अग्निर्हिंकारो वायुः प्रस्ताव आदित्यउद्गीथो नक्षत्राणि प्रतिहारश्चन्द्रमा निध-नमेतद्राजन देवतासु प्रोतम् ॥ १ ॥
In plain words
Fire is the opening chant because it takes the first place. Wind is the prelude because it naturally follows next. The sun is the loud song because of its supreme greatness. The stars are the response because they are scattered reflections. The moon is the final conclusion because it is where ritual workers find rest. This rāja sāman is strung across the deities because of their inherent radiance.
Close to the Sanskrit
Fire is the hiṅkāra, due to primary placement. Wind is the prastāva, due to the commonality of sequence. The sun is the udgītha, due to preeminence. The stars are the pratihāra, due to being echoed. The moon is the nidhana, because it is the conclusion for ritualists. This rāja is woven in the deities, due to the luminosity of the deities.