Lihiniyo Lyrics by Lanka Dilrukshi

Laying down these two eyes,
if there was yet another
you loved before me,
that was your mother,
I did not become second,
so as to bear the pain
when it burns,
I marked out for myself
the borders of love…

The glittering crown
that was set upon your head,
there must be a world sweeter
than me that you see,
smiles, playful teasing jests,
grumbling little invitations,
I am a woman who received them,
mad for your name

The terns that chased the sea-waves,
murmuring words of love,
must be nearby, ripe enough,
just to the right degree,
bearing everything,
never leaving, grown still,
I am a lone woman,
mad for your heart

A devoted love song in a woman’s voice, quietly self-aware about her place in the man she loves. If there was ever another you loved before me, she says, generously, that was your mother, so she refuses to count herself as second; and to keep the burning pain in check she has drawn her own borders of love, limits she sets on herself so she will not be hurt.

The middle admits his world is bigger than her. The glittering crown on his head means there is surely a sweeter world he sees beyond her; and from him she has received smiles, playful teasing, grumbling little invitations, the ordinary affections of everyday closeness. She names herself plainly: a woman mad for your name, content with whatever share of him she is given.

The close is her quiet, complete devotion. Like the terns that chase the sea-waves murmuring love, she is near, and ready; and having borne everything, never leaving, grown perfectly still, she calls herself a lone woman, mad for your heart. Sung by Lanka Dilrukshi to words by Shalika Dissanayake, composed by Tharindu Damsara, it is a tender, humble song about a woman who loves without demanding to be first, setting gentle limits on herself while giving her whole heart.