Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra

A soulful blues folk rendition of Buddhist wisdom teachings, “Children of the Lotus Blues” weaves ancient spiritual concepts into an accessible American roots framework. The song tells the story of enlightened children seeking truth while featuring haunting call-and-response vocals that echo traditional spirituals. Backed by sparse, emotive acoustic guitar work, the gentle thrum of stand-up bass, and mournful harmonica interludes, this contemplative piece bridges Eastern philosophy and Western folk traditions. The lyrics transform the formal structure of the Lotus Sutra’s teachings into an intimate, accessible journey that resonates across cultural boundaries while maintaining spiritual authenticity.

Lyrics: 
Verse 1: 
Dawn was breakin’, light was shakin’ 
When those children put their toys away 
Hearts on fire, souls reachin’ higher 
Seekin’ out the Buddha’s Way, 
(oh yeah, Seekin’ out the Buddha’s Way)

Chorus: 
Tell us the truth, oh wise one 
Set our troubled souls free 
Show us the light within us 
Show what we all can be

Verse 2: 
Minds like water, clear and knowin’ 
They bowed before their father wise 
No gold or treasure could they measure 
Against the truth before their eyes, 
(oh Lord, Against the truth before their eyes)

Chorus: 
Tell us the truth, oh wise one 
Set our troubled souls free 
Show us the light within us 
Show what we all can be

Bridge: 
“If we reach that other shore,” they said 
“Others can follow too 
The path we walk, the chains we break 
Will help all beings break through” 
(Help all beings break through)

Verse 3: 
While we’re walkin’ through this valley 
Caught in sufferin’s endless wheel 
These children show the way to go 
Where wisdom’s flame burns real, so real,
(Where wisdom’s flame burns real)

Chorus: 
Tell us the truth, oh wise one 
Set our troubled souls free 
Show us the light within us 
Show what we all can be

Verse 4: 
Like a lotus in the water 
The Dharma blooms in every heart 
From the darkness into brightness 
We’ve been Buddhas from the start, my friend,  
(We’ve been Buddhas from the start)

Final Chorus: 
Tell us the truth, oh wise one 
Set our troubled souls free 
Show us the light within us 
(Show what we all can be) 
(Show what we all can be)

[Harmonica outro]