Bahá’í Tunes

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 بازبه سوی دنیایی بهتر، به سوی فردایی سازبا همدلی و همفکری، در مسیرِ ساختنجامعه‌ای تازه و نو، با امید و پرداختنبحرانی بزرگ افتاده بر جانِ بشراز نبودِ یگانگی، دل‌ها شده در به دراکنون وقتِ راهی نو، وقتِ تغییرِ فضاستبرای ساختن فردا، جامعه‌ای که زیباست⸻[کورس]بیا تو این گفت‌وگوبرای تغییرِ رو به روسازندگانِ جامعه⸻[بند]با جامعه‌های محلی خودت همراه شوتو دلِ این فرصت‌ها، دنبالِ یک راه شومی‌تونیم فضا رو ببریم رو به اوجحال‌وهوای دنیا رو بسازیم مثل موج⸻[بند]این الگو داره عوض می‌شه، رو به پیشپر از حسِ امید و نور، پر از آرامش و خویشیه ضربِ نو، یه آهنگ، یه حسِ تازه و نابیه ریتمِ نو تو راهه، پر از انرژی و تاب⸻[کورس]بیا تو این گفت‌وگوبرای تغییرِ رو به روسازندگانِ جامعه⸻[بند]آیین بهائی داره حرف‌های عمیقنشون می‌ده راهی نو، روشن و دقیقبا گفت‌وگو و اقدام، در مسیرِ یگانگیکه چارچوبش وحدته، راهِ همگانگیحالا وقتشه بلند شیم، قوی‌تر از همیشهتعالیم اسم اعظم، راهی که می‌اندیشهبرخیزیم سوی شکوه، سوی اون سرنوشتکه در انتظار ماست، روشن و پر از بهشت⸻[کورس]بیا تو این گفت‌وگوبرای تغییرِ رو به روسازندگانِ جامعهبیا تو این گفت‌وگوبرای تغییرِ رو به روسازندگانِ جامعهسازندگانِ 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 horizonsNo matter how dark things may seemWhile we obey our oppressor’s ruleIt is our Faith that stands supremeWe neither succumb in resignationNor imitate the patterns we rejectWe walk through every storm of trialFaithful to our character, in every respect[chorus]Like the organs of a body, Each part different but alignedThrough our constructive resilience A new pattern you will findOur conscious can’t be stilled Because our destiny will be fulfilled[bridge]Constructive resilienceConstructive resilience[verse]It’s an unbroken record of serviceWith means consistent with its endsIt’s an integrity that is never shakenAs we serve our fellow friendsBecause no matter how dark the horizonNo matter how grim the day at handWe know our future is bright and luminousAs all will celebrate the Persian land[chorus]Like the organs of a body, Each part different but alignedThrough our constructive resilience A new pattern you will findOur conscious can’t be stilled Because our destiny will be fulfilled[bridge]Constructive resilienceConstructive resilienceConstructive resilienceConstructive 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 communitiesWith capacity building in action – for the needs of societiesTogether 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 viewOur relationship with society evolves – as we build the world anewWe live with acute awareness - of the divine remedySeizing every chance to respond - as we read society[verse]We arise with a heightened spirit – building havens of peace for allRising above the world’s unabating distractions – as we arise to respond to the callIt’s a steady, patient process – where growth is organic you seeAs our friends and neighbors join us – together shaping our reality[Chorus]Bright horizons beckon – as new realities come into viewOur relationship with society evolves – as we build the world anewWe live with acute awareness - of the divine remedySeizing every chance to respond - as we read society[short musical interlude][Chorus][octave step up]Bright horizons beckon – as new realities come into viewOur relationship with society evolves – as we build the world anewWe live with acute awareness - of the divine remedySeizing 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 creedPaying tribute to the man – who administered to their every needAbdul-Baha had now ascended – winging His way to His eternal homeAnd Baha’is the whole world over – suddenly felt so alone[bridge]His passing saw the setting of the Heroic age you seeHis life forms the center and the pivot for the unity of humanity[chorus][choir]His message was to join him – in service and self sacrificeBuilding the oneness of humanity – cultivating a new paradiseHis example so clearly guides us – He's a beacon for our communityHe’s the Center of the Covenant –the standard for Bahá’í  identity[verse][male vocals]He’s the unerring interpreter, the embodiment of every idealNothing kept Him from His mission – no peril, obstacle or ordeal His love revived, nurtured and inspired – He’s the essence of purityIn His example we see devotion – the standard for true integrity[bridge]His wish was for all to join Him – in a path of servitudeFacing life’s test with resolution – with a new fortitude [chorus][choir]His message was to join him – in service and self sacrificeBuilding the oneness of humanity – cultivating a new paradiseHis example so clearly guides us – He's a beacon for our communityHe’s the Center of the Covenant –the standard for Bahá’í  identityHis example so clearly guides us – He's a beacon for our communityHe’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 guidanceHis great Covenant - helps us grow and advanceAnd 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 darknessIt’s the key to our unity[Chorus]Because the Covenant is the ark of salvationIt’s the greatest gift of His revelationIt’s the axis for the world of humanityIt’s the pivot for our spiritual destiny[verse]Abdul-Baha is the Center of the CovenantHe’s the interpreter of the Word, and the Expounder of the BookHe’s the mystery of God, the stainless mirror of God’s holy lightHe’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 salvationIt’s the greatest gift of His revelationIt’s the axis for the world of humanityIt’s the pivot for our spiritual destiny[higher key]Because the Covenant is the ark of salvationIt’s the greatest gift of His revelationIt’s the axis for the world of humanityIt’s the pivot for our spiritual destinyIt’s the axis for the world of humanityIt’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 BabAs communities across the world rejoice.  [Chorus]Rejoice!  Rejoice! – As Two Luminaries roseAbove the horizon of the world, their light forever glowsRejoice! Rejoice! Celebrate two births divine.Recreating the world anew - under God’s great designRejoice! 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 glowReleasing forces that gather and flowNow 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 roseAbove the horizon of the world, their light forever glowsRejoice! Rejoice! Celebrate two births divine.Recreating the world anew - under God’s great designRejoice! 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 cellSharing His final words from the citadelBut the guards dragged Him awaySeven hundred fifty soldiers prepared to do the deedIt was a public execution that would proceedSo They suspended the Prisoner against a barrack wallAnd placed a young follower across his chest[chorus]The assembled masses saw the greatest miracle that's ever beenAs the bullets flew from the guns the soldiers clutchedAnd when the smoke finally cleared they were shocked to see an amazing sceneThe Bab had vanished and the youth was untouched[verse]They searched high and low trying to find the BabThey were surprised to find Him back in His cellWith His mission now complete He said they could do their deedFinishing His final guidance and His last farewellAnd so they resuspended the youth and the BabBut the soldiers now refused to do their jobSo 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 beenAs the bullets flew from the guns the soldiers clutchedAnd when the smoke finally cleared they were shocked to see an amazing sceneThe Bab had vanished and the youth was untouchedThe 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 nationHe brought a whole new social conversationHe worked through discourse and social actionAnd His message got a positive reactionHe brought a new strand to questions of raceWith dignity wisdom and  graceWhere diversity is cause to cheerAnd 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 unityWhere there is no us versus themA path to true social freedomʻAbdu'l-Bahá and societyIt’s The dawn of a new age for humanityEvery social movement saw a brand new lightAnd found a new path to new insight [verse]Whether movements for race, women or world peace His message was for war and prejudice to ceaseThey were infused with new ideas that shaped their causeAnd helped them advocate for brand new lawsBecause these movements were in their nascencySo our influence was greater than it’d normally beAnd we shaped the discourse that did evolveWith 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 unityWhere there is no us versus themA path to true social freedomʻAbdu'l-Bahá and societyIt’s The dawn of a new age for humanityEvery social movement saw a brand new lightAnd found a new path to new insight 

