Kattavandi (Female)
From Sakalakala Vallavan 1982 · 1982
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Chorus | |
| Thai thathakku thathakku thathakku | (Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations) |
| Thathakku thathakku thathakku thathakku | (Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations) |
| Thai thathakku thathakku thathakku | (Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations) |
| Thathakku thathakku thathakku thathakku | (Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations) |
| Thathakku thathakku thathakku thathakku | (Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations) |
| Thaththaaththaa…durrraaa… | (Rhythmic folk vocalizations and cart-driving sound) |
| Thai thathakku thathakku thathakku thathakku | (Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations) |
| Thaththaaththaa…durrrr… durrr… | (Rhythmic folk vocalizations and cart-driving sound) |
| Female | |
| Kattai vandi kattai vandi | Wooden cart, wooden cart! |
| Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi | A cart whose linchpin has slipped off! |
| Kattai vandi kattai vandi | Wooden cart, wooden cart! |
| Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi | A cart whose linchpin has slipped off! |
| Female | |
| Aalaai parandhavandi | A cart that once flew like a bird, |
| Aadi aadi aluththavaandi | A cart exhausted from endless swaying! |
| Aalaai parandhavandi | A cart that once flew like a bird, |
| Aadi aadi aluththavaandi | A cart exhausted from endless swaying! |
| Female | |
| Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Uncle driving a broken, useless cart, |
| Ippo maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Ramarae Rama, now you are completely trapped! |
| Chorus :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped! |
| Chorus | |
| Kattai vandi kattai vandi | Wooden cart, wooden cart, |
| Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi | A cart whose linchpin has slipped off! |
| Female :Aalaai parandhavandi | Female: A cart that used to fly high, |
| Aadi aadi aluththavaandi | A cart exhausted from endless shaking! |
| Chorus :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped! |
| Female | |
| Murinju pochchu kombhu | The horn is broken! |
| Nammai muttida yedhu thembhu | Where is the strength left to butt us now? |
| Chorus :Murinju pochchu kombhu | Chorus: The horn is broken! |
| Nammai muttida yedhu thembhu | Where is the strength left to butt us now? |
| Female | |
| Kuttuppattaa kattuppattaa | If struck and disciplined, |
| Mattuppadum | It will be brought under control! |
| Machchaanae un achaaniya | Brother-in-law, where did you keep your linchpin? |
| Enghae vachcha sollu | Tell us where you placed it! |
| Chorus :Sollaatti nee ippadiyae | Chorus: If you don't tell us, |
| Sandhiyilae nillu | Stand right here at the crossroads like this! |
| Female | |
| Nalla vandi achchudanju | A good cart whose axle broke, |
| Ninna vandi | A cart that came to a standstill! |
| Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| ippo maattikkitta hey raamarae raamaa | Oh Rama, now you are caught! |
| Chorus | |
| Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped! |
| Kattai vandi kattai vandi | Wooden cart, wooden cart, |
| Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi | A cart whose linchpin has slipped off! |
| Female | |
| Aalaai parandhavandi | A cart that flew like a bird, |
| Aadi aadi aluththavaandi | A cart worn out by shaking! |
| Chorus :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped! |
| Female | |
| Yera pudichchi uzhuvaan | He holds the plow handle and plows the land, |
| Ivan neerai paachchi viduvaan | He directs water into the field! |
| Chorus :Yera pudichchi uzhuvaan | Chorus: He holds the plow handle and plows, |
| Ivan neerai paachchi viduvaan | He directs water into the field! |
| Female | |
| Maththa neram | The rest of the time, |
| Maadu kannu mechchiduvaan | He praises cattle and calves! |
| Yetteduththu padikka sonnaa | If you hand him a book and tell him to read, |
| Naattuppura aalu | He is just a uneducated country fellow! |
| Chorus | |
| A b c d theriyumaannu | Ask him if he even knows the English alphabet A B C D! |
| Ivan kitta nee kelu | Go ahead and ask him! |
| Female :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Female: Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Ippo maattikkitta hey raamarae raamaa | Oh Rama, now you are caught! |
| Chorus | |
| Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped! |
| Durr……. durr …….. | (Sounds of driving cattle and cart) |
| Durr durr durr durr | (Sounds of driving cattle) |
| Durr durr durr durr | (Sounds of driving cattle) |
| Hey pippiri pippiri pippiri pippaen | (Sound of blowing a rustic reed pipe) |
| Um ahaaa… um ..ahaaa… | (Playful vocal rhythms) |
| Um ahaaa.. um ahaaa…aaa…. | (Playful vocal rhythms) |
| Female | |
| Kudumi mudinja maamaa | Uncle with his hair tied in a knot, |
| Konjam poovai suththalaamaa | Shall we wrap some flowers around it? |
| Chorus :Kudumi mudinja maamaa | Chorus: Uncle with his hair tied in a knot, |
| Konjam poovai suththalaamaa | Shall we wrap some flowers around it? |
| Female | |
| Poovum vachchi pottum vachaa | Wearing flowers and a bindi on the forehead, |
| Pombhalaidhaan | Makes one a woman! |
| Selai onnu vaanghi thaaren | I will buy and give you a saree, |
| Iduppuladhaan kattu | Tie it around your waist! |
| Chorus | |
| Unkittadhaan illaiyinna | If you don't have money with you, |
| Naan koduppen thuttu | I will give you the cash! |
| Female :Veeramellaam sooramellaam | Female: One who gave up all bravery and heroism, |
| Vittavandi | A broken cart! |
| Female | |
| Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Ippo maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Rama, now you are caught! |
| Chorus :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped! |
| Chorus | |
| Kattai vandi kattai vandi | Wooden cart, wooden cart, |
| Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi | A cart whose linchpin has slipped off! |
| Female :Aalaai parandhavandi | Female: A cart that used to fly high, |
| Aadi aadi aluththavaandi | A cart exhausted from endless shaking! |
| Aalaai parandhavandi | A cart that used to fly high, |
| Aadi aadi aluththavaandi | A cart exhausted from endless shaking! |
| Chorus | |
| Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped! |
| Ottai vandi ottura maamaa | Uncle driving a broken cart, |
| Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa | Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped! |
......................................
