Hare Krishna
Galt MacDermot & Gerome Ragni Lyrics
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Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare
Love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love
Drop out, drop out, drop out, drop out
Be in, be in, be in, be in
Love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love
Drop out, drop out, drop out, drop out
Be in, be in, be in, be in
Take trips get high
Laugh joke and good bye
Beat drum and old tin pot
I'm high on you know what
Take trips get high
Laugh joke and good bye
Beat drum and old tin pot
I'm high on you know what
Take trips get high
Laugh joke and good bye
Beat drum and old tin pot
I'm high on you know what
Marijuana, marijuana
Juana, juana, mari, mari
Marijuana, marijuana
Juana, juana, mari, mari
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
The lyrics of "Hare Krishna" sung by Galt MacDermot and Gerome Ragni are an ode to the Hare Krishna movement that emerged in the 1960s as a countercultural movement in America that found its roots in Eastern spirituality. The song is an invocation to Lord Krishna and Lord Rama, two of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The repetition of the words "Hare Krishna" and "Hare Rama" reflect the practice of the Hare Krishna movement, which involves chanting as a means of connecting with God.
The lyrics then shift to the counterculture of the time period, advocating for dropping out of mainstream society and being fully present in the moment. The call to "take trips get high" and "beat drum and old tin pot" are references to drug use and the use of percussion as a means of spiritual expression. The mention of marijuana and its repeated chanting as "Juana, juana, mari, mari" further highlights the influence of drugs within the counterculture of the time.
The lyrics then end with a repetition of "beads, flowers, freedom, happiness." "Beads" and "flowers" are symbols of the Hare Krishna movement and the tradition of offering these to deities and gurus as a symbol of devotion. "Freedom" and "happiness" reinforce the sentiment of seeking liberation from societal norms and finding fulfillment in spiritual expression.
Line by Line Meaning
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Repeat the name of the divine one with devotion
Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare
Calling upon the divine energy of Krishna to assist in achieving inner peace and happiness
Hare Rama, Hare Rama
Invoking the compassion and mercy of Rama
Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare
Asking for the blessings of Rama
Love, love, love, love
Wherein goodness, kindness and compassion are radiated towards each and every human being
Drop out, drop out, drop out, drop out
Rejecting the societal norms and expectations, to explore one's own path and beliefs
Be in, be in, be in, be in
Countering the feeling of alienation by being present in the moment and embracing love
Take trips get high
Taking in life's experiences and achieving an emotional high
Laugh joke and good bye
Enjoying life, laughing at the hardships and being prepared to embrace the end
Beat drum and old tin pot
Music being a form of personal expression and rebellion against convention
I'm high on you know what
Achieving an emotive high from the power of music and the mind
Marijuana, marijuana
A reference to the use of drugs for personal exploration and self-discovery
Juana, juana, mari, mari
Slang for marijuana
Beads, flowers, freedom, happiness
Embracing positivity, inner freedom and a sense of spiritual wellbeing
Contributed by Caleb T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.