Chinnakutti Ponnu Nee
From Thenkinnam · 1971
- Lyricist
- Kumaradevan
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, K. Jamunarani
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Details
- Thenkinnam1971
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Chinnakutti ponnu nee sillaraiya ennu | Hey young girl, count the loose change |
| Ada chinnakutti ponnu nee sillaraiya ennu | Hey young girl, count the loose change |
| Naan kettukinnae vaaraen nee ketkaamalae porae | I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening |
| Naan kettukinnae vaaraen nee ketkaamalae porae | I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening |
| Female | |
| Ennaiyaa nainaa naan idhae petta maina | What is it, sir? I am a maina bird born in this neighbourhood |
| Ada ennaiyaa nainaa naan idhae petta maina | Hey, what is it, sir? I am a maina bird born in this neighbourhood |
| Naan odhukkikkinae poraen nee orasikkitae vaarae | I keep stepping aside, but you keep coming closer to brush against me |
| Naan odhukkikkinae poraen nee orasikkitae vaarae | I keep stepping aside, but you keep coming closer to brush against me |
| Male | |
| Ennaayirukku paiyilae eduththu kodu kaiyilae | Whatever is in your pocket, take it out and give it to my hand |
| Ada ennaayirukku paiyilae eduththu kodu kaiyilae | Hey, whatever is in your pocket, take it out and give it to my hand |
| Paiyilae onnum illaattaa kazhatti kodu kammala | If there is nothing in the pocket, remove your earrings and give them |
| Paiyilae onnum illaattaa kazhatti kodu kammala | If there is nothing in the pocket, remove your earrings and give them |
| Male | |
| Sarkku vanthiduchchi santhosam kaaththirukku | The liquor has arrived, happiness is waiting |
| Sarkku vanthiduchchi santhosam kaaththirukku | The liquor has arrived, happiness is waiting |
| Udanae kudikkanum olagaththa marakkanum | Must drink immediately and forget the world |
| Udanae kudikkanum olagaththa marakkanum | Must drink immediately and forget the world |
| Male | |
| Adi chinnakutti ponnu nee sillaraiya ennu | Hey young girl, count the loose change |
| Naan kettukinnae vaaraen nee ketkaamalae porae | I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening |
| Female | |
| Kalluppaanai vanthathumae soththu paanai yaenguthu | As soon as the toddy pot arrives, the rice pot yearns |
| Kalluppaanai vanthathumae soththu paanai yaenguthu | As soon as the toddy pot arrives, the rice pot yearns |
| Kaalamellaam erinja anuppula poonai kedanthu thoonguthu | In the stove that used to burn all the time, a cat now lies sleeping |
| Kaalamellaam erinja anuppula poonai kedanthu thoonguthu | In the stove that used to burn all the time, a cat now lies sleeping |
| Female | |
| Kedachatha nee kudikkirae ketta adikkirae | You drink whatever you get, and beat me if I ask |
| Kedachatha nee kudikkirae ketta adikkirae | You drink whatever you get, and beat me if I ask |
| Nee oru purushanaa roshamulla manushanaa | Are you a real husband, a man with self-respect? |
| Ada nee oru purushanaa roshamulla manushanaa | Hey, are you a real husband, a man with self-respect? |
| Male | |
| Devanaagi ponaen | I have become a god |
| Ippa naan devanaagi ponaen | Now I have become a god |
| Aamaam devanaagi ponnaen | Yes, I have become a god |
| Kudikkira pazhakkam vanthatharkku pinnae | After acquiring the habit of drinking |
| Naan adikkadi thanni kudikkira pazhakkam vanthatharkku pinnae | After I acquired the habit of drinking booze frequently |
| Andraadam antha moondru logamum poe vaaraen kannae | Every day I visit all three heavenly worlds and come back, my dear |
| Andraadam antha moondru logamum poe vaaraen kannae | Every day I visit all three heavenly worlds and come back, my dear |
| Female | |
