Frequently only vocables are attached to a melody.

To the Indian, song holds a place similar to that filled for us by wordless instrumental music.

In ceremonies, rituals occur that are always rhythmically intoned; each line generally terminates in a refrain.
Songs have a place in these rituals, breaking in on the recital particularly when an emotion is evoked, for music is the medium of emotional expression.

An old Indian priest explained this peculiarity by saying: "Harmonious sounds unite the people." Unaccustomed as we are to the use of songs that have no words, we would not only find it difficult to understand their meaning but we would lose much pleasure when singing them.

To obviate the perplexities arising from the Indian's peculiar treatment of words and to make clear the meaning of a song, words have been supplied.