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
(Rhythmic folk vocalizations and cart-driving sound)
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
(Rhythmic folk vocalizations and cart-driving sound)
கட்ட வண்டி கட்ட
வண்டி கடையாணி கழண்ட
வண்டி கட்ட வண்டி கட்ட
வண்டி கடையாணி கழண்ட
வண்டி
Wooden cart, wooden cart!
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
Wooden cart, wooden cart!
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
ஆளாய் பறந்த
வண்டி ஆடி ஆடி அலுத்த
வண்டி ஆளாய் பறந்த
வண்டி ஆடி ஆடி அலுத்த
வண்டி
A cart that once flew like a bird,
A cart exhausted from endless swaying!
A cart that once flew like a bird,
A cart exhausted from endless swaying!
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா இப்போ
மாட்டி கிட்ட ராமரே ராமா
குழு :
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா இப்போ
மாட்டி கிட்ட ராமரே ராமா
Uncle driving a broken, useless cart,
Oh Ramarae Rama, now you are completely trapped!
Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
கட்ட வண்டி கட்ட
வண்டி கடையாணி கழண்ட
வண்டி
ஆளாய் பறந்த
வண்டி ஆடி ஆடி அலுத்த
வண்டி
குழு :
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா இப்போ
மாட்டி கிட்ட ராமரே ராமா
Wooden cart, wooden cart,
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
Female: A cart that used to fly high,
A cart exhausted from endless shaking!
Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
முறிஞ்சு போச்சு
கொம்பு நம்மை முட்டிட
ஏது தெம்பு
குழு :
முறிஞ்சு போச்சு
கொம்பு நம்மை முட்டிட
ஏது தெம்பு
The horn is broken!
Where is the strength left to butt us now?
Chorus: The horn is broken!
Where is the strength left to butt us now?
குட்டுப்பட்டா
கட்டுப்பட்டா மட்டுப்படும்
மச்சானே உன் அச்சாணிய
எங்கே வச்ச சொல்லு
குழு :
சொல்லாட்டி நீ
இப்படியே சந்தியிலே
நில்லு
If struck and disciplined,
It will be brought under control!
Brother-in-law, where did you keep your linchpin?
Tell us where you placed it!
Chorus: If you don't tell us,
Stand right here at the crossroads like this!
நல்ல வண்டி
அச்சுடஞ்சு நின்ன வண்டி
ஓட்ட வண்டி ஓட்டுற மாமா
இப்போ மாட்டி கிட்ட ஹே
ராமரே ராமா
A good cart whose axle broke,
A cart that came to a standstill!
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Rama, now you are caught!
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா இப்போ
மாட்டி கிட்ட ராமரே ராமா
கட்ட வண்டி கட்ட வண்டி
கடையாணி கழண்ட வண்டி
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Wooden cart, wooden cart,
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
ஆளாய் பறந்த
வண்டி ஆடி ஆடி அலுத்த
வண்டி
குழு :
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா இப்போ
மாட்டி கிட்ட ராமரே ராமா
A cart that flew like a bird,
A cart worn out by shaking!
Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
ஏற புடிச்சி உழுவான்
இவன் நீரை பாச்சி விடுவான்
குழு :
ஏற புடிச்சி உழுவான்
இவன் நீரை பாச்சி விடுவான்
He holds the plow handle and plows the land,
He directs water into the field!
Chorus: He holds the plow handle and plows,
He directs water into the field!