This is a song composed to help commemorate the Ascension of Baha'u'llah in 1892.  It is one of the nine sacred Bahá’í holy days.  The song is based, in part, on this quote from Baha'u'llah: "The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful. "  The lyrics to the song are composed by Duane Varan while the voices, instruments and musical composition are facilitated through AI.  The cover art is a symbolic visualization of the garden path leading to Baha'u'llah's sacred shrine in Bahji (near Akka, Israel).The lyrics are as follows:The Ancient Beauty was bound by chains – so that we could all be freeHe was made a prisoner – so we could attain true libertyHe was abased and made to suffer – for the prosperity of allAnd in His passing His message was for all to respond to his callHe’s the Manifestation of Grandeur – the King of EternityHe’s the Promised One of all ages– awaited by all humanityWith the Holy Breaths of His favor – He left a Covenant behindTo keep us all united – under the Plan that He designed[chorus]When the Sun of Báhá set – the world lost its Great LightFor another millennium to come – with a Revelation that is so brightWith the Daystar of His beauty set – His message was for us to riseAnd to share His message widely – till it is seen by all eyes[verse]The Sun of Truth assures us - that He is with us at all times As we learn to feel His presence always – as we learn to alignFor as we come to be aware – of this true realityWe become the very instrument – uniting all humanity[bridge]Always remember His final plea –That we should always uphold our true unity[chorus]When the Sun of Báhá set – the world lost its Great LightFor another millennium to come – with a Revelation that is so brightWith the Daystar of His beauty set – His message was for us to riseAnd to share His message widely – till it is seen by all eye 