| Kudi kedukkira kudiyinaalae | Because of this alcoholism that destroys families |
| Kozhantha kutty pasiyinaalae | Because of the hunger of our young children |
| Kodal karugi yaengalaachchuthu en machchaan | My stomach burns in agony, my dear husband |
| Kudumpa perum kettu pochchuthu | The family's good name has been ruined |
| En machchaan kudumpa perum kettu pochchuthu… | My dear husband, the family's good name has been ruined… |
| Male | |
| Maadaaga ozhaichchaalum odaaga thaeinjaalum | Even if one works like an ox or grinds down to bones |
| Novellaam theerppathu thanni | Liquor is what cures all physical pain |
| Odambu novellaam theerppathu thanni | Liquor is what cures all physical body pain |
| Idhu udhavaathena thadukkaatahe ubathesamum kodukkaathae | Don't preach to me or stop me saying this is useless |
| Vaiyaatahe vaiyaathae sollittaen | Don't scold me, don't scold me, I am warning you |
| Yaarum seiyyaathadi enna senjuttaen | What have I done that no one else does? |
| Female | |
| Ennathaan seiyyala nee edhaiththaan vaikkala | What haven't you done? What haven't you pawned? |
| Adagu edhaiththaan vaikkala | What haven't you put in the pawn shop? |
| Ennai thavira unnai thavira | Except for me, except for you |
| Irukkira intha oru kozhanthaiya thavira | Except for this one child we have |
| Enna vaikkala adagu edhaithaan vaikkala | What haven't you pawned? What haven't you put away? |
| Male | |
| Adaguthaan vacha enna | So what if I pawned them? |
| Aththanaiyum ponaalenna | So what if everything is gone? |
| Aampala naan sampaathippaen | I am a man, I will earn it all back |
| Adi pompala adha ketkka nee yaaradi | Hey woman, who are you to question that? |
| Adi pompala adha ketkka nee yaaradi | Hey woman, who are you to question that? |
| Female | |
| Kanji thanniya kudichchukitt vaayavayaththa katti | Drinking only rice water, starving myself and tightening my stomach |
| Kastappattu kaasu panaththa mudichchu pottu saerththu | With hard work I saved money and tied it up in knots |
| Kadhu kammal mookkuththiyum kai valaiyum pottaen | I bought ear studs, nose rings, and arm bangles |
| Adhoda vittaenaa illaiyae | Did I stop with just that? No! |
| Female | |
| Paavi manasu ketkkala aambala nee podattumunnu | My foolish heart couldn't resist, thinking a husband should wear things too |
| Azhagazhagaa seyinnu thaenkinnaththa ketkattumunnu | Thinking you should wear beautiful chains and ask for a sweet cup |
| Transister pottu rist watch mothiram | Transistor radio, wrist watch, gold rings |
| List pottaa aayiram iththanai iththanai vaangi thanthaen | If I make a list there are thousands, I bought so many things for you |
| Kudippatharkku munnae nee kudiyaa kudippatharkku munnae | Before you became a hopeless drunkard |
| Male | |
| Ellaam irunthum naan aandi | Despite having had everything, I am a beggar today |
| Ippa irukkuthaa vootula oru thondi | Is there even a single small pot left in the house now? |
| Adikkadi nee ennai vendi | You who used to plead with me often |
| Vaangiya aththanaiyum ennaachchu neeyae sollendi | Tell me yourself, what happened to everything that was bought? |
| Male | |
| Ellaam irunthum naan aandi | Despite having had everything, I am a beggar today |
| Ippa irukkuthaa vootula oru thondi | Is there even a single small pot left in the house now? |
| Male | |
| ………………….. | ... |
| Female | |
| Aththanaiyum aththanaiyum adagu kadaiyilae | All of those, every single item is in the pawn shop |
| Niththirai poguthaiyyaa | It is sleeping there, sir |
| Ippa niththirai poguthaiyyaa | It is sleeping there now, sir |
| Adha adagu kadaikku anuppi vachchathintha | Sending them to the pawn shop was caused by this |
| Kudikkira pazhakkamaiyaa | This drinking habit, sir |
