This is a very well-known and commonly played chant in SRF contexts. It is best played in a relaxed tempo, but tempo variations can be used to build energy and/or reduce tempo again to relax at the end. The "3 beat" pulse should be felt throughout, as the chant is "in time." Careful consideration should be given to studying the standard song form, because several of the parts are similar melodically, so without a clear understanding of the song form, the leader may get lost, making it harder to follow.

Song Form

A So do Thou, my Lord: x2

B Thou and I, never apart. x2

C Wave of the sea, dissolve in the sea! x2

A′ I am the bubble, make me the sea. x2

B′ Make me the sea, oh, make me the sea! x2

A′ I am the bubble, make me the sea, oh,

A′ I am the bubble, make me the sea.

Notes

• Each line is 2 bars in 6/8, so the length of the form is 24 bars.

• Suggested loops:

  • B′ x2 then A′ x2: "Make me the sea, oh, make me the sea!" into "I am the bubble, make me the sea." This is a very natural loop that people will follow easily and builds devotion, since it is a smaller subset of the full song form.

  • B′ then B: "Make me the sea, oh, make me the sea!" into "Thou and I, never apart." This loop involves switching between 2 parts of the song form (each with the same melody), so it can be used but should be very clear and with a predictable number of repetitions in sets of 2 so people can follow. Better to do after some experience with leading kirtan and deviating skillfully from the standard song form.

  • C repeated: "Wave of the sea, dissolve in the sea!" This can be repeated in sets of 2. It creates tension because this part is not in the key center, then resolves nicely to the next line, which is back in the key center.

Listen to SRF Recordings

Videos on YouTube

• 2021 Convocation Monks' Kirtan (Bro. Devananda)

• I Am the Bubble, Make Me the Sea (YSS monastics)

Audio Recordings

• I Am the Bubble, Make Me the Sea (Bro. Kamalananda), from the album The Ocean of Love
  Spotify · Apple Music · Tidal

• I Am the Bubble, Make Me the Sea (Sr. Ishwari), from the album Light the Lamp of Thy Love
  Spotify · Apple Music · Tidal

• I Am the Bubble, Make Me the Sea (instrumental), from the album I Am the Sky
  Spotify · Apple Music · Tidal