Learn “The stampede of the elephants” Medicine Song
Lyrics for The stampede of the elephants
Do you hear that? Ganapataye Nama. (3x)
It’s the stampede of the elephants Nama
Om Gam Ganapataye Nama (3x)
It’s the stampede of the elephants Nama
Move out! Ganapataye Nama. (3x)
It’s the stampede of the elephants Nama
Om Gam Ganapataye Nama (x4)
It’s the stampede of the elephants Nama
No more! Ganapataye Nama. (3x) Obstacles in our way! NAMA!
It’s the stampede of the elephants Nama
[Final round] Om Gam Ganapataye Nama (x4)
Original Medicine Song by Sophia Wise One
Accompanied by Caitlin Davis, Anne Davis & Leah Moon
The recordings
Two ways in. Learn the song — call and response, the way I teach it — is the player at the top of this page.
Sing along — unison, come in wherever you are:
Where this one comes from
I learned stories and chants from my mother, who studied yoga and wisdom traditions from all over the world, including Hinduism.
To illustrate the power of Ganesha she used to say to me:
What do you do when a stampede of Elephants is headed your way?
Get out of the way!
This song carries Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha, a Sanskrit mantra to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. I sing it with reverence and gratitude for its origin.
On singing your medicine song
You are invited to sing along with the recordings, make up your own melody, or simply listen and take in the melody and vibrations receptively. Or pick another song that comes to you, and sing that for your medicine song practice.
Medicine songs are the sound of healing in motion. This is not about the “voice quality” of the singer. Sing your heart out without concern for getting anything perfect or sounding “good.” Singing comes from a different place in our being, brain, and body than speaking. Breathe deeply and explore your inner music. Allow the vibrations that come from you — and what you hear — to move through your body, and see what happens.
The song doesn’t need to be original or epic. It doesn’t need to be sung beautifully or in key — just sung from the heart, or soul, or root. It can be a made-up thing, a nursery rhyme, a pop song, a chant, a humming with no words. The options are limitless.
Music has the power to heal. Not just metaphorically — also literally. So explore sound boldly, and expect to find something new.
When you’re ready for what lives beneath the songs — the teaching · the frequency work · the Sanctuary.
Be blessed, and know you are a blessing.