3. Hidden Place (Björk) - Al Batin (The Hidden)
I came to appreciate Bjork quite late I feel. When she was in the charts and everyone was talking about her I was never part of that. But one day I remember being in Gertrude cafe (I can still remember what it was called!) in Dublin with some friends and she was playing in the background. It was the track “venus as a boy.” I remember feeling I want to zone out and be with this track. It was a struggle as I was with friends and trying to look like I was present with them but at the same time I knew my soul was wanting to be elsewhere. As soon as I came home I delved into Bjork and I just could not believe all that I was missing. So when I was looking at which 99 name I was going to focus on this week the name The Hidden immediately reminded me of Bjork’ song called Hidden Place.
Directed by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin and M/M (Paris). Written by Björk/Mark Bell/Guy Sigsworth. Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd/Warp/EMI Music ® 2001 Björk Overseas Ltd/One Little Indian Ltd.
According to my source the 75th name of Allah is the Hidden. It talks about Al-Batin is the most hidden treasure, the secret or secrets. The essence of God is utterly hidden but it is not hidden inside of something else. This means so many things to me and without going too deep there is always a hidden element to life - that we do not see. So hence there is this talk in spiritual circles of awareness. (See this link very simple and easy explanation of awareness, be patient with it the point will reach you, 2.54 onwards). For me this song reminds me of the times when I just want to be with myself and my thoughts and not around people. Sometimes you dont want the outside world to know of your spiritual connectedness. For me this song conjures such a mysterious, magical feeling which I sometimes feel when I look forward to praying, mediating or just being still.
I love the lyrics below in bold. They remind me of God (not a person or deity but a higher self that is so generous and loving) and the comfort I feel sometimes in feeling connected with life. I invite ideas around what you see being hidden, maybe only you can see or feel sometimes. How does that make you feel? Musically Bjork uses some great ideas that give a feeling of something being there for example there is sound that reminds me of a creepy insect or animal following her around. For those of you who are creative perhaps pick a line from the lyrics or an idea from Bjorks music and see where it takes you.
The beautifulest
Fragilest
Still strong
Dark and divine
And the littleness of his movements
Hides himself
He invents a charm
That makes him invisible
Hides in the air
Can I hide there too?
Hide in the air of him
Seek solace
Sanctuary
Let me know your favourite Bjork track, lets indulge and share what we love. Check this out if you have not heard it already Björk - Crystalline (Omar Souleyman Remix) Deep and meaningful but you still want move to it!
From "The Crystalline Series -- Omar Souleyman Versions" Written by Björk. ® 2011 One Little Indian Records Ltd.