Kettu Pattanam
From Unnai Solli Kutramillai · 1990
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Male | |
| Kaaveri vaasam vittu | Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river |
| Koovathin vaasam kanden | I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river |
| Kaaveri vaasam vittu | Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river |
| Koovathin vaasam kanden | I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river |
| En kadhai ammammammaa | My story, oh dear mother/lady |
| Un kitta chollattumaa | Shall I tell it to you? |
| Male | |
| Kettum pattanam poi… | Even if ruined, go reach the city... |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Male | |
| Thavaru nerungaamal | Without letting wrongdoing come near |
| Thadamum puralaamal | Without straying off track |
| Neruppaai naan irundhen | I stood fiercely like fire |
| Dharuma neri kaakkum | To many people who claim to protect dharma |
| Manidhar pala perkku | To many such individuals |
| Seruppaai naan irundhen | I was treated like footwear |
| Male | |
| Kadamai nadai podum | Along with the police department |
| Kaaval thuraiyodu | Which marches in line of duty |
| Thuruppaai naan irundhen | I remained as a valuable secret weapon |
| Kalavu purivorai ulavu paarkkindra | Spying on those who commit theft |
| Poruppaai naan irundhen | I took on that responsibility |
| Male | |
| Nalladhu nadakkalae podhuvaaga | Good things did not happen in general |
| Nimmadhi kalaindhadhu medhuvaaga | Peace of mind slowly faded away |
| Ingoru kudumbamae baliyaaga | As a family here got sacrificed |
| En manam enakku thaan pagaiyaaga | My own mind turned into my enemy |
| Male | |
| Poyaachu en thookkangal | My sleep was completely gone |
| Veraachu en nokkangal | My intentions became entirely altered |
| En kadhai ammammammaa | My story, oh dear mother/lady |
| Un kitta chollattumaa | Shall I tell it to you? |
| Male | |
| Kettum pattanam poi… | Even if ruined, go reach the city... |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Male | |
| Niyaayam azhindhaalum | Even if justice perishes |
| Needhi irandhaalum | Even if fairness dies |
| Namakken endrirundhen | I remained unconcerned thinking 'why should I care?' |
| Naattai evanaalum | No matter who rules the country |
| Thirutha mudiyaadhu | Nobody can fix it |
| Yena naan therindhu konden | This, I realized for myself |
| Male | |
| Vizhigal imai moodi | Closing my eyes |
| Vilaindha pala kodi | Worth crores of rupees |
| Kanavil vaazhndhirundhen | I was living in dreams |
| Netru nilai veru indru nilai veru | Yesterday's state was different, today's state is different |
| Adi naan kandu konden | Oh dear, I have come to realize it |
| Male | |
| Enniya vazhi ellaam kaal pochu | All intended paths were traveled on foot in vain |
| Ippadi thaanammaa naal pochu | This is how the days passed by, my lady |
| Appadi soozh nilai uruvaachu | Such a situation got created |
| Naan adhan kaigalil vizhundhaachu | And I fell right into its hands |
| Male | |
| Vaazhkkai thaan mun pol illai | Life is not as it used to be |
| Kutram thaan en mel illai | Yet the fault is not on me |
| En kadhai ammammammaa | My story, oh dear mother/lady |
| Innumum chollanuma | Should I continue telling it? |
| Male | |
| Kettum pattanam poi… | Even if ruined, go reach the city... |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Male | |
| Kaaveri vaasam vittu | Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river |
| Koovathin vaasam kanden | I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river |
| Kaaveri vaasam vittu | Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river |
| Koovathin vaasam kanden | I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river |
| En kadhai ammammammaa | My story, oh dear mother/lady |
| Innumum chollanuma | Should I continue telling it? |
| Male | |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
| Kettum pattanam poi ser endru | Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city' |
| Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen | I do not know if the person who said it was good |
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river
I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river
Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river
I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river
My story, oh dear mother/lady
Shall I tell it to you?
காவேரி வாசம் விட்டு
கூவத்தின் வாசம் கண்டேன்
காவேரி வாசம் விட்டு
கூவத்தின் வாசம் கண்டேன்
Even if ruined, go reach the city...
