Reveal Your Ancient Mysteries To Me

India, India (demo by John Lennon, c. late 1979 to early 1980)

India, India, take me to your heart
Reveal your ancient mysteries to me
I'm searching for an answer, but somewhere deep inside
I know I'll never find it here — it's already in my mind

India, India, listen to my plea
Sit here at your feet so patiently
I'm waiting by the river but somewhere in my mind
I left my heart in England with the girl I left behind

I've got to follow my heart, wherever it takes me
I've got to follow my heart, whenever it calls to me
I've got to follow my heart, and my heart is going home

India, India, listen to my plea
I sit here at your feet so patiently
I'm waiting by the river but somewhere in my mind
I left my heart in England with the girl I left behind

Got to follow my heart, wherever it takes me
I've got to follow my heart, whenever it calls to me
I've got to follow my heart, and my heart is going home

Inexplicably absent from the Lost Lennon Tapes radio series, "India, India" (we discovered the true title when it appeared in the 2005 Lennon Broadway show) is one of Lennon's most beautiful unreleased demos. Drawing from the melodies of two other songs he was composing during what is termed the Dakota years ("Serve Yourself" and "Memories") the lyrics find Lennon in a wistful mood, recalling the months he spent in Rishikesh 11 years or so prior. Perhaps the sections about his heart being in England with the girl he left behind, and the fact that he must follow his heart reflects his memories of the complex relationship he was developing with Yoko in early '68. Had Lennon lived, it would have been wonderful to have heard this song develop to fruition and receive a studio treatment; however, it's gorgeous and touching as it is.

The above screen captures are from various newsreel and home movie footage in circulation. I have also created captures from the Anthology home movies; I'll post them at a later date.

(References: Eight Arms to Hold You by Madinger & Easter p 124; and Between The Lines)