Kalathu Metta
From Kodimalar · 1966
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- A. L. Raghavan, L. R. Eswari
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Details
- Kodimalar1966
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Chorus | |
| ……………………. | ... |
| Female | |
| Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu | The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives |
| Maeya paakudhu | And tries to graze |
| Chorus :Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu | Chorus: The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives |
| Maeya paakudhu | And tries to graze |
| Female | |
| Adhai virattum bothu | When chased away |
| Kombai saaichi paaya paakkudhu | It tilts its horns and tries to pounce |
| Chorus :Ohoo paaya paakkudhu | Chorus: Ohoo, it tries to pounce |
| Adhai virattum bothu | When chased away |
| Kombai saaichi paaya paakkudhu | It tilts its horns and tries to pounce |
| Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu | The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives |
| Maeya paakudhu | And tries to graze |
| Female | |
| Elumbhu koodu udambai thooki | Lifting its skin-and-bones body |
| Aada paakkudhu | It tries to dance |
| Chorus :Elumbhu koodu udambai thooki | Chorus: Lifting its skin-and-bones body |
| Aada paakkudhu | It tries to dance |
| Female | |
| Ippo ezhai ponnu kaigalaalae | Now, through the hands of a poor girl |
| Vaanga pogudhu | It is going to get beaten/received |
| Chorus :Ippo ezhai ponnu kaigalaalae | Chorus: Now, through the hands of a poor girl |
| Vaanga pogudhu | It is going to get beaten/received |
| Female | |
| Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu | The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives |
| Maeya paakudhu | And tries to graze |
| Female | |
| Andha kaalam seedhaiyidam | In those ancient days, to Sita |
| Thoodhu ponaaru | He went as a messenger |
| Chorus :Thoodhu ponaaru | Chorus: He went as a messenger |
| Female :Andha kaalam seedhaiyidam | Female: In those ancient days, to Sita |
| Thoodhu ponaaru | He went as a messenger |
| Chorus :Aama thoodhu ponaaru | Chorus: Yes, he went as a messenger |
| Female | |
| Ippa alli kulam paadhaiyilae | Now, on the path to the lily pond |
| Kaaval vandhaaru | He has come to guard |
| Chorus :Ohoo oo kaaval vandhaaru | Chorus: Ohoo oo, he has come to guard |
| Female | |
| Ippa alli kulam paadhaiyilae | Now, on the path to the lily pond |
| Kaaval vandhaaru | He has come to guard |
| Chorus :Ohoo oo kaaval vandhaaru | Chorus: Ohoo oo, he has come to guard |
| Female | |
| Sondhamaaga pesa oru | To speak intimately |
| Thunai kidaiyaathu | There is no companion |
| Chorus :Oh ho oor thunai kidaiyaathu | Chorus: Oh ho, there is no companion in the village |
| Female :Pirar soththukaaga kadavul indha | Female: For the sake of others' property, God planted |
| Naaththai nattarru | This sapling |
| Chorus :Indha naaththai nattarru | Chorus: Planted this sapling |
| Female | |
| Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu | The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives |
| Maeya paakudhu | And tries to graze |
| Male | |
| Andha kaalam raamanidam | In those ancient days, with Rama |
| Kaadhal kondaalae kaadhal kondaalae | She fell in love, fell in love |
| Andha kaalam raamanidam | In those ancient days, with Rama |
