M. L. Vasanthakumari’s commanding voice dominates ‘Kadhavai Sathadi’ from the album ‘Ratha Kanneer.’ Lyricist K. S. Krishnamoorthy and composer C. S. Jayaraman craft a stark musical setting for this critique of wealth-driven society.
Kadhavai Sathadi
M. L. Vasanthakumari • From “Ratha Kanneer”
Kadhavai Sathadi Lyrics Translation (from “Ratha Kanneer”)
K. S. Krishnamoorthy’s lyrics instruct listeners to reject even deities lacking money. Direct lines like ‘slam the door shut’ enforce a rigid worldview prioritizing financial gain over spiritual worth.
Kadhavai SaththadiSlam the door shut
Kadhavai SaththadiSlam the door shut
Kayil Kasillathavan Kadavul AanalumEven if God shows up with empty pockets
Kadhavai SaththadiSlam the door shut
Kayil Kasillathavan Kadavul AanalumEven if God shows up with empty pockets
Kadhavai SaththadiSlam the door shut
Mathiyum Kulir Nathiyum SadaiWith the moon and cold river in his matted hair
Maruviya MukannanThat three-eyed Lord himself
Mayavan Angannan SubramanyaOr the mystic beauty, Subramanya
Avan AnnanOr even his elder brother
Thuthi Puriyum ManithargalumEven folks who sing high praises
Sorna Pushpam TharavidilIf they don’t offer golden blooms
Thurathi Adithu IzhuthuChase them, beat them, drag them out
Kadhavai SaththadiSlam the door shut
Kayil Kasillathavan Kadavul AanalumEven if God shows up with empty pockets
Kadhavai SaththadiSlam the door shut
Iraval Visiri Madippu VettikuTo the poseur with a borrowed fan and crisp dhoti
Idam KodukkatheDon’t give an inch of space
Nee Dam KodukkatheDon’t give a single damn
Iyal Isai Nadaga KalaingarArtists of verse, music, and stage
Thamathu Inakkam VidatheDon’t lose your grip on them
Iyal Isai Nadaga KalaingarArtists of verse, music, and stage
Thamathu Inakkam VidatheDon’t lose your grip on them
ARivillar AatharavaiThe support of the fools
Anbu Kondu TheduGo hunt for it with ‘love’
Athanaale MempadumThat’s how you rise up
ARivillar AatharavaiThe support of the fools
Anbu Kondu TheduGo hunt for it with ‘love’
Athanaale MempadumThat’s how you rise up
Athirshtam Unnai NaadumAnd luck will come seeking you
Porul TharuvaroduWith the ones who hand over wealth
Urave KondaduMake sure you bond tight
Bhoomi Meethu PoliyunduThis earth is full of fakes
Kaliyundu AlaikkanduIt’s all a game, a wandering wave
Kadhavai SaththadiSlