Yeshu – Translation of Spiritual Song from 7 Khoon Maaf

Meta Description: Yeshu is a song from Hindi film 7 Khoon Maaf. Lyrics are by Gulzar, sung by Rekha Bhardwaj, and the music by Vishal Bhardwaj. Enjoy the poetic translation.

Setting the Background for Translating Yeshu

Gulzar uses "Yeshu," the modern Israeli name for Jesus, instead of the more commonly used "Isa" in Hindi, which is derived from the Arabic. The song unfolds as Susanna, weary of her past transgressions and the weight of her crimes, finds redemption in Christ. In a pivotal moment, she accepts Him as her husband and takes her vows as a nun.

The essence of the song lies in its portrayal of God, who watches quietly and seemingly mysteriously over the struggles of His followers. To embrace God, as Susanna does, is to take that final, blind leap of faith—an act that transcends doubt and surrenders to the divine will.

The Poetic English Translation of the Lyrics of Yeshu

You can hear the church bells ring, Jesus

Yet you do not say a thing, Jesus

You can hear the church bells ring, Jesus

Yet you do not say a thing, Jesus

Who’ll be your followers, what’s the basis for choosing, Jesus oh Jesus

You can hear the church bells ring, Jesus

Yet you do not say a thing, Jesus

Is this body meaningless, can the soul only despair

You’re the paragon of love, but is love a cross to bear

This cotton-like body please tell me why you are weaving, Jesus, Jesus

You can hear the church bells ring, Jesus

Yet you do not say a thing, Jesus

I am all alone just now I plead this wish you fulfil

First take me in your embrace and then send me where you will

There is no pain in heaven tell me are you listening, Jesus, Jesus

You can hear the church bells ring, Jesus

Yet you do not say a thing, Jesus

Who’ll be your followers, what’s the basis for choosing, Jesus

You can hear the church bells ring, Jesus

Yet you do not say a thing, Jesus