| Intha kudikkira pazhakkamaiyaa | This drinking habit, sir |
| Female | |
| Varusha kanakkil saernthaen | What I accumulated over years |
| Ellaam vaara kanakkil pochchu | Everything vanished in weekly expenses |
| Varusha kanakkil saernthaen | What I accumulated over years |
| Ellaam vaara kanakkil pochchu | Everything vanished in weekly expenses |
| Female | |
| Onnonnaa pochu | Everything went one by one |
| Orae muttaa pochu | It went away completely at once |
| Onnonnaa pochu | Everything went one by one |
| Orae muttaa pochu | It went away completely at once |
| Female | |
| Paaththiram irukkaa pandaamirukkaa | Are there any vessels left? Are there any household goods? |
| Kevalam katta oru thuni irukkaa | Is there even a decent piece of cloth left to wear? |
| Paaththiram irukkaa pandaamirukkaa | Are there any vessels left? Are there any household goods? |
| Kevalam katta oru thuni irukkaa | Is there even a decent piece of cloth left to wear? |
| Aaththiram varuthu adakkikiraen | Anger is rising in me, but I suppress it |
| Yaarai sabikkirathu niruththikkiraen | Whom do I curse? I stop myself |
| Yaarai sabikkirathu niruththikkiraen | Whom do I curse? I stop myself |
| Naan yaarai sabikkirathu niruththikkiraen…. | Whom do I curse? I stop myself.... |
சின்னக்குட்டி பொண்ணு நீ சில்லறைய எண்ணு
அட சின்னக்குட்டி பொண்ணு நீ சில்லறைய எண்ணு
நான் கேட்டுக்கின்னே வாரேன் நீ கேட்காமலே போறே
நான் கேட்டுக்கின்னே வாரேன் நீ கேட்காமலே போறே
Hey young girl, count the loose change
Hey young girl, count the loose change
I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening
I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening
என்னய்யா நைனா நான் இதே பேட்ட மைனா
அட என்னய்யா நைனா நான் இதே பேட்ட மைனா
நான் ஒதுங்கிக்கினே போறேன் நீ ஓரசிக்கிட்டே வாறே...
நான் ஒதுங்கிக்கினே போறேன் நீ ஓரசிக்கிட்டே வாறே...
What is it, sir? I am a maina bird born in this neighbourhood
Hey, what is it, sir? I am a maina bird born in this neighbourhood
I keep stepping aside, but you keep coming closer to brush against me
I keep stepping aside, but you keep coming closer to brush against me
என்னாயிருக்கு பையிலே எடுத்து கொடு கையிலே
அட என்னாயிருக்கு பையிலே எடுத்து கொடு கையிலே
பையிலே ஒன்னும் இல்லாட்டா கழட்டி கொடு கம்மல
பையிலே ஒன்னும் இல்லாட்டா கழட்டி கொடு கம்மல
Whatever is in your pocket, take it out and give it to my hand
Hey, whatever is in your pocket, take it out and give it to my hand
If there is nothing in the pocket, remove your earrings and give them
If there is nothing in the pocket, remove your earrings and give them
சரக்கு வந்திடுச்சி சந்தோசம் காத்திருக்கு
சரக்கு வந்திடுச்சி சந்தோசம் காத்திருக்கு
உடனே குடிக்கணும் ஒலகத்த மறக்கணும்
உடனே குடிக்கணும் ஒலகத்த மறக்கணும்
The liquor has arrived, happiness is waiting
The liquor has arrived, happiness is waiting
Must drink immediately and forget the world
Must drink immediately and forget the world
அடி சின்னக்குட்டி பொண்ணு நீ சில்லறைய எண்ணு
நான் கேட்டுக்கின்னே வாரேன் நீ கேட்டகாமலே போறே
Hey young girl, count the loose change
I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening
கள்ளுப்பானை வந்ததுமே சோத்துப் பானை ஏங்குது
கள்ளுப்பானை வந்ததுமே சோத்துப் பானை ஏங்குது
காலமெல்லாம் எறிஞ்ச அடுப்புல பூனை கெடந்து தூங்குது
காலமெல்லாம் எறிஞ்ச அடுப்புல பூனை கெடந்து தூங்குது
As soon as the toddy pot arrives, the rice pot yearns
As soon as the toddy pot arrives, the rice pot yearns
In the stove that used to burn all the time, a cat now lies sleeping
In the stove that used to burn all the time, a cat now lies sleeping
கெடச்சத நீ குடிக்கிறே கெட்ட அடிக்கிறே
கெடச்சத நீ குடிக்கிறே கெட்ட அடிக்கிறே
நீ ஒரு புருஷனா ரோஷமுள்ள மனுஷனா
அட நீ ஒரு புருஷனா ரோஷமுள்ள மனுஷனா
You drink whatever you get, and beat me if I ask
You drink whatever you get, and beat me if I ask
Are you a real husband, a man with self-respect?