| Kaadhal kondaalae kaadhal kondaalae | She fell in love, fell in love |
| Mooku arundhu poiyi annanidam | Having her nose cut off, to her brother |
| Thoodhu vandhaalae | She came with a message |
| Ohoo hoo thoodhu vandhaalae | Ohoo hoo, she came with a message |
| Mooku arundhu poiyi annanidam | Having her nose cut off, to her brother |
| Thoodhu vandhaalae | She came with a message |
| Ohoo hoo thoodhu vandhaalae | Ohoo hoo, she came with a message |
| Acham millai naanam illai vetkam illaiyae | There is no fear, no shyness, no shame at all |
| Hoo ho oo vetkam illaiyae | Hoo ho oo, no shame at all |
| Ingae aambalaikkum ivagalukkum baedhamillaiyae | Here, between men and these women, there is no difference |
| Oh ho oo baedhamillaiyae | Oh ho oo, there is no difference |
| Male | |
| Ahaa kalathu maettu maadu vandhu | Ahaa, the cow from the threshing floor mound arrives |
| Maeya paakudhu | And tries to graze |
| Adhai virattum bothu | When chased away |
| Kombai saaichi paaya paakkudhu | It tilts its horns and tries to pounce |
| Oh ho ooo paaya paakkudhu | Oh ho ooo, it tries to pounce |
| Ahaa kalathu maettu maadu vandhu | Ahaa, the cow from the threshing floor mound arrives |
| Maeya paakudhu | And tries to graze |
| Female | |
| Idhu kaalaiyaaga piranthiruntha | If this had been born as a bullock |
| Uzhavukku udhavumae | It would have been useful for plowing |
| Chorus :Uzhavukku udhavumae | Chorus: Useful for plowing |
| Male | |
| Idhu kaluthaiyaaga piranthiruntha | If this had been born as a donkey |
| Podhiyai sumakkumae podhiyai sumakkumae | It would carry heavy loads, carry heavy loads |
| Female | |
| En purushanaaga ivaru irunthaa | If he were to be my husband |
| Naan kayiru maattuven | I would tie a rope around his neck |
| Chorus :Naan kayiru maattuven | Chorus: I would tie a rope around his neck |
| Male | |
| En pondattiya iva irundha | If she were to be my wife |
| Kaavi maatuven..saamiyoo kaavi maatuven | I would wear saffron robes... become an ascetic! |
| Male | |
| Aanum pennum sandai podum | Seeing the beauty of a man and woman |
| Azhagai paarkkum bothu | Engaged in a playful fight |
| Thonuthamma pazhaiya kadhai solluren naan kaelu | It reminds me, dear, let me tell you an old story, listen |
| Thonuthamma pazhaiya kadhai solluren naan kaelu | It reminds me, dear, let me tell you an old story, listen |
| Ettu varusam aachudhamma kottaampatti pakkam | It was eight years ago, near Kottampatti |
| Ippadi thaan chinna ponnu kaipudicha oruthanai | Just like this, a young girl held a man's hand |
| Ippadi thaan chinna ponnu kaipudicha oruthanai | Just like this, a young girl held a man's hand |
| Appuram thaan kadhai irukku adhaiyum solren kelungadi | And after that comes the story, I will tell that too, listen girls |
களத்து மேட்டு மாடு வந்து மேயப் பாக்குது
குழு :
களத்து மேட்டு மாடு வந்து மேயப் பாக்குது
...
அதை விரட்டும்போது கொம்பை சாய்ச்சி பாயப் பாக்குது
குழு :
ஓஹோ பாயப் பாக்குது
அதை விரட்டும்போது கொம்பை சாய்ச்சி பாயப் பாக்குது
களத்து மேட்டு மாடு வந்து மேயப் பாக்குது
The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
And tries to graze
Chorus: The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
And tries to graze
எலும்புக் கூடு உடம்பைத் தூக்கி ஆடப் பாக்குது
குழு :
எலும்புக் கூடு உடம்பைத் தூக்கி ஆடப் பாக்குது
இப்ப ஏழைப் பொண்ணு கைகளாலே வாங்கப் போகுது
குழு :
இப்ப ஏழைப் பொண்ணு கைகளாலே வாங்கப் போகுது
When chased away
It tilts its horns and tries to pounce
