He Govinda, he Gopala
He Govinda rakho sharana
Aba to jivana hare

1. Nira pivana hetu gayo
    Sindhu ke kinare
    Sindhu bicha basata graha 
    Charana dhari pachhare

2. Chara-prahara yuddha bhayo
    Lai gayo mañjha dhare
    Naka-kana dubana lage
    Krishna ko pukare

3. Dwaraka me shabda gayo
    Shora bhayo bhare
    Shankha-chakra-gada-padma
    [bad word] lai sidhare

4. Sura kahai shyama suno
    Sharana hai tihare
    Abaki bara para karo
    Nanda ke dulare

O Lord! O Lord! Please take me in Your arms and keep me in your presence, for I have been defeated in the battle of life. 

1. The elephant king Gajendra went to drink water from a beautiful lake. But lurking in its depths was a crocodile, who caught hold of his foot and wouldn't let go. 

2. There was a long and fierce battle but the crocodile was winning and dragged the elephant into the deep water midstream. But as the water was entering his nose and ears and he was about to drown, the elephant suddenly remembered the Lord and called Krishna's name. 

3. That word was heard in Dwaraka where Krishna lived, and what an uproar there was! In an instant the Lord appeared, flying on [bad word]  and holding his conch, discus, club and lotus, and His devotee was saved. 

4. Surdas says, O Lord, my plight is as desperate as that of the drowning elephant! So I am calling Your name in the hope that You will have pity on me, for I seek refuge in You alone. 

- Surdas.