Gandhi Songs: A Hunger for Peace

“A Hunger for Peace” reflects on Mahatma Gandhi’s use of fasting during periods of communal violence, especially as India struggled with bloodshed among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. With an empty bowl and his own weakening body, Gandhi appealed to people’s consciences, asking neighbors to protect one another and reminding a newly independent nation that freedom could not be complete while hatred remained. This final song in our Gandhi collection turns from “I” to “we.” Gandhi’s fast may have ended, but the work of peace now belongs to all of us: laying down anger, defending those who are threatened, and making room at the table for people we have learned to fear. 🟦 Lyrics 🟦 A Hunger for Peace [Verse 1] The city woke beneath a cloud, With broken glass along the street, A frightened prayer behind each door, And angry footsteps in the heat. He heard the names they called each other, Saw grief preparing grief again, Then set an empty bowl beside him And said, “I will not eat through this pain.” [Chorus] I have a hunger for peace, Deeper than hunger for bread. Lay down the anger you carry, Let no more blood be shed. If you would offer me comfort, Let mercy enter your street. I will wait here in weakness Till former enemies meet. [Verse 2] No army gathered at his bedside, No weapon rested in his hand. Only a body growing fragile, And one request throughout the land: Protect the neighbor who is frightened, Guard every temple, home, and prayer. Freedom is an empty promise If hatred still is waiting there. [Chorus] I have a hunger for peace, Deeper than hunger for bread. Lay down the anger you carry, Let no more blood be shed. If you would offer me comfort, Let mercy enter your street. I will wait here in weakness Till former enemies meet. [Bridge] One by one, they came together, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh alike. Some brought promises of shelter, Some laid down the urge to strike. Not because the past was mended, Not because all fear was gone, But because a frail man’s fasting Asked what kind of world lived on. [Quiet Refrain] Bring no garland, bring no praise. Bring the neighbor you once feared. Bring your promise to protect them. Let your change be seen and heard. [Final Chorus] We have a hunger for peace, Deeper than hunger for bread. We will not feed our children On stories of vengeance and dread. Open the doors between us, Set down a place where all may eat. Let the bowl be filled at sunrise, Let former enemies meet. [Outro] The city wakes beneath clear skies, A simple meal is passed around. The hunger ends, the work begins, And peace sits with us on the ground. 🟦 John's Links 🟦 Check out my Peace & Nonviolence SHIRT designs! https://www.zazzle.com/collections/pe... Email John directly: ☯ SnakeAndTurtleQigong@gmail.com Check out my webpage: https://www.snakeandturtle.com/ Check Out THOUSANDS of Videos Through Patreon! 🔹 Support me on Patreon: 🔹   / johnblue   Send your gratitude to my teachers: https://www.taoiststudiesinstitute.org Endless gratitude to my supporters on Patreon for making this possible! All of my work is built upon donations. Please join Patreon if you'd like to help. 💙 Ali 💙 Amy 💙 Ana 💙 Belinda 💙 Beth 💙 Brie 💙 Chris 💙 Corinne 💙 Croberts 💙 Daniel 💙 Del 💙 Delores 💙 Echo 💙 Ed 💙 Greg 💙 Gordana 💙 Hazel 💙 Jake 💙 Jason 💙 Jen 💙 Leon 💙 Lester 💙 Mark 💙 Mel 💙 Melissa 💙 Memo 💙 Michiaki 💙 Michael 💙 Michelle 💙 Sahil 💙 Sonny 💙 Steffi 💙 Wendy #Gandhi #Nonviolence #CivilDisobedience #Peace #IndianHistory #Satyagraha #PeacefulResistance