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Lyrics & meaning

Chinna Chinna Paathi Katti

From Chakkalathi · 1980

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
S. Janaki, B. S. Sasirekha
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Chakkalathi1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
So so so so so soSo so so so so so
Female
So…so… so…so…So…so… so…so…
Chinna chinna paathi katti so…so…Making small plots in the agricultural field, so…so…
Seeraga chambaa naathu vechaen so…so…I planted Jeeraga Samba rice saplings, so…so…
Naan vecha naathukku naanae sondhamI alone hold the right of ownership over the saplings I planted
Nallaa konjam kaettukkadi adi chella kannuListen to this carefully, my dear darling girl
Female
Chinna chinna paathi katti so…so…Making small plots in the agricultural field, so…so…
Seeraga chambaa naathu vechaen so…so…I planted Jeeraga Samba rice saplings, so…so…
Naan vecha naathukku naanae sondhamI alone hold the right of ownership over the saplings I planted
Nallaa konjam kaettukkadi adi chella kannuListen to this carefully, my dear darling girl
Female
Chinna chinna paathi katti so…so…Making small plots in the agricultural field, so…so…
Seeraga chambaa naathu vechaen so…so…I planted Jeeraga Samba rice saplings, so…so…
Female
Paalaathulae meen pudichaendiI caught a fish in the Palar river, my dear
Paana chattiyilae adha moodi vachaendiI kept it covered safely in a clay pot, my dear
Paalaathulae meen pudichaendiI caught a fish in the Palar river, my dear
Paana chattiyilae adha moodi vachaendiI kept it covered safely in a clay pot, my dear
Aathaa kannaathaa sollaathaaOh mother, oh dear, don't say that!
Meenu ennaachu adha poona thinnaachuWhat happened to the fish? A cat came and ate it up!
Velli kannu kolli kannu vaalum illa naalum illaWith silver eyes and fiery eyes, having neither a tail nor a good day
Female
Chinna chinna paathi katti so…so…Making small plots in the agricultural field, so…so…
Seeraga chambaa naathu vechaen so…so…I planted Jeeraga Samba rice saplings, so…so…
Female
Aathoramaa oothu thanniyilaIn the fresh spring water along the riverbank
Rosaa vachaendi indha raasaa kannaattiI planted a rose bush, my dear king-like sweet darling
Aathoramaa ootthu thanniyilaIn the fresh spring water along the riverbank
Rosaa vachaendi indha raasaa kannaattiI planted a rose bush, my dear king-like sweet darling
Naanae pon maanae vechaenaeI myself planted it, oh my golden deer
Oodha kandaalaam oru paavi vandhaalaamSeeing it blossom, a wicked sinner woman arrived
Kothu kothaa alli vechaa nenjukkullae mulla vechaaShe plucked the flowers in bunches and left thorns inside my heart
Female
Chinna chinna paathi katti so…so…Making small plots in the agricultural field, so…so…
Seeraga chambaa naathu vechaen so…so…I planted Jeeraga Samba rice saplings, so…so…
Naan vecha naatthukku naanae sondhamI alone hold the right of ownership over the saplings I planted
Nallaa konjam kaettukkadi adi chella kannuListen to this carefully, my dear darling girl
Female
Chinna chinna paathi katti so…so…Making small plots in the agricultural field, so…so…
Seeraga chambaa naathu vechaen so…so…I planted Jeeraga Samba rice saplings, so…so…

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This folk-style song from 'Chakkalathi' uses agricultural and everyday rural metaphors to express a woman's claim of sole ownership over her love and home, while lamenting the intrusion of a rival woman (a co-wife or 'chakkalathi'). Imagery such as planting rice saplings, catching a fish only to have a cat steal it, and nurturing a rose bush that gets ruined by an evil woman serves as an allegory for her devotion being threatened or stolen by another.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Uvameyam)

Naan vecha naathukku naanae sondham

The speaker uses agricultural saplings ('naathu'), a caught fish ('meen'), and a rose ('rosaa') as metaphors for her cherished relationship and hard work, which are encroached upon by an intruder.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Chinna chinna paathi katti / Seeraga chambaa naathu vechaen

The second consonant 'n' (ன) matches across consecutive lines, creating a classic Tamil poetic rhythm.

Onomatopoeia / Folk Refrain

Chinna chinna paathi katti so…so…

The 'So...so...' sound mimics the traditional rhythmic chant used by farmers in Tamil Nadu while tending crops or herding.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film title 'Chakkalathi' translates to 'co-wife' or 'female rival in love'. Written by Pulamaipithan, the song relies heavily on authentic Tamil Naattupura Paatu (folk song) structure and rural idioms to convey domestic jealousy and grief.

Keep listening

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