You may remember the song “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder. The lyrics describe an unexpected phone call in which Wonder expresses his love—not prompted by any special occasion, but simply from the heart.
It was a major international hit, and remains Wonder’s best-selling single to date, reaching number one in 28 countries worldwide.
This song reminds of how a devotee calls out to Krishna (through the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra) simply to express love for Him, without any personal motive or material reason.
So here are the adapted lyrics to reflect a devotional sentiment, keeping the melody and rhythm of the original song. It is produced by HG Nirantara Prabhu.
Krishna conscious lyrics:
No gold or wealth, no kingdom grand
No wish for fickle fame to spread across this land
No mystic powers, no learned mind
It’s just a heart that longs for You, my Lord Divine
No perfect health, no worldly gain
No freedom sought from any suffering or pain
But in this time, so pure and true
it’s only out of love I cry out Lord to You.
Chorus:
I just called to say I love You
I just called to chant Your Holy Name
I just called to say I love You
Oh Govinda, with devotion never tame
No mukti’s dream, no yogic flight
No prayers for heavens filled with endless starry light
No strength to rule, no beauty rare
I am just a soul who seeks Your mercy everywhere
No karmic gifts, no dharmic trade
No want for fortune in this world that always fades
But in this time, right here and now
O Lord I chant Your Holy Name and humbly bow
Chorus:
I just called to say I love You
I just called to chant Your Holy Name
I just called to say I love You
O dear Lord, my heart will never stay the same
I just called to say I love You
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love You
And I mean it from the depths of my prayer!
"Wow, Prabhuji, this presentation was so beautifully done! It's a truly wonderful demonstration of how to perfectly dovetail our abilities in service to Krishna. I actually used to sing this song back in the day, and now I feel inspired to sing it with a deeper sense of devotion."
The lyrics are by Citraka dasa (ACBSP) the vocal is by Nirantara dasa (ACBSP)