Hafez: Depeche Mode Display Persian Poetry at Concerts
Depeche Mode was precious in the 1980’s, but they still have massive appeal and end-of-rainbow reach, including in Iran.
With a substantial following amongst Iranians in and out of Iran, Depeche Mode’s Iranian fans couldn’t be more thrilled with this move by the band whose song “Precious” has become the default outlet for their shout out to Iranians.
“We love to have support from the world’s best talent. We are in a tough position. We’ve lost friends. It’s nice to know that people care about us,” a girl named Leila told a source in an email in response to the news that Depeche Mode is dispalying Hafez poetry at their concerts during their LiveNation tour this year.
“Everyone loves Depeche Mode here in Iran. Hopefully one day, they can have a concert in Iran.”
We hope so too!
The poem exhibited?
Shiraz-born Iranian poet (and world-treasure) Hafez’s “I Have Learned So Much“, translated by Daniel Ladinsky.
I have learned so much from God
That I can no longer call myself
A Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew.
The truth has shared so much of itself with me
That I can no longer call myself
A man, a woman, an angel, or even a pure soul.
Love has befriended Hafez so completely, it has turned to ash and freed me…
Of every concept and image, my mind has ever known.