Hey, are you a real husband, a man with self-respect?
தேவானாகிப் போனேன்
இப்ப நான் தேவனாகி போனேன்
ஆமாம் தேவனாகி போனேன்
குடிக்கிற பழக்கம் வந்ததற்கு பின்னே
நான் அடிக்கடி தண்ணி குடிக்கிற பழக்கம் வந்ததற்கு பின்னே
அன்றாடம் அந்த மூன்று லோகமும் போய் வாரேன் கண்ணே
அன்றாடம் அந்த மூன்று லோகமும் போய் வாரேன் கண்ணே
I have become a god
Now I have become a god
Yes, I have become a god
After acquiring the habit of drinking
After I acquired the habit of drinking booze frequently
Every day I visit all three heavenly worlds and come back, my dear
Every day I visit all three heavenly worlds and come back, my dear
குடி கெடுக்கிற குடியினாலே
கொழந்த குட்டி பசியினாலே
கொடல் கருகி ஏங்கலாச்சுது என் மச்சான்
குடும்ப பேரும் கெட்டுப் போச்சுது....
என் மச்சான் குடும்ப பேரும் கெட்டுப் போச்சுது....
Because of this alcoholism that destroys families
Because of the hunger of our young children
My stomach burns in agony, my dear husband
The family's good name has been ruined
My dear husband, the family's good name has been ruined…
மாடாக ஒழைச்சாலும் ஓடாக தேய்ஞ்சாலும்
நோவெல்லாம் தீர்ப்பது தண்ணி
ஒடம்பு நோவெல்லாம் தீர்ப்பது தண்ணி
இது உதவாதென தடுக்காதே உபதேசமும் கொடுக்காதே
வையாதே வையாதே சொல்லிட்டேன்
யாரும் செய்யாதடி என்ன செஞ்சுட்டேன்....
Even if one works like an ox or grinds down to bones
Liquor is what cures all physical pain
Liquor is what cures all physical body pain
Don't preach to me or stop me saying this is useless
Don't scold me, don't scold me, I am warning you
What have I done that no one else does?
என்னத்தான் செய்யல நீ எதைத்தான் வைக்கல
அடகு எதைத்தான் வைக்கல
என்னை தவிர உன்னைத் தவிர
இருக்கிற இந்த ஒரு கொழந்தய தவிர
என்ன வைக்கல அடகு எதத்தான் வைக்கல
What haven't you done? What haven't you pawned?
What haven't you put in the pawn shop?
Except for me, except for you
Except for this one child we have
What haven't you pawned? What haven't you put away?
அடகுதான் வச்சா என்ன
அத்தனையும் போனாலென்ன
ஆம்பள நான் சம்பாதிப்பேன்
அடி பொம்பள அதக் கேட்க நீ யாரடி
அடி பொம்பள அதக் கேட்க நீ யாரடி
So what if I pawned them?
So what if everything is gone?
I am a man, I will earn it all back
Hey woman, who are you to question that?
Hey woman, who are you to question that?
கஞ்சித் தண்ணிய குடிச்சிக்கிட்டு வாயவயத்த கட்டி
கஷ்டப்பட்டு காசு பணத்த முடிச்சுப் போட்டு சேர்த்து
காது கம்மல் மூக்குத்தியும் கை வளையும் போட்டேன்
அதோட விட்டேனா இல்லையே
Drinking only rice water, starving myself and tightening my stomach
With hard work I saved money and tied it up in knots
I bought ear studs, nose rings, and arm bangles
Did I stop with just that? No!
பாவி மனசு கேக்கல ஆம்பள நீ போடட்டுமுன்னு
அழகழகா செயின்னு தேன்கிண்ணத்த கேட்கட்டுமுன்னு
டிரான்சிஸ்டர் பொட்டி ரிஸ்ட் வாட்ச் மோதிரம்
லிஸ்டு போட்டா ஆயிரம் இத்தன இத்தன வாங்கித் தந்தேன்
குடிப்பதற்கு முன்னே நீ குடியா குடிப்பதற்கு முன்னே....