A song composed to celebrate the 'Declaration of the Bab', commemorating the birth of the Bahá’í dispensation.  The lyrics were composed by Duane Varan but the voices, instruments and musical composition were generated using AI.The lyrics are as follows:The Bab paved the way for the Promised One of All AgesHis Revelation ran for over 20,000 pagesAnd for every page – a martyr gave their lifeFor every page – His followers suffered in strife The more they tried – to extinguish His flameThe brighter and brighter - His flame becameHe’s the Primal Point – the Harbinger of the lightThe Spiritual Luminary – who shone so bright  [Chorus]And so we join to celebrate with gleeThe Bab’s great mission for humanityThe Bab paved the way for the Promised One So we celebrate His great declaration  [verse]If knowledge were letters – only two were revealedIn the years before the Bab’s great missionBut with His advent the rest were unsealedCreating humanity’s new condition Now every law of nature is defiedThe limitations of the past are now set asideNow there’s no limit to what we can doBecause the Bab ushered in the new age [Chorus]And so we join to celebrate with gleeThe Bab’s great mission for humanityThe Bab paved the way for the Promised One So we celebrate His great declaration The Bab paved the way for the Promised One So we celebrate His great declaration 

An exploration of the Ridvan 2025 message of the Universal House of Justice.  This is best listened to after studying the message as it will then cue your memory on key constructs in the message.  The lyrics are written by Dr. Duane Varan but the voices, instruments and musical composition are AI.

A song about the Festival of Ridvan - a 12 day celebration each year commemorating the period, in 1863, when Baha'u'llah first declared His mission.  The lyrics were written by Dr. Duane Varan but the voices, instruments and musical composition were facilitated using AI.

A song inspired by study of the message of the Universal House of Justice on March 19, 2025 on the role of the Bahá’í home in society building.  They lyrics are written by Duane Varan while the voices, instruments and musical composition are AI-generated.

A song that explores the harmful effects of backbiting and defamation highlighting the need for an 'etiquette of expression' where people better regulate their communication.  The lyrics are by Duane Varan but the voices, instruments and musical composition are AI-generated.

This song explores the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us and give us capacities we never dreamed of.  The lyrics are written by Duane Varan but the voices, instruments and musical composition are AI-generated.

An alternative version of the "Society Builders" theme song for the Society Builders podcast series produced and hosted by Duane Varan.  The lyrics are written by Duane Varan but the voices, instruments and musical composition are all AI-generated.

This is an alternative version of "The Gift of Fasting" song (episode 12) adopting the bossa nova genre style.

Song about the bounties associated with the Bahá’í fasting season which occurs in the 19 days leading up to the vernal equinox (start of spring), the start of the Bahá’í New Year (usually the fast runs from March 2nd thru March 20th). During this time Baha'is refrain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset.  The lyrics are original and are based on Bahá’í Writings on fasting.  The music composition, voices and instruments are AI. 

This is a song created to celebrate the Bahá’í New Year (Naw Ruz).  Producing the song was deeply moving for me as I studied and reflected on the Bahá’í Writings about Naw Ruz.  Although I haven't included any direct quotes from these Writings, you will see their influence in the lyrics.  The second verse was fun - conveying what spring represents (the Bahá’í New Year coincides with the start of spring in the Northern hemisphere).  My favorite part was getting the words vernal equinox into the song - that was a bit of a challenge.  The lyrics are mine but the music composition, voices and instruments are all AI.

This was a song I produced at the request of some Malaysian Baha'is who wanted a song celebrating Uncle Yankee Leong, who was the first local person to embrace the Bahá’í Faith in Malaysia.  The lyrics are mine but the musical composition, voices and instruments are all AI.