Back in 1978 Hansadutta composed the lyrics to “The Holy Name” as a poem offering to Srila Prabhupada for Vyasapuja, the occasion of the anniversary of the spiritual master’s appearance. He later sang it on his LP cover “Nothing to Lose But All to Gain”, released the same year.
Photo of Hansadutta used on the "Nothing to Lose" cover circa 1978
I am going to hit you with a barrage of posts this week and this first one features an album that my friend Day (Vintage Vinyl Revival) lent to me the other week after I had heard a few songs off it. This album, “nothing to lose but all to gain”, 1978, by Hansadutta Swami, has me somewhat hypnotized and I find myself putting it on over and over. It’s strange, that is for sure, but there is something comforting, fascinating, and completely original in the country-like jams and warbling/rambling/repetitious vocals. Hansadutta was once a very important person in the Hare Krishna movement and this album is rich with lyrical references to Krsna and is performed by devotee musicians, so on its’ own it stands as being unique. It’s a shame that is has yet to be available on cd… the album has a very relevant and modern feel.
I don’t have the LP, and I haven’t been able to find all the tracks. So if anyone out there has them, and wants to share, please send me an .
Here’s the first track, and the lyrics below:
The Holy Name
MP3 – 12:12, 16.8 MB
Listen | Download
The Holy Name
Nothing to lose but all to gain,
You convinced the world to chant the Holy Name.
Dirty hearts and dusty brains,
You make the lowest men dance to the Name.
Spiritually deaf, dumb, blind and lame
You cure the multitudes with the Name.
Honor, dishonor, pleasure & pain,
Kicked out as worthless by this Holy Name.
Mad after Money, women, and fame,
Sometimes even I think of chanting the Name.
I have tried every trick and played every game,
But I cannot understand what is this Name.
Sun, snow, wind, hail and rain.
All times are good for chanting the Name.
Wife, friends and relations think us insane,
This is one result of chanting the Name.
Faster than a bullet or a speeding train,
You travel around spreading the Name.
You have bound me hand and foot with a chain,
The links of which are the Holy Name.
This shameful life and feeble refrain,
I offer you, Prabhupada, for the Name.
Falling before you like a wooden cane,
Bless me with attachment to the Holy Name.
Like a generous cloud that gives rain,
May I float thru the world spreading the Name.
Full of desire for profit and gain,
You have the medicine in the shape of the Name.
Falling before you like a wooden cane,
Make me take this cure of chanting the Name.