My foolish heart couldn't resist, thinking a husband should wear things too
Thinking you should wear beautiful chains and ask for a sweet cup
Transistor radio, wrist watch, gold rings
If I make a list there are thousands, I bought so many things for you
Before you became a hopeless drunkard
எல்லாம் இருந்தும் நான் ஆண்டி
இப்ப இருக்குதா வூட்டுல ஒரு தோண்டி
அடிக்கடி நீ என்னை வேண்டி
வாங்கிய அத்தனையும் என்னாச்சு நீயே சொல்லேண்டி
Despite having had everything, I am a beggar today
Is there even a single small pot left in the house now?
You who used to plead with me often
Tell me yourself, what happened to everything that was bought?
எல்லாம் இருந்தும் நான் ஆண்டி
இப்ப இருக்குதா வூட்டுல ஒரு தோண்டி
Despite having had everything, I am a beggar today
Is there even a single small pot left in the house now?
.............................
...
அத்தனையும் அத்தனையும் அடகு கடையிலே
நித்திரை போகுதய்யா
இப்ப நித்திரை போகுதய்யா
அத அடகு கடைக்கு அனுப்பி வச்சதிந்த குடிக்கிறப்
பழக்கமய்யா
இந்த குடிக்கிறப் பழக்கமய்யா
All of those, every single item is in the pawn shop
It is sleeping there, sir
It is sleeping there now, sir
Sending them to the pawn shop was caused by this
This drinking habit, sir
This drinking habit, sir
வருஷக் கணக்கில் சேர்த்தேன்
எல்லாம் வாரக் கணக்கில் போச்சு
வருஷக் கணக்கில் சேர்த்தேன்
எல்லாம் வாரக் கணக்கில் போச்சு
What I accumulated over years
Everything vanished in weekly expenses
What I accumulated over years
Everything vanished in weekly expenses
ஒண்ணொண்ணா போச்சு
ஒரே முட்டா போச்சு
ஒண்ணொண்ணா போச்சு
ஒரே முட்டா போச்சு
Everything went one by one
It went away completely at once
Everything went one by one
It went away completely at once
பாத்திரம் இருக்க பண்டமிருக்கா
கேவலம் கட்ட ஒரு துணி இருக்கா
பாத்திரம் இருக்க பண்டமிருக்கா
கேவலம் கட்ட ஒரு துணி இருக்கா
ஆத்திரம் வருது அடக்கிக்கிறேன்
யாரை சபிக்கிறது நிறுத்திக்கிறேன்
யாரை சபிக்கிறது நிறுத்திக்கிறேன்
நான் யாரை சபிக்கிறது நிறுத்திக்கிறேன்........
Are there any vessels left? Are there any household goods?
Is there even a decent piece of cloth left to wear?
Are there any vessels left? Are there any household goods?
Is there even a decent piece of cloth left to wear?
Anger is rising in me, but I suppress it
Whom do I curse? I stop myself
Whom do I curse? I stop myself
Whom do I curse? I stop myself....
Chinnakutti ponnu nee sillaraiya ennu
Hey young girl, count the loose change
Ada chinnakutti ponnu nee sillaraiya ennu
Hey young girl, count the loose change
Naan kettukinnae vaaraen nee ketkaamalae porae
I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening
Naan kettukinnae vaaraen nee ketkaamalae porae
I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening
Ennaiyaa nainaa naan idhae petta maina
What is it, sir? I am a maina bird born in this neighbourhood
Ada ennaiyaa nainaa naan idhae petta maina
Hey, what is it, sir? I am a maina bird born in this neighbourhood
Naan odhukkikkinae poraen nee orasikkitae vaarae
I keep stepping aside, but you keep coming closer to brush against me
Naan odhukkikkinae poraen nee orasikkitae vaarae
I keep stepping aside, but you keep coming closer to brush against me
Ennaayirukku paiyilae eduththu kodu kaiyilae
Whatever is in your pocket, take it out and give it to my hand
Ada ennaayirukku paiyilae eduththu kodu kaiyilae
Hey, whatever is in your pocket, take it out and give it to my hand
Paiyilae onnum illaattaa kazhatti kodu kammala
If there is nothing in the pocket, remove your earrings and give them
Paiyilae onnum illaattaa kazhatti kodu kammala
If there is nothing in the pocket, remove your earrings and give them
Sarkku vanthiduchchi santhosam kaaththirukku
The liquor has arrived, happiness is waiting
Sarkku vanthiduchchi santhosam kaaththirukku
The liquor has arrived, happiness is waiting
