The Tracks — Ray of Light, Track 08
Shanti/Ashtangi
A prayer at full speed.
At a Glance
Title
Shanti/Ashtangi
Record
Ray of Light (1998) | Track 08
Single
Album track | B-side to “Frozen”
Writers
Madonna | William Orbit
Producers
Madonna | William Orbit
The boldest moment on Ray of Light: Madonna sings a Hindu prayer in Sanskrit, over an up-tempo techno track.
The Song
The text is adapted from the Yoga Taravali, attributed to Shankaracharya, and reflects the yoga practice that shaped Madonna’s life at the time. William Orbit set it to driving electronics.
After pronunciation errors were pointed out, Madonna worked with the Sanskrit scholar Vagish Shastri and re-recorded the affected vocals.
LISTEN NEXT
Keep listening — headphones on, lights low.