மத்த நேரம் மாடு
கன்னு மேச்சிடுவான்
ஏட்டெடுத்து படிக்க சொன்னா
நாட்டுப்புற ஆளு
The rest of the time,
He praises cattle and calves!
If you hand him a book and tell him to read,
He is just a uneducated country fellow!
ஏ பி சி டி தெரியுமானு
இவன் கிட்ட நீ கேளு
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா இப்போ
மாட்டி கிட்ட ஹே
ராமரே ராமா
Ask him if he even knows the English alphabet A B C D!
Go ahead and ask him!
Female: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Rama, now you are caught!
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா
இப்போ மாட்டி கிட்ட
ராமரே ராமா
.....................................
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
(Sounds of driving cattle and cart)
(Sounds of driving cattle)
(Sounds of driving cattle)
(Sound of blowing a rustic reed pipe)
(Playful vocal rhythms)
(Playful vocal rhythms)
குடுமி முடிஞ்ச
மாமா கொஞ்சம் பூவை
சுத்தலாமா
குழு :
குடுமி முடிஞ்ச
மாமா கொஞ்சம் பூவை
சுத்தலாமா
Uncle with his hair tied in a knot,
Shall we wrap some flowers around it?
Chorus: Uncle with his hair tied in a knot,
Shall we wrap some flowers around it?
பூவும் வச்சி
பொட்டும் வச்சா
பொம்பளைதான்
சேலை ஒன்னு வாங்கி
தாரேன் இடுப்புலதான் கட்டு
Wearing flowers and a bindi on the forehead,
Makes one a woman!
I will buy and give you a saree,
Tie it around your waist!
உன்கிட்டதான்
இல்லையின்னா நான்
கொடுப்பேன் துட்டு
வீரமெல்லாம்
சூரமெல்லாம் விட்ட வண்டி
If you don't have money with you,
I will give you the cash!
Female: One who gave up all bravery and heroism,
A broken cart!
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா இப்போ
மாட்டி கிட்ட ராமரே ராமா
குழு :
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா இப்போ
மாட்டி கிட்ட ராமரே ராமா
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Rama, now you are caught!
Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
கட்ட வண்டி கட்ட
வண்டி கடையாணி கழண்ட
வண்டி
ஆளாய் பறந்த
வண்டி ஆடி ஆடி அலுத்த
வண்டி ஆளாய் பறந்த
வண்டி ஆடி ஆடி அலுத்த
வண்டி
Wooden cart, wooden cart,
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
Female: A cart that used to fly high,
A cart exhausted from endless shaking!
A cart that used to fly high,
A cart exhausted from endless shaking!
ஓட்ட வண்டி
ஓட்டுற மாமா மாட்டி
கிட்ட ராமரே ராமா
ஓட்ட வண்டி ஓட்டுற
மாமா மாட்டி கிட்ட
ராமரே ராமா
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Thai thathakku thathakku thathakku
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
Thathakku thathakku thathakku thathakku
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
Thai thathakku thathakku thathakku
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
Thathakku thathakku thathakku thathakku
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
Thathakku thathakku thathakku thathakku
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
Thaththaaththaa…durrraaa…
(Rhythmic folk vocalizations and cart-driving sound)
Thai thathakku thathakku thathakku thathakku
(Rhythmic folk beat vocalizations)
Thaththaaththaa…durrrr… durrr…
(Rhythmic folk vocalizations and cart-driving sound)
Kattai vandi kattai vandi
Wooden cart, wooden cart!
Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
Kattai vandi kattai vandi
Wooden cart, wooden cart!
Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
Aalaai parandhavandi
A cart that once flew like a bird,
Aadi aadi aluththavaandi
A cart exhausted from endless swaying!
Aalaai parandhavandi
A cart that once flew like a bird,
Aadi aadi aluththavaandi
A cart exhausted from endless swaying!
Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Uncle driving a broken, useless cart,
Ippo maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Ramarae Rama, now you are completely trapped!
Chorus :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Kattai vandi kattai vandi
Wooden cart, wooden cart,
Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
Female :Aalaai parandhavandi
Female: A cart that used to fly high,
Aadi aadi aluththavaandi
A cart exhausted from endless shaking!
Chorus :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Murinju pochchu kombhu
The horn is broken!
Nammai muttida yedhu thembhu
Where is the strength left to butt us now?
Chorus :Murinju pochchu kombhu
Chorus: The horn is broken!
Nammai muttida yedhu thembhu
Where is the strength left to butt us now?
Kuttuppattaa kattuppattaa
If struck and disciplined,
Mattuppadum
It will be brought under control!
Machchaanae un achaaniya
Brother-in-law, where did you keep your linchpin?
Enghae vachcha sollu
Tell us where you placed it!
Chorus :Sollaatti nee ippadiyae
Chorus: If you don't tell us,
Sandhiyilae nillu
Stand right here at the crossroads like this!