Udanae kudikkanum olagaththa marakkanum
Must drink immediately and forget the world
Udanae kudikkanum olagaththa marakkanum
Must drink immediately and forget the world
Adi chinnakutti ponnu nee sillaraiya ennu
Hey young girl, count the loose change
Naan kettukinnae vaaraen nee ketkaamalae porae
I keep asking as I come, but you go without listening
Kalluppaanai vanthathumae soththu paanai yaenguthu
As soon as the toddy pot arrives, the rice pot yearns
Kalluppaanai vanthathumae soththu paanai yaenguthu
As soon as the toddy pot arrives, the rice pot yearns
Kaalamellaam erinja anuppula poonai kedanthu thoonguthu
In the stove that used to burn all the time, a cat now lies sleeping
Kaalamellaam erinja anuppula poonai kedanthu thoonguthu
In the stove that used to burn all the time, a cat now lies sleeping
Kedachatha nee kudikkirae ketta adikkirae
You drink whatever you get, and beat me if I ask
Kedachatha nee kudikkirae ketta adikkirae
You drink whatever you get, and beat me if I ask
Nee oru purushanaa roshamulla manushanaa
Are you a real husband, a man with self-respect?
Ada nee oru purushanaa roshamulla manushanaa
Hey, are you a real husband, a man with self-respect?
Devanaagi ponaen
I have become a god
Ippa naan devanaagi ponaen
Now I have become a god
Aamaam devanaagi ponnaen
Yes, I have become a god
Kudikkira pazhakkam vanthatharkku pinnae
After acquiring the habit of drinking
Naan adikkadi thanni kudikkira pazhakkam vanthatharkku pinnae
After I acquired the habit of drinking booze frequently
Andraadam antha moondru logamum poe vaaraen kannae
Every day I visit all three heavenly worlds and come back, my dear
Andraadam antha moondru logamum poe vaaraen kannae
Every day I visit all three heavenly worlds and come back, my dear
Kudi kedukkira kudiyinaalae
Because of this alcoholism that destroys families
Kozhantha kutty pasiyinaalae
Because of the hunger of our young children
Kodal karugi yaengalaachchuthu en machchaan
My stomach burns in agony, my dear husband
Kudumpa perum kettu pochchuthu
The family's good name has been ruined
En machchaan kudumpa perum kettu pochchuthu…
My dear husband, the family's good name has been ruined…
Maadaaga ozhaichchaalum odaaga thaeinjaalum
Even if one works like an ox or grinds down to bones
Novellaam theerppathu thanni
Liquor is what cures all physical pain
Odambu novellaam theerppathu thanni
Liquor is what cures all physical body pain
Idhu udhavaathena thadukkaatahe ubathesamum kodukkaathae
Don't preach to me or stop me saying this is useless
Vaiyaatahe vaiyaathae sollittaen
Don't scold me, don't scold me, I am warning you
Yaarum seiyyaathadi enna senjuttaen
What have I done that no one else does?
Ennathaan seiyyala nee edhaiththaan vaikkala
What haven't you done? What haven't you pawned?
Adagu edhaiththaan vaikkala
What haven't you put in the pawn shop?
Ennai thavira unnai thavira
Except for me, except for you
Irukkira intha oru kozhanthaiya thavira
Except for this one child we have
Enna vaikkala adagu edhaithaan vaikkala
What haven't you pawned? What haven't you put away?
Adaguthaan vacha enna
So what if I pawned them?
Aththanaiyum ponaalenna
So what if everything is gone?
Aampala naan sampaathippaen
I am a man, I will earn it all back
Adi pompala adha ketkka nee yaaradi
Hey woman, who are you to question that?
Adi pompala adha ketkka nee yaaradi
Hey woman, who are you to question that?
Kanji thanniya kudichchukitt vaayavayaththa katti
Drinking only rice water, starving myself and tightening my stomach
Kastappattu kaasu panaththa mudichchu pottu saerththu
With hard work I saved money and tied it up in knots
Kadhu kammal mookkuththiyum kai valaiyum pottaen
I bought ear studs, nose rings, and arm bangles
Adhoda vittaenaa illaiyae
Did I stop with just that? No!
