Govinda (Kula Shaker song)
| "Govinda" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Kula Shaker | |
| from the album K | |
| Released | 11 November 1996 |
| Format | Single (music) |
| Genre | Raga rock |
| Length | 4:57 |
| Label | Columbia |
| Producer(s) | John Leckie, Shep & Dodge, Crispian Mills |
"Govinda" is a song by British band Kula Shaker, released on 11 November 1996. The song is notable for its heavy Indian influences such as the Tambura and is unique in being the only British Top Ten hit to be sung entirely in Sanskrit.
The text is taken from a Sanskrit devotional song to Krishna. Govinda jaya jaya literally means Krishna (the Divine Cowherd), Glory, Glory. Govinda was previously recorded by singers from Radha Krsna Temple in a 1970 album produced by George Harrison.
A music video was made for the song, which was directed by Michael Geoghegan.
In one of his interviews Crispian Mills mentioned that the song was born out of an improvisation, based on an Hindu prayer to Krishna.
The song appeared originally on the album K, with an alternate version called "Govinda '97, Hari & ST. George" appearing on the Summer Sun EP.
The cover artwork features a Longines Conquest watch, with the band logo and single title in place of the Longines branding.