“Chittu Chittu Kuruvi” features Vaali’s lyrics and Ilaiyaraaja’s composition on the album Anbu Magan. The duet, sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki, starts with a challenge. A man compares his lover to a sparrow, asking to “Thottu Paru,” or touch her.
Released: January 1, 1985
Chittu Chittu Kuruvi
Ilaiyaraaja | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam • From “Anbu Magan (1995)”
Anbu Magan (1995)’s Chittu Chittu Kuruvi Lyrics Translation
The woman’s clever response sets the terms: he must first learn the “Mettu,” or melody. A later exchange has him asking if a painting became a woman, to which she confirms it happened with him. This conversation frames desire as a playful game of consent.
Sittu Sittu Sittu SittuSparrow, sparrow, sparrow, sparrow.
Sittu Kuruvi Thottu ParuTouch this little sparrow and see.
Mettu Mettu Mettu MettuMelody, melody, melody, melody.
Mettu Pazhagi Enna PaduFirst learn the melody, then sing of me.
Sittu Sittu Sittu SittuSparrow, sparrow, sparrow, sparrow.
Sittu Kuruvi Thottu ParuTouch this little sparrow and see.
Mettu Mettu Mettu MettuMelody, melody, melody, melody.
Mettu Pazhagi Enna PaduFirst learn the melody, then sing of me.
Chinna Chinna Kann IrandilIn your two small, lovely eyes,
Vanna Vanna Chithirangalso many colorful pictures,
Minna Minna Vandhadhennavoowhat is it that has appeared, all shimmering?
Mella Mella Alli AlliSlowly, slowly gathering me,
Mellidaiya Killi Killiplayfully pinching my slender waist,
Solli Solli Thandhadhennavoowhat is it that you’ve taught me word by word?
Pennoviyam PennanadhooDid a painting of a woman become a real woman?
Unnodu Than OnnanadhooIt’s only with you that she became one.
Sittu Sittu Sittu SittuSparrow, sparrow, sparrow, sparrow.
Sittu Kuruvi Thottu ParuTouch this little sparrow and see.
Mettu Mettu Mettu MettuMelody, melody, melody, melody.
Mettu Pazhagi Enna PaduFirst learn the melody, then sing of me.
Pathu Pathu YenghiI’ve yearned for you time and again,
Kothu Kothu Vangigathering you up in bunches,
Poomalaiyai Unnai Nanand like a garland of flowers,
Soodalamamay I adorn myself with you?
Poothu Poothu NanaumBlooming and blooming, I’m drenched,
Vethu Vethu Nalumand withering each day,
Yegnadhamai Unnaiyein this endless longing,
Koodalamamay I finally join with you?
Anaikkum Tholai KanduSeeing your embracing shoulders,
Manakkum PoochenduI become a fragrant bouquet.
Inikkum Thenai KanduFinding this sweet honey,
Edukkum Ponn Vanduis a golden bee that comes to take it.
O Madikkul MethaiyittuOh, making a bed here in your lap,
Padukkum Nal Indrutoday is the day to lie down.
Pidikkul Sikki KonduCaught within your firm grasp,
Thavikkum Man Indruthis deer is trembling today.
Nogamale MuthadavaShall I kiss you without causing any pain?
Ha Thalamale ThalladavaAh, shall I stumble, unable to bear it?
Sittu Sittu Sittu SittuSparrow, sparrow, sparrow, sparrow.
Sittu Kuruvi Thottu ParuTouch this little sparrow and see.
Mettu Mettu Mettu MettuMelody, melody, melody, melody.
Mettu Pazhagi Enna PaduFirst learn the melody, then sing of me.
Kanni Enna ManaThis maiden’s heart,
Kangal Kendai Meenaher eyes are like darting fish.
Ammadiyov AngameOh my, her entire body,
Kombhu Thenais the purest wild honey.
Marbil Ennai OonghuLet me sway upon your chest,
Poovai Pola Thanghuand hold me gently like a flower.
Pinnamale PinnidumWithout ever being tied, they intertwine,
Kaigal Nanghuthese four hands of ours.
Udhattil Oosai VaithuPlacing a sound upon my lips,
Padhikkum Kolangalyou trace beautiful designs.
Thudikkum Kalai NenjamMy heart throbs with artistic passion,
Vadikkum Jalangaland weaves its own kind of magic.
Haha Sivakkum Kannam KonduHaha, with these blushing cheeks,
Sirikkum Kannangalmy cheeks themselves are smiling.
Hoi Irakkai Yedhum IndriHoi, without having any wings,
Parakkum Ennangalmy thoughts are taking flight.
Arambame En AradhanamThis very beginning is my worship of you.
Ha Anbu Magan AlainganamAh, this loving man is my embrace.
Sittu Sittu Sittu SittuSparrow, sparrow, sparrow, sparrow.
Sittu Kuruvi Thottu ParuTouch this little sparrow and see.
Mettu Mettu Mettu MettuMelody, melody, melody, melody.
Mettu Pazhagi Enna PaduFirst learn the melody, then sing of me.
Chinna Chinna Kann IrandilIn your two small, lovely eyes,
Vanna Vanna Chithirangalso many colorful pictures,
Minna Minna Vandhadhennavoowhat is it that has appeared, all shimmering?
Mella Mella Alli AlliSlowly, slowly gathering me,
Mellidaiya Killi Killiplayfully pinching my slender waist,
Solli Solli Thandhadhennavoowhat is it that you’ve taught me word by word?
Pennoviyam PennanadhooDid a painting of a woman become a real woman?
Unnodu Than OnnanadhooIt’s only with you that she became one.
Sittu Sittu Sittu SittuSparrow, sparrow, sparrow, sparrow.
Sittu Kuruvi Thottu ParuTouch this little sparrow and see.
Mettu Mettu Mettu MettuMelody, melody, melody, melody.
Mettu Pazhagi Enna PaduFirst learn the melody, then sing of me.
Chittu Chittu Kuruvi Music Video
The track is built on a call-and-response structure between the two singers. Each verse escalates the playful negotiation of their courtship. The song’s lyrics analysis reveals a relationship built on wit rather than simple pursuit.