Paavi manasu ketkkala aambala nee podattumunnu
My foolish heart couldn't resist, thinking a husband should wear things too
Azhagazhagaa seyinnu thaenkinnaththa ketkattumunnu
Thinking you should wear beautiful chains and ask for a sweet cup
Transister pottu rist watch mothiram
Transistor radio, wrist watch, gold rings
List pottaa aayiram iththanai iththanai vaangi thanthaen
If I make a list there are thousands, I bought so many things for you
Kudippatharkku munnae nee kudiyaa kudippatharkku munnae
Before you became a hopeless drunkard
Ellaam irunthum naan aandi
Despite having had everything, I am a beggar today
Ippa irukkuthaa vootula oru thondi
Is there even a single small pot left in the house now?
Adikkadi nee ennai vendi
You who used to plead with me often
Vaangiya aththanaiyum ennaachchu neeyae sollendi
Tell me yourself, what happened to everything that was bought?
Ellaam irunthum naan aandi
Despite having had everything, I am a beggar today
Ippa irukkuthaa vootula oru thondi
Is there even a single small pot left in the house now?
…………………..
...
Aththanaiyum aththanaiyum adagu kadaiyilae
All of those, every single item is in the pawn shop
Niththirai poguthaiyyaa
It is sleeping there, sir
Ippa niththirai poguthaiyyaa
It is sleeping there now, sir
Adha adagu kadaikku anuppi vachchathintha
Sending them to the pawn shop was caused by this
Kudikkira pazhakkamaiyaa
This drinking habit, sir
Intha kudikkira pazhakkamaiyaa
This drinking habit, sir
Varusha kanakkil saernthaen
What I accumulated over years
Ellaam vaara kanakkil pochchu
Everything vanished in weekly expenses
Varusha kanakkil saernthaen
What I accumulated over years
Ellaam vaara kanakkil pochchu
Everything vanished in weekly expenses
Onnonnaa pochu
Everything went one by one
Orae muttaa pochu
It went away completely at once
Onnonnaa pochu
Everything went one by one
Orae muttaa pochu
It went away completely at once
Paaththiram irukkaa pandaamirukkaa
Are there any vessels left? Are there any household goods?
Kevalam katta oru thuni irukkaa
Is there even a decent piece of cloth left to wear?
Paaththiram irukkaa pandaamirukkaa
Are there any vessels left? Are there any household goods?
Kevalam katta oru thuni irukkaa
Is there even a decent piece of cloth left to wear?
Aaththiram varuthu adakkikiraen
Anger is rising in me, but I suppress it
Yaarai sabikkirathu niruththikkiraen
Whom do I curse? I stop myself
Yaarai sabikkirathu niruththikkiraen
Whom do I curse? I stop myself
Naan yaarai sabikkirathu niruththikkiraen….
Whom do I curse? I stop myself....
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This dramatic dialogue song from the film Thenkinnam (1971) portrays a sharp social argument between a liquor-addicted husband and his aggrieved wife. The husband rationalizes his heavy drinking as a cure for physical labor and fatigue, boasting that alcohol elevates him to a god-like state of bliss. In contrast, his wife laments how his addiction has ruined their family reputation, reduced them to starvation, and forced all their household possessions and jewelry into the pawn shop. The song highlights the tragic domestic impact of alcoholism on working-class families with a blend of Madras slang, rhythm, and pathos.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Maadaaga ozhaichchaalum odaaga thaeinjaalum”
The second letters of 'Maadaaga' and 'odaaga' match with 'da', creating a rhythmic flow describing grueling labor.
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Devanaagi ponaen / Ippa naan devanaagi ponaen”
The husband metaphorically equates his state of intoxication to attaining godhood ('Devanaagi ponaen').
Antithesis / Contrast (Maranu)
“Varusha kanakkil saernthaen / Ellaam vaara kanakkil pochchu”
Contrasts savings accumulated over 'years' (Varusha kanakkil) against losses that vanished in 'weeks' (vaara kanakkil).
Did you know?
Trivia
Featured in the 1971 film 'Thenkinnam' starring Nagesh and Vijaya Lalitha, this song was composed by Shankar-Ganesh and written in local Chennai/Madras dialect by Kumaradevan. It features T. M. Soundarajan and K. Jamunarani engaging in a high-energy vocal sparring match.
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