Chorus: Ohoo, it tries to pounce
When chased away
It tilts its horns and tries to pounce
The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
And tries to graze
களத்து மேட்டு மாடு வந்து மேயப் பாக்குது
Lifting its skin-and-bones body
It tries to dance
Chorus: Lifting its skin-and-bones body
It tries to dance
அந்தக் காலம் சீதையிடம் தூது போனாரு
குழு :
தூது போனாரு
அந்தக் காலம் சீதையிடம் தூது போனாரு
குழு :
ஆமா தூது போனாரு
Now, through the hands of a poor girl
It is going to get beaten/received
Chorus: Now, through the hands of a poor girl
It is going to get beaten/received
இப்ப அல்லி குளம் பாதையிலே காவல் வந்தாரு
குழு :
ஓ ஹோ காவல் வந்தாரு
இப்ப அல்லி குளம் பாதையிலே காவல் வந்தாரு
குழு :
ஓ ஹோ காவல் வந்தாரு
The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
And tries to graze
சொந்தமாகப் பேச ஒரு துணை கிடையாது
குழு :
ஓ ஹோ துணை கிடையாது
பிறர் சோத்துக்காகக் கடவுள் இந்த நாத்தை நட்டாரு
குழு :
இந்த நாத்தை நட்டாரு
In those ancient days, to Sita
He went as a messenger
Chorus: He went as a messenger
Female: In those ancient days, to Sita
He went as a messenger
Chorus: Yes, he went as a messenger
களத்து மேட்டு மாடு வந்து மேயப் பாக்குது
Now, on the path to the lily pond
He has come to guard
Chorus: Ohoo oo, he has come to guard
அந்தக் கால ராமனிடம் காதல் கொண்டாளே
அந்தக் கால ராமனிடம் காதல் கொண்டாளே
மூக்கு அறுந்துபோயி அண்ணனிடம் தூது வந்தாளே
ஓ ஹோ தூது வந்தாளே
மூக்கு அறுந்துபோயி அண்ணனிடம் தூது வந்தாளே
ஓ ஹோ ஓ தூது வந்தாளே
அச்சமில்லை நாணமில்லை வெட்கமில்லையே
ஓ ஹோ ஓ வெட்கமில்லையே
இங்கே ஆம்பளைக்கும் இவகளுக்கும் பேதமில்லையே
ஓ ஹோ ஓ பேதமில்லையே
Now, on the path to the lily pond
He has come to guard
Chorus: Ohoo oo, he has come to guard
ஆஹா களத்து மேட்டு மாடு வந்து மேயப் பாக்குது
அதை விரட்டும்போது கொம்பை சாய்ச்சி பாயப் பாக்குது
ஓஹோ பாயப் பாக்குது
ஆஹா களத்து மேட்டு மாடு வந்து மேயப் பாக்குது
To speak intimately
There is no companion
Chorus: Oh ho, there is no companion in the village
Female: For the sake of others' property, God planted
This sapling
Chorus: Planted this sapling
இது காளையாக பிறந்திருந்தா உழவுக்குதவுமே
குழு :
உழவுக்குதவுமே
இது கழுதையாக பிறந்திருந்தா
பொதியைச் சுமக்குமே...பொதியைச் சுமக்குமே
The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
And tries to graze
என் புருஷனாக இவரு இருந்தா நான் கயிறு மாட்டுவேன்
குழு :
நான் கயிறு மாட்டுவேன்
In those ancient days, with Rama
She fell in love, fell in love
In those ancient days, with Rama
She fell in love, fell in love
Having her nose cut off, to her brother
She came with a message
Ohoo hoo, she came with a message
Having her nose cut off, to her brother
She came with a message
Ohoo hoo, she came with a message
There is no fear, no shyness, no shame at all
Hoo ho oo, no shame at all
Here, between men and these women, there is no difference
Oh ho oo, there is no difference
என் பெண்டாட்டியா இவ இருந்தா காவி மாட்டுவேன்
சாமியோவ் காவி மாட்டுவேன்
Ahaa, the cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
And tries to graze
When chased away
It tilts its horns and tries to pounce
Oh ho ooo, it tries to pounce
Ahaa, the cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
And tries to graze
ஆணும் பெண்ணும் சண்டை போடும்
அழகை பார்க்கும்போது
தோணுதம்மா பழைய கதை சொல்லுறேன் நான் கேளு
தோணுதம்மா பழைய கதை சொல்லுறேன் நான் கேளு
எட்டு வருஷம் ஆச்சுதம்மா கொட்டாம்பட்டி பக்கம்
இப்படித்தான் சின்னப்பொண்ணு கைப்பிடிச்சா ஒருத்தனை
இப்படித்தான் சின்னப்பொண்ணு கைப்பிடிச்சா ஒருத்தனை
அப்புறம்தான் கதை இருக்கு அதையும் சொல்றேன் கேளுங்கடி.....
If this had been born as a bullock
It would have been useful for plowing
Chorus: Useful for plowing
If this had been born as a donkey
It would carry heavy loads, carry heavy loads
If he were to be my husband
I would tie a rope around his neck
Chorus: I would tie a rope around his neck
If she were to be my wife
I would wear saffron robes... become an ascetic!
Seeing the beauty of a man and woman
Engaged in a playful fight
It reminds me, dear, let me tell you an old story, listen
It reminds me, dear, let me tell you an old story, listen
It was eight years ago, near Kottampatti
Just like this, a young girl held a man's hand
Just like this, a young girl held a man's hand
And after that comes the story, I will tell that too, listen girls
…………………….
...
Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu
The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
Maeya paakudhu
And tries to graze
Chorus :Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu
Chorus: The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
Maeya paakudhu
And tries to graze
Adhai virattum bothu
When chased away
Kombai saaichi paaya paakkudhu
It tilts its horns and tries to pounce
Chorus :Ohoo paaya paakkudhu
Chorus: Ohoo, it tries to pounce
Adhai virattum bothu
When chased away
Kombai saaichi paaya paakkudhu
It tilts its horns and tries to pounce
Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu
The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
Maeya paakudhu
And tries to graze
Elumbhu koodu udambai thooki
Lifting its skin-and-bones body
Aada paakkudhu
It tries to dance
Chorus :Elumbhu koodu udambai thooki
Chorus: Lifting its skin-and-bones body
Aada paakkudhu
It tries to dance
Ippo ezhai ponnu kaigalaalae
Now, through the hands of a poor girl
Vaanga pogudhu
It is going to get beaten/received
Chorus :Ippo ezhai ponnu kaigalaalae
Chorus: Now, through the hands of a poor girl
Vaanga pogudhu
It is going to get beaten/received
Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu
The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
Maeya paakudhu
And tries to graze
Andha kaalam seedhaiyidam
In those ancient days, to Sita
Thoodhu ponaaru
He went as a messenger
Chorus :Thoodhu ponaaru
Chorus: He went as a messenger
Female :Andha kaalam seedhaiyidam
Female: In those ancient days, to Sita
Thoodhu ponaaru
He went as a messenger
Chorus :Aama thoodhu ponaaru
Chorus: Yes, he went as a messenger
Ippa alli kulam paadhaiyilae
Now, on the path to the lily pond
Kaaval vandhaaru
He has come to guard
Chorus :Ohoo oo kaaval vandhaaru
Chorus: Ohoo oo, he has come to guard
Ippa alli kulam paadhaiyilae
Now, on the path to the lily pond
Kaaval vandhaaru
He has come to guard
Chorus :Ohoo oo kaaval vandhaaru
Chorus: Ohoo oo, he has come to guard
Sondhamaaga pesa oru
To speak intimately
Thunai kidaiyaathu
There is no companion
Chorus :Oh ho oor thunai kidaiyaathu
Chorus: Oh ho, there is no companion in the village
Female :Pirar soththukaaga kadavul indha
Female: For the sake of others' property, God planted
Naaththai nattarru
This sapling
Chorus :Indha naaththai nattarru
Chorus: Planted this sapling
Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu
The cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
Maeya paakudhu
And tries to graze
Andha kaalam raamanidam
In those ancient days, with Rama
Kaadhal kondaalae kaadhal kondaalae
She fell in love, fell in love
Andha kaalam raamanidam
In those ancient days, with Rama
Kaadhal kondaalae kaadhal kondaalae
She fell in love, fell in love
Mooku arundhu poiyi annanidam
Having her nose cut off, to her brother
Thoodhu vandhaalae
She came with a message
Ohoo hoo thoodhu vandhaalae
Ohoo hoo, she came with a message
Mooku arundhu poiyi annanidam
Having her nose cut off, to her brother
Thoodhu vandhaalae
She came with a message
Ohoo hoo thoodhu vandhaalae
Ohoo hoo, she came with a message
Acham millai naanam illai vetkam illaiyae
