress in the first phase of the Nine Year Plan.  The lyrics were composed by Dr. Duane Varan while the musical composition, voices and instruments were all AI-facilitated.  The words to the song are as follows:

As we lay down solid foundations - For our communities
With capacity building in action – for the needs of societies
Together we learn and discover – There’s no formula to succeed 
It’s a habit of the mind – a culture of learning we need

[Chorus]
Bright horizons beckon – as new realities come into view
Our relationship with society evolves – as we build the world anew
We live with acute awareness - of the divine remedy
Seizing every chance to respond - as we read society

[verse]
We arise with a heightened spirit – building havens of peace for all
Rising above the world’s unabating distractions – as we arise to respond to the call
It’s a steady, patient process – where growth is organic you see
As our friends and neighbors join us – together shaping our reality

[Chorus]
Bright horizons beckon – as new realities come into view
Our relationship with society evolves – as we build the world anew
We live with acute awareness - of the divine remedy
Seizing every chance to respond - as we read society

[short musical interlude]

[Chorus]

[octave step up]
Bright horizons beckon – as new realities come into view
Our relationship with society evolves – as we build the world anew
We live with acute awareness - of the divine remedy
Seizing every chance to respond - as we read society

Song commemorating the ascension of Abdul-Baha on November 28, 1921.  The song is based on a letter from the Universal House of Justice commemorating the centenary of Abdul-Baha's passing.  The lyrics were composed by Dr. Duane Varan while the musical composition, vocals and instrumentation were all AI-facilitated.

The words to the song are as follows:

[verse]
[male vocals]
Thousands came – from every faith and creed
Paying tribute to the man – who administered to their every need
Abdul-Baha had now ascended – winging His way to His eternal home
And Baha’is the whole world over – suddenly felt so alone

[bridge]
His passing saw the setting of the Heroic age you see
His life forms the center and the pivot for the unity of humanity

[chorus]
[choir]
His message was to join him – in service and self sacrifice
Building the oneness of humanity – cultivating a new paradise
His example so clearly guides us – He's a beacon for our community
He’s the Center of the Covenant –the standard for Bahá’í  identity

[verse]
[male vocals]
He’s the unerring interpreter, the embodiment of every ideal
Nothing kept Him from His mission – no peril, obstacle or ordeal 
His love revived, nurtured and inspired – He’s the essence of purity
In His example we see devotion – the standard for true integrity

[bridge]

His wish was for all to join Him – in a path of servitude
Facing life’s test with resolution – with a new fortitude 

[chorus]
[choir]
His message was to join him – in service and self sacrifice
Building the oneness of humanity – cultivating a new paradise
His example so clearly guides us – He's a beacon for our community
He’s the Center of the Covenant –the standard for Bahá’í  identity

His example so clearly guides us – He's a beacon for our community
He’s the Center of the Covenant –the standard for Bahá’í  identity

[outro]

This is a song composed for the Day of the Covenant, celebrating Abdul-Baha'is appointment as Center of Baha'u'llah's Covenant. The Bahá’í Covenant is unique in religious history as Baha'u'llah left His believers with a clear path to turn to for guidance following His ascension, giving Abdul-Baha clear authority to interpret His Writings and guide the community. The lyrics were written by Duane Varan but the musical composition, instrumentation and vocals are AI-facilitated.

The lyrics are as follows:

[verse]
God’s great promise - is we’ll always have His guidance
His great Covenant - helps us grow and advance
And Baha’u’llah’s great gift is the Covenant He left us-
Preserving unity with a clear path for guidance

[Bridge]
It’s light dispels the darkness
It’s the key to our unity

[Chorus]
Because the Covenant is the ark of salvation
It’s the greatest gift of His revelation
It’s the axis for the world of humanity
It’s the pivot for our spiritual destiny

[verse]
Abdul-Baha is the Center of the Covenant
He’s the interpreter of the Word, and the Expounder of the Book
He’s the mystery of God, the stainless mirror of God’s holy light
He’s The perfect exemplar, the source of true insight

[Bridge]
He’s the wellspring of infinite wisdom -
The embodiment of every ideal

[Chorus]
Because the Covenant is the ark of salvation
It’s the greatest gift of His revelation
It’s the axis for the world of humanity
It’s the pivot for our spiritual destiny

[higher key]
Because the Covenant is the ark of salvation
It’s the greatest gift of His revelation
It’s the axis for the world of humanity
It’s the pivot for our spiritual destiny

It’s the axis for the world of humanity
It’s the pivot for our spiritual destiny 

Song composed for the celebration of the birth of the Bab and the birth of Baha'u'llah, which occurred within one day of each other (two years apart) in the lunar calendar.  The lyrics were composed by Duane Varan while the vocals, instruments and musical composition were facilitated using AI.  Lyrics as follows:

[verse]

On the first and the second day,
 Following the moon’s eighth ray,

Baháʼís the world over, 

celebrate the Twin Festivals

We celebrate the birth 

of Baha’u’llah and the Bab

As communities across the world rejoice.

[Chorus]

Rejoice!  Rejoice! – As Two Luminaries rose

Above the horizon of the world, their light forever glows

Rejoice! Rejoice! Celebrate two births divine.

Recreating the world anew - under God’s great design

Rejoice! Rejoice! God’s new day is here.

It’s a time to celebrate with great glee and cheer.

Rejoice! Rejoice! As we’re amazed and awed

“These two days are counted as one in the sight of God.”

[verse]

We celebrate the births divine,
 Twin Festivals through time entwined,

Two stars from one horizon glow

Releasing forces that gather and flow

Now everywhere the hearts take wing,
 In every soul, their praises sing.

Hearts awaken, spirits take flight,
 In worship and in service they shine so bright.

[Chorus]

Rejoice!  Rejoice! – As Two Luminaries rose

Above the horizon of the world, their light forever glows

Rejoice! Rejoice! Celebrate two births divine.

Recreating the world anew - under God’s great design

Rejoice! Rejoice! God’s new day is here.

It’s a time to celebrate with great glee and cheer.

Rejoice! Rejoice! As we’re amazed and awed

“These two days are counted as one in the sight of God.”

Rejoice! Rejoice! As we’re amazed and awed

“These two days are counted as one in the sight of God.”

Note: the first two lines refer to the method used for calculating the specific date for the Twin Festivals each year.  Although the Bahá’í calendar is solar, the dates for the births of these divine Manifestations and the one day separating them is based on the Islamic calendar.  So to adjust the date in the Bahá’í calendar, it is calculated as the first and the second day following the 8th full moon from Naw Ruz (hence the lyrics: 'on the first and second day, following the moon's eighth ray'.  

A song telling the story of the martyrdom of the Bab which is one of the key Bahá’í Holy Days.  The lyrics were written by Duane Varan but the musical composition, vocals and instruments were AI-facilitated. 

The lyrics are as follows:

When the Bab - was in His cell
Sharing His final words from the citadel
But the guards dragged Him away
Seven hundred fifty soldiers prepared to do the deed
It was a public execution that would proceed
So They suspended the Prisoner against a barrack wall
And placed a young follower across his chest

[chorus]
The assembled masses saw the greatest miracle that's ever been
As the bullets flew from the guns the soldiers clutched
And when the smoke finally cleared they were shocked to see an amazing scene
The Bab had vanished and the youth was untouched

[verse]
They searched high and low trying to find the Bab
They were surprised to find Him back in His cell
With His mission now complete He said they could do their deed
Finishing His final guidance and His last farewell
And so they resuspended the youth and the Bab
But the soldiers now refused to do their job
So a new regiment executed the final plan

[bridge]
And with His earthly mission done 
The Bab’s message was there for everyone

[chorus]
The assembled masses saw the greatest miracle that's ever been
As the bullets flew from the guns the soldiers clutched
And when the smoke finally cleared they were shocked to see an amazing scene
The Bab had vanished and the youth was untouched
The Bab had vanished and the youth was untouched

A song celebrating Abdul-Baha's contributions to social movements of His day (including race unity, world peace, the environment, and women's rights).  For further discussion - listen to episode #6 of the Society Builders podcast series which explores this theme in greater depth.

The lyrics are as follows:

When ʻAbdu'l-Bahá - visited our nation
He brought a whole new social conversation
He worked through discourse and social action
And His message got a positive reaction

He brought a new strand to questions of race
With dignity wisdom and  grace
Where diversity is cause to cheer
And not just a social force for people to fear

[ bridge]
Because His approach to society building-
shaped social movements with what they were creating 

[chorus]
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and society 
A oneness paradigm of unity
Where there is no us versus them
A path to true social freedom

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and society
It’s The dawn of a new age for humanity
Every social movement saw a brand new light
And found a new path to new insight 

[verse]
Whether movements for race, women or world peace 
His message was for war and prejudice to cease
They were infused with new ideas that shaped their cause
And helped them advocate for brand new laws

Because these movements were in their nascency
So our influence was greater than it’d normally be
And we shaped the discourse that did evolve
With new ideas for the problems that they hoped to solve 

[bridge]
Because His approach to society building-
shaped social movements with what they were creating 

[chorus]
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and society 
A oneness paradigm of unity
Where there is no us versus them
A path to true social freedom

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá and society
It’s The dawn of a new age for humanity
Every social movement saw a brand new light
And found a new path to new insight