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
என் கதை அம்மம்மம்மா
உன் கிட்டச் சொல்லட்டுமா
Without letting wrongdoing come near
Without straying off track
I stood fiercely like fire
To many people who claim to protect dharma
To many such individuals
I was treated like footwear
கெட்டும் பட்டணம் போய்...
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
Along with the police department
Which marches in line of duty
I remained as a valuable secret weapon
Spying on those who commit theft
I took on that responsibility
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
Good things did not happen in general
Peace of mind slowly faded away
As a family here got sacrificed
My own mind turned into my enemy
தவறு நெருங்காமல்
தடமும் புரளாமல்
நெருப்பாய் நான் இருந்தேன்
தரும நெறி காக்கும்
மனிதர் பல பேர்க்கு
செருப்பாய் நான் இருந்தேன்
My sleep was completely gone
My intentions became entirely altered
My story, oh dear mother/lady
Shall I tell it to you?
கடமை நடை போடும்
காவல் துறையோடு
துருப்பாய் நான் இருந்தேன்
களவு புரிவோரை
உளவு பார்க்கின்ற
பொறுப்பாய் நான் இருந்தேன்
Even if ruined, go reach the city...
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
நல்லது நடக்கலே பொதுவாக
நிம்மதி கலைந்தது மெதுவாக
இங்கொரு குடும்பமே பலியாக
என் மனம் எனக்குத் தான் பகையாக
Even if justice perishes
Even if fairness dies
I remained unconcerned thinking 'why should I care?'
No matter who rules the country
Nobody can fix it
This, I realized for myself
போயாச்சு என் தூக்கங்கள்
வேராச்சு என் நோக்கங்கள்
என் கதை அம்மம்மம்மா
உன் கிட்டச் சொல்லட்டுமா
Closing my eyes
Worth crores of rupees
I was living in dreams
Yesterday's state was different, today's state is different
Oh dear, I have come to realize it
கெட்டும் பட்டணம் போய்...
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
All intended paths were traveled on foot in vain
This is how the days passed by, my lady
Such a situation got created
And I fell right into its hands
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
Life is not as it used to be
Yet the fault is not on me
My story, oh dear mother/lady
Should I continue telling it?
நியாயம் அழிந்தாலும்
நீதி இறந்தாலும்
நமக்கேன் என்றிருந்தேன்
நாட்டை எவனாலும்
திருத்த முடியாது
என நான் தெரிந்து கொண்டேன்
Even if ruined, go reach the city...
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
விழிகள் இமை மூடி
விளைந்த பல கோடி
கனவில் வாழ்ந்திருந்தேன்
நேற்று நிலை வேறு
இன்று நிலை வேறு
அடி நான் கண்டு கொண்டேன்
Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river
I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river
Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river
I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river
My story, oh dear mother/lady
Should I continue telling it?
எண்ணிய வழி எல்லாம் கால் போச்சு
இப்படித் தானம்மா நாள் போச்சு
அப்படி சூழ்நிலை உருவாச்சு
நான் அதன் கைகளில் விழுந்தாச்சு
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
I do not know if the person who said it was good
வாழ்க்கைதான்
முன் போல் இல்லை
குற்றம்தான் என் மேல் இல்லை
என் கதை அம்மம்மம்மா
இன்னமும் சொல்லணுமா
கெட்டும் பட்டணம் போய்...
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
காவேரி வாசம் விட்டு
கூவத்தின் வாசம் கண்டேன்
காவேரி வாசம் விட்டு
கூவத்தின் வாசம் கண்டேன்
என் கதை அம்மம்மம்மா
இன்னமும் சொல்லனுமா
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
கெட்டும் பட்டணம்
போய்ச் சேரென்று
சொன்னவன் நல்லவனா
நான் அறியேன்
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Kaaveri vaasam vittu
Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river
Koovathin vaasam kanden
I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river
Kaaveri vaasam vittu
Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river
Koovathin vaasam kanden
I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river
En kadhai ammammammaa
My story, oh dear mother/lady
Un kitta chollattumaa
Shall I tell it to you?
Kettum pattanam poi…
Even if ruined, go reach the city...
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Thavaru nerungaamal
Without letting wrongdoing come near
Thadamum puralaamal
Without straying off track
Neruppaai naan irundhen
I stood fiercely like fire
Dharuma neri kaakkum
To many people who claim to protect dharma
Manidhar pala perkku
To many such individuals
Seruppaai naan irundhen
I was treated like footwear
Kadamai nadai podum
Along with the police department
Kaaval thuraiyodu
Which marches in line of duty
Thuruppaai naan irundhen
I remained as a valuable secret weapon
Kalavu purivorai ulavu paarkkindra
Spying on those who commit theft
Poruppaai naan irundhen
I took on that responsibility
Nalladhu nadakkalae podhuvaaga
Good things did not happen in general
Nimmadhi kalaindhadhu medhuvaaga
Peace of mind slowly faded away
Ingoru kudumbamae baliyaaga
As a family here got sacrificed
En manam enakku thaan pagaiyaaga
My own mind turned into my enemy
Poyaachu en thookkangal
My sleep was completely gone
Veraachu en nokkangal
My intentions became entirely altered
En kadhai ammammammaa
My story, oh dear mother/lady
Un kitta chollattumaa
Shall I tell it to you?
Kettum pattanam poi…
Even if ruined, go reach the city...
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Niyaayam azhindhaalum
Even if justice perishes
Needhi irandhaalum
Even if fairness dies
Namakken endrirundhen
I remained unconcerned thinking 'why should I care?'
Naattai evanaalum
No matter who rules the country
Thirutha mudiyaadhu
Nobody can fix it
Yena naan therindhu konden
This, I realized for myself
Vizhigal imai moodi
Closing my eyes
Vilaindha pala kodi
Worth crores of rupees
Kanavil vaazhndhirundhen
I was living in dreams
Netru nilai veru indru nilai veru
Yesterday's state was different, today's state is different
Adi naan kandu konden
Oh dear, I have come to realize it
Enniya vazhi ellaam kaal pochu
All intended paths were traveled on foot in vain
Ippadi thaanammaa naal pochu
This is how the days passed by, my lady
Appadi soozh nilai uruvaachu
Such a situation got created
Naan adhan kaigalil vizhundhaachu
And I fell right into its hands
Vaazhkkai thaan mun pol illai
Life is not as it used to be
Kutram thaan en mel illai
Yet the fault is not on me
En kadhai ammammammaa
My story, oh dear mother/lady
Innumum chollanuma
Should I continue telling it?
Kettum pattanam poi…
Even if ruined, go reach the city...
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Kaaveri vaasam vittu
Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river
Koovathin vaasam kanden
I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river
Kaaveri vaasam vittu
Leaving behind the fragrance of the Kaveri river
Koovathin vaasam kanden
I smelled the foul odor of the Cooum river
En kadhai ammammammaa
My story, oh dear mother/lady
Innumum chollanuma
Should I continue telling it?
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Kettum pattanam poi ser endru
Saying 'even if ruined, go reach the city'
Sonnavan nallavanaa naan ariyen
I do not know if the person who said it was good
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This melancholy Tamil track reflects on the classic proverb 'Kettum Pattanam Poi Ser' (Even if you lose everything, go to the big city to survive). The protagonist questions the wisdom of this advice after leaving his pristine rural hometown on the banks of the Kaveri river for the urban decay and crime of Madras (symbolized by the Cooum river). He reminisces about his upright past as an invaluable police informer who was ultimately exploited, betrayed, and discarded like an old shoe.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Contrast / Antithesis (Muran)
“Kaaveri vaasam vittu / Koovathin vaasam kanden”
Contrasts the fresh 'Kaaveri vaasam' (fragrance of Kaveri) representing rural purity with 'Koovathin vaasam' (stench of Cooum) representing urban filth and decay.
Rhyme / Monai & Ethirai
“Thavaru nerungaamal / Thadamum puralaamal / Neruppaai naan irundhen”
Uses matching internal end-rhyming words such as 'Thavaru', 'Thadamum', 'Neruppaai' and 'Seruppaai' to create rhythmic emphasis on his personal fall.
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Neruppaai naan irundhen / Seruppaai naan irundhen / Thuruppaai naan irundhen”
Compares himself to 'Neruppu' (fire) in his integrity, 'Seruppu' (footwear) in how corrupt elites treated him, and 'Thuruppu' (trump card/secret asset) for the police force.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is from the 1990 action film 'Unnai Solli Kutramillai' starring Karthik and Sitara, directed by Karate Mani. The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by legendary poet Vaali.
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