There is no fear, no shyness, no shame at all
Hoo ho oo vetkam illaiyae
Hoo ho oo, no shame at all
Ingae aambalaikkum ivagalukkum baedhamillaiyae
Here, between men and these women, there is no difference
Oh ho oo baedhamillaiyae
Oh ho oo, there is no difference
Ahaa kalathu maettu maadu vandhu
Ahaa, the cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
Maeya paakudhu
And tries to graze
Adhai virattum bothu
When chased away
Kombai saaichi paaya paakkudhu
It tilts its horns and tries to pounce
Oh ho ooo paaya paakkudhu
Oh ho ooo, it tries to pounce
Ahaa kalathu maettu maadu vandhu
Ahaa, the cow from the threshing floor mound arrives
Maeya paakudhu
And tries to graze
Idhu kaalaiyaaga piranthiruntha
If this had been born as a bullock
Uzhavukku udhavumae
It would have been useful for plowing
Chorus :Uzhavukku udhavumae
Chorus: Useful for plowing
Idhu kaluthaiyaaga piranthiruntha
If this had been born as a donkey
Podhiyai sumakkumae podhiyai sumakkumae
It would carry heavy loads, carry heavy loads
En purushanaaga ivaru irunthaa
If he were to be my husband
Naan kayiru maattuven
I would tie a rope around his neck
Chorus :Naan kayiru maattuven
Chorus: I would tie a rope around his neck
En pondattiya iva irundha
If she were to be my wife
Kaavi maatuven..saamiyoo kaavi maatuven
I would wear saffron robes... become an ascetic!
Aanum pennum sandai podum
Seeing the beauty of a man and woman
Azhagai paarkkum bothu
Engaged in a playful fight
Thonuthamma pazhaiya kadhai solluren naan kaelu
It reminds me, dear, let me tell you an old story, listen
Thonuthamma pazhaiya kadhai solluren naan kaelu
It reminds me, dear, let me tell you an old story, listen
Ettu varusam aachudhamma kottaampatti pakkam
It was eight years ago, near Kottampatti
Ippadi thaan chinna ponnu kaipudicha oruthanai
Just like this, a young girl held a man's hand
Ippadi thaan chinna ponnu kaipudicha oruthanai
Just like this, a young girl held a man's hand
Appuram thaan kadhai irukku adhaiyum solren kelungadi
And after that comes the story, I will tell that too, listen girls
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song is a lively, folk-style conversational duet (spicily satirical and full of banter) where characters tease each other through rural metaphors and mythological allusions. The male singer is humorously compared to a stray cow that wanders into grain fields, skinny yet aggressive, while the female singer taunts him for pestering her. They exchange witty repartees, drawing comparisons from the Ramayana (Hanuman's messenger role, Soorpanakha's nose-cutting incident) to highlight their comical rivalry. Toward the end, both exchange playful threats—she saying she'd leash him like an ox if he were her husband, and he declaring he'd become a saffron-clad sanyasi if she were his wife—before a narrator steps in to relate a similar village story from Kottampatti. Written by Kannadasan, the song captures authentic rural Tamil humor and folk rhythm.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Kalathu maettu maadu vandhu Maeya paakudhu”
Comparing an unwelcome, persistent male suitor to a stray 'kalathu maettu maadu' (threshing-floor cow) grazing where it shouldn't.
Mythological Allusion (Ilakkiya Kurippu)
“Andha kaalam seedhaiyidam Thoodhu ponaaru”
References to Sita and Hanuman's messenger role, as well as Soorpanakha falling for Rama and getting her nose severed.
Iyaibu (Rhyme / Refrain)
“Kombai saaichi paaya paakkudhu”
Repetition of rhyming end phrases such as 'paakudhu', 'vandhaaru', and 'maatuven' to establish a folk rhythm.
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Trivia
'Kodimalar' (1966) featured music composed by K. V. Mahadevan (or C. N. Pandurangan depending on rural song distributions) with lyrics by Kannadasan. The track employs authentic Kongu/Madurai folk idioms and Kottampatti village references.
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