Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo - Kirtan Lyrics

Kirtan is the practice of singing the names of God together, and in Kali Yuga it is held to be the easiest and most powerful path to the divine. Govind Bolo simply means say Govind, say Gopal - an open invitation to keep the Lord's names on every tongue. The beauty of this kirtan is its rising energy: it usually begins slowly and gradually quickens, until clapping, music and voices merge into pure joy and the mind forgets everything but Krishna's name.

The core call-and-response line is repeated and built upon:

Govind bolo Hari Gopal bolo, Radha Raman Hari Govind bolo.

Names are added and sung back joyfully, for example:

Keshav Madhav Govind bolo, Madhusudan Hari Govind bolo.

The leader can keep weaving in Krishna's names while the gathering answers each line with rising joy.

Each name is a doorway into Krishna's glory. Govind means the protector of cows and the senses, the one who gives joy to the earth; Gopal means the cowherd, the keeper of cows; Hari means the one who removes sorrow and sin. Radha Raman is the beloved who delights Radha, Keshav and Madhav are sweet names of Krishna, and Madhusudan is the slayer of the demon Madhu. To say these names, the kirtan teaches, is itself the highest worship.

Because it is call-and-response, this kirtan needs no rehearsal. 1. One person leads each line; everyone repeats it back. 2. Start at a slow, gentle pace so all can join, clapping in rhythm. 3. Gradually increase the tempo and energy, adding more of Krishna's names. 4. Use simple instruments like manjira (cymbals), dholak or harmonium if available. 5. Let it build to a joyful peak, then slow down and end in silence or with Jai Shri Krishna. It is wonderful for satsang, festivals, Janmashtami and family evenings, and especially loved by children.

Singing Govind Bolo together is believed to fill the heart with joy, clear the mind of worry, and draw the grace of Krishna through the simple power of his names. Because everyone can join regardless of age or training, it builds unity and devotion in any gathering. As a form of naam sankirtan, it is praised in scripture as a direct, joyful path to the divine in this age.