Meaning & Translation
Sanskrit
गोविन्द जय जय, गोपाल जय जय
Transliteration
Go-vin-da Ja-ya Ja-ya, Go-pa-la Ja-ya Ja-ya
Pronunciation
go-VIN-dah jye jye | go-PAH-lah jye jye
Deity / Quality Invoked
Krishna
Full Translation
Govinda (He who gives joy to the senses) and Gopala (the divine cowherd) are beloved names for Krishna in his most playful and accessible aspect — the divine child who tends the cows and fills the world with music.
For Leaders
Chords and structure for leading this chant on harmonium or guitar — transcribed from the linked recording. New to leading? Read our guide to leading kirtan →
Original key
Em
Tempo & feel
Upbeat and celebratory (~100 bpm); a natural set-peak chant
Chord Chart
Strumming & rhythm (4/4)
D = downstrum, U = upstrum, · = let it ring. celebratory drive: keep the ups bright and even, accent 1; grows, never rushes.
Response
Call & Response Structure
The full verse is both call and response — the circle answers with the identical two lines. Two chords only, so all the energy comes from tempo and dynamics: this is a classic peak-of-the-evening chant that can double its speed by the final rounds.
Featured in Articles
Terms in the Glossary
Words from this page, explained in our A–Z reference.