Nalla vandi achchudanju
A good cart whose axle broke,
Ninna vandi
A cart that came to a standstill!
Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Uncle driving a broken cart,
ippo maattikkitta hey raamarae raamaa
Oh Rama, now you are caught!
Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Kattai vandi kattai vandi
Wooden cart, wooden cart,
Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
Aalaai parandhavandi
A cart that flew like a bird,
Aadi aadi aluththavaandi
A cart worn out by shaking!
Chorus :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Yera pudichchi uzhuvaan
He holds the plow handle and plows the land,
Ivan neerai paachchi viduvaan
He directs water into the field!
Chorus :Yera pudichchi uzhuvaan
Chorus: He holds the plow handle and plows,
Ivan neerai paachchi viduvaan
He directs water into the field!
Maththa neram
The rest of the time,
Maadu kannu mechchiduvaan
He praises cattle and calves!
Yetteduththu padikka sonnaa
If you hand him a book and tell him to read,
Naattuppura aalu
He is just a uneducated country fellow!
A b c d theriyumaannu
Ask him if he even knows the English alphabet A B C D!
Ivan kitta nee kelu
Go ahead and ask him!
Female :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Female: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Ippo maattikkitta hey raamarae raamaa
Oh Rama, now you are caught!
Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Durr……. durr ……..
(Sounds of driving cattle and cart)
Durr durr durr durr
(Sounds of driving cattle)
Durr durr durr durr
(Sounds of driving cattle)
Hey pippiri pippiri pippiri pippaen
(Sound of blowing a rustic reed pipe)
Um ahaaa… um ..ahaaa…
(Playful vocal rhythms)
Um ahaaa.. um ahaaa…aaa….
(Playful vocal rhythms)
Kudumi mudinja maamaa
Uncle with his hair tied in a knot,
Konjam poovai suththalaamaa
Shall we wrap some flowers around it?
Chorus :Kudumi mudinja maamaa
Chorus: Uncle with his hair tied in a knot,
Konjam poovai suththalaamaa
Shall we wrap some flowers around it?
Poovum vachchi pottum vachaa
Wearing flowers and a bindi on the forehead,
Pombhalaidhaan
Makes one a woman!
Selai onnu vaanghi thaaren
I will buy and give you a saree,
Iduppuladhaan kattu
Tie it around your waist!
Unkittadhaan illaiyinna
If you don't have money with you,
Naan koduppen thuttu
I will give you the cash!
Female :Veeramellaam sooramellaam
Female: One who gave up all bravery and heroism,
Vittavandi
A broken cart!
Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Ippo maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Rama, now you are caught!
Chorus :Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Chorus: Uncle driving a broken cart,
Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Kattai vandi kattai vandi
Wooden cart, wooden cart,
Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi
A cart whose linchpin has slipped off!
Female :Aalaai parandhavandi
Female: A cart that used to fly high,
Aadi aadi aluththavaandi
A cart exhausted from endless shaking!
Aalaai parandhavandi
A cart that used to fly high,
Aadi aadi aluththavaandi
A cart exhausted from endless shaking!
Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Ottai vandi ottura maamaa
Uncle driving a broken cart,
Maattikkitta raamarae raamaa
Oh Lord Rama, you are trapped!
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
Kattai Vandi Kattai Vandi is a playful folk tease song from the 1982 blockbuster Sakalakala Vallavan, starring Kamal Haasan. Lyricist Vaali uses extended metaphors of a broken wooden bullock cart that has lost its linchpin and axle to mock the protagonist's temporary defeat and loss of dominance. The villagers assemble to mock his rural background, teasing him about his illiteracy and suggesting that without his strength, he might as well wear a saree and adorn flowers like a woman. Composed by Ilaiyaraaja, the track blends authentic rural instrumentation with energetic vocals by Malaysia Vasudevan and S. Janaki, capturing the cheeky village banter and celebratory spirit of Tamil cinema.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Kattai vandi kattai vandi Kadaiyaani kazhanda vandi”
The protagonist's lost strength and current helpless state are metaphorically compared to a broken bullock cart ('kattai vandi') that lost its linchpin ('kadaiyaani').
Edukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kuttuppattaa kattuppattaa Mattuppadum”
The second consonant 't' ('ட') rhymes across consecutive words in this line, creating rhythmic speed.
Onomatopoeia
“Durr durr durr durr / Hey pippiri pippiri pippiri pippaen”
Use of authentic rural cart-driving sounds ('Durr durr') and whistle imitations ('Pippiri pippaen') to evoke country atmosphere.
Did you know?
Trivia
Directed by SP. Muthuraman, Sakalakala Vallavan was one of the biggest commercial blockbusters of 1982. The track features iconic rustic sound effects by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, who incorporated actual bullock cart driving calls ('durr durr') into the musical composition.
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