In this live performance filmed in Zürich, Sam Garrett presents "More Life More Blessings," a kirtan (devotional chant) that serves as a direct invocation for universal love, peace, unity, and blessings. The song addresses the reality that hardship and pain affect all people, and sometimes what we see in the world feels overwhelming. Garrett frames his role as continuing to sing songs of peace with those who feel called to join in—using the repetitive, meditative structure of kirtan as a tool for collective resilience and spiritual aspiration. The track is part of his new live album and features a full band arrangement that brings the devotional intention into a contemporary musical setting.
What is the purpose of kirtan in addressing collective pain?
Garrett positions kirtan not as an escape from hardship but as a deliberate practice of singing peace into the world. The repetition of "more life more blessings more love more peace more unity" functions as both prayer and affirmation—each invocation reinforcing the intention. Rather than ignoring the fact that "we all experience hardship and pain," Garrett acknowledges this reality head-on and then offers kirtan as a response. The chant becomes a gathering place for people who recognize the need for peace and choose to voice it collectively. This reflects a classical approach to devotional music: using sound and intention together to shift consciousness and reinforce what we wish to cultivate.
How does the structure of "More Life More Blessings" deepen its message?
The core mantra—"more life more blessings more love more peace more unity one family"—repeats throughout the piece, creating a hypnotic, meditative foundation. This repetition mirrors traditional kirtan practice, where the same phrases are sung over and over with slight harmonic and rhythmic variations. The introduction of the secondary verse, "Oh my love don't be afraid / the time has come to let it go and watch the waves," provides a contrasting movement. Here Garrett introduces surrender: letting go of what cannot be held, watching difficult emotions and situations "pass and go away" like waves. The imagery of waves—arising, cresting, and dissolving—speaks to the impermanent nature of suffering. By juxtaposing the invocation (more life, more blessings) with the instruction to release (let it go, watch the waves), the song holds both active aspiration and passive acceptance, a balance central to many spiritual traditions.
What does "watch the waves" mean in the context of emotional and spiritual practice?
The wave metaphor invites listeners to observe difficult experiences without being swept away by them. Rather than fight hardship or deny it, the instruction is to witness it—to "watch the waves" as they arise and pass. This aligns with contemplative traditions that emphasize non-resistance and the natural cycles of experience. Waves come and go; they do not define the ocean. By extension, pain and hardship come and go; they do not define the self or the world's capacity for peace. The phrase "don't be afraid" and "don't be ashamed" directly address the emotional contraction that often accompanies difficult times, suggesting that courage and acceptance are available even in their midst. The song's return to "more life more blessings" after this verse reinforces that the work is not to stop at acceptance but to move through it toward renewed affirmation of what we wish to call forth.
How does Garrett's band arrangement serve the devotional intention?
The live album features a full ensemble: drums (Jonas Boeker), keys (Sir Pryce), bass (Armin on yogic bass), backing vocals and harmonium (Jemma Endersby), and additional backing vocals (Jennifer Kae). Rather than a minimalist kirtan circle, this arrangement brings richness and contemporary musical production to devotional form. The rhythmic foundation from drums and bass creates momentum, while the harmonium (a traditional kirtan instrument) anchors the melodic and harmonic space. Multiple vocal layers—Garrett's lead voice supported by backing vocalists—create a sense of collective participation even within a structured performance. This production choice democratizes the kirtan experience; listeners who cannot attend a live gathering hear and feel the presence of community singing together. The arrangement also makes the music more accessible to audiences who might not be familiar with traditional kirtan but respond to contemporary world music and devotional expression.
What role does gratitude play in the song's closing?
The final moments of the performance shift toward gratitude and blessing: "Come guide us home / guide us home / give thanks family / God bless you / take care of one another / we'll see you next time / Ram Ram Ram." Rather than the song simply ending, Garrett invites listeners into reciprocal blessing and mutual care. The invocation of "guide us home" suggests that the purpose of the song, the band, and the gathering is ultimately about returning to wholeness, to a sense of belonging and peace. The closing encouragement to "take care of one another" reframes the earlier plea for "unity one family" as an actionable commitment. "Ram Ram Ram" (a name for the divine in Hindu and yogic traditions) serves as a final anchor, a sound that sustains beyond words. This structure—from invocation through surrender to gratitude and mutual care—offers a complete arc: we call forth blessings, we learn to let go, we give thanks, and we commit to caring for each other.
Why does Garrett describe his role as "continuing to sing songs of peace"?
By using the word "continuing," Garrett positions himself within a lineage of kirtan singers and spiritual teachers who have used devotional music across centuries and cultures. He is not claiming to be unique or revolutionary but rather participating in an ongoing practice. The phrase "with those who feel called to join" emphasizes that this is not a top-down transmission but an invitation to co-create. People choose whether they feel called; if they do, they are welcomed as participants, not audiences. This reflects a democratic and inclusive approach to spirituality: the healing and peacemaking work happens in the gathering, not from a stage. The acknowledgment that sometimes "what we see in the world can feel overwhelming" validates listeners' emotional experience and suggests that Garrett's response—to keep singing—is itself a form of resilience and activism. In a world of hardship, the choice to continue singing peace is a choice to not surrender to despair.
Where to go from here?
If this song resonates, consider exploring Garrett's full live album on streaming platforms. Attend one of his 2025 tour dates if you are drawn to experience kirtan in person—festivals like Bhakti Festival (Germany), Soul Revolution Festival (England), and Bumi Festival (Canada) create intentional spaces for collective devotional practice. To deepen your own practice with wave metaphors and letting-go work, explore Tonglen meditation (Tibetan Buddhist) or basic body-scan practices that teach observation without resistance. If you want to understand kirtan's history and traditional forms, seek out recordings by established teachers like Krishna Das, Deva Premal, or Jai Uttal. Finally, consider what songs of peace mean to you—what words or phrases you might use to invoke more love, more blessing, more unity in your own sphere of influence.
