| "Govinda" | ||
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| Single by Kula Shaker | ||
| Released | 1996 | |
| Format | Single (music) | |
| Genre | Indian-inspired psychedelic rock | |
| Length | 4:57 | |
| Label | Columbia Records | |
| Producer | John Leckie, Shep & Dodge, Crispian Mills | |
"Govinda" was a hit single by British band Kula Shaker released in 1996, led by Crispian Mills, the son of actress Hayley Mills. The song is notable for its heavy Indian influences such as the tamboura 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) 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 has brought together the oriental musical and spiritual culture with the modern western culture. The song appeared originally on the album K, with an alternate version called "Govinda '97, Hari & ST. George" appearing on the Summer Sun EP.
