Govind Vasantha’s album ‘Writer’ features Yugabharathi’s lyrics in ‘Kaattuppalli’. The composer creates a mournful rhythm supporting the folk narrative. This track examines displacement through natural metaphors.
Released: December 21, 2021
Kaattuppalli
Govind Vasantha • From “Writer”
Kaattuppalli Lyrics Translation Govind Vasantha | Writer
Yugabharathi asks where cuckoos fly when their tree withers. His lines show people struggling to rise yet unable to live. Each verse repeats questions about lost shelters.
Kutta Kutta PuliyamaramA short, short tamarind tree,
Kuyiladaiyum NandhavanamA garden where the cuckoo rests.
Kutta Maram Pattu PonaIf that short tree withers away,
Kuyil Irandum Enga OdumWhere will the two cuckoos run?
Kutta Maram Pattu PonaIf that short tree withers away,
Kuyil Irandum Enga OdumWhere will the two cuckoos run?
Vaikkapporu MathiyileIn the middle of a haystack,
Ponthu Vacha Eli IranduTwo mice were hiding inside.
Vaika Pooru PathikitaIf the haystack catches fire,
Eli Irandum Enga PogumWhere will the two mice go?
Vaika Pooru PathikitaIf the haystack catches fire,
Eli Irandum Enga PogumWhere will the two mice go?
Kakkarattan Chedi ArugaNear the bitter-melon vine,
Kannasarum Kaka OnnuA single crow was resting its eyes.
Kakkarattan KavunthuchinaIf that bitter-melon vine should fall,
Kakka Kanna Enga MoodumWhere will the crow close its eyes?
Kakkarattan KavunthuchinaIf that bitter-melon vine should fall,
Kakka Kanna Enga MoodumWhere will the crow close its eyes?
Thombaiyathu UchiyilaAt the top of a hanging palm frond,
Thulli Yadum PoonakuttyA little kitten jumps and plays.
Thombaiyathu UrunduchinaIf that hanging frond were to fall,
Poonakutty Enga ThavumWhere will the kitten leap to?
Thombaiyathu UrunduchinaIf that hanging frond were to fall,
Poonakutty Enga ThavumWhere will the kitten leap to?
Venathu KoovalileIn the currents of the ‘Vennar’ river,
Vilaiyadum MeenukunjuA little fish was playing.
Vennaru VathuchinnaIf the ‘Vennar’ river runs dry,
Meenukunju Enga ThavumWhere will the little fish go?
Vennaru VathuchinnaIf the ‘Vennar’ river runs dry,
Meenukunju Enga ThavumWhere will the little fish go?
Koki Nikira KelviyodaWith a question that hooks them,
Sananga Kedakku KeezhaThe people lie down below.
Mukki Ezhundhu Ninna KoodaEven if they struggle and rise,
Mudiayalaiye VazhaThey’re still unable to live.
Koora Veetu MuthathileIn the yard of a thatched-roof house,
Suthi Varum Nayi RenduTwo dogs would wander around.
Soruvachi KakalanaIf there’s no food left to guard,
Nayi Rendum Enga MeyumWhere will the two dogs roam?
Soruvachi KakalanaIf there’s no food left to guard,
Nayi Rendum Enga MeyumWhere will the two dogs roam?
Pancharam KudakittaWhen the sugar pot is closed,
Panthungi Nikkum Pooran RenduTwo little bugs are hiding nearby.
Pancharam PosunkuchinaIf the sugar pot should break,
Pooran Rendum Enga PayumWhere will the two bugs rush?
Pancharam PosunkuchinaIf the sugar pot should break,
Pooran Rendum Enga PayumWhere will the two bugs rush?
Sembaruthi ThottathileIn the hibiscus garden,
Seemakkaru VelamaramAn invasive ‘acacia’ tree stands.
Velamaram KutthaiyileWhen that acacia is cut to a stump,
Sembaruthi Enga SayumWhere will the hibiscus lean?
Velamaram KutthaiyileWhen that acacia is cut to a stump,
Sembaruthi Enga SayumWhere will the hibiscus lean?
Kaattuppalli Music Video
Govind Vasantha’s composition underscores the lyrics meaning in ‘Kaattuppalli’. The song examines survival when foundations disappear. English lyrics translation reveals universal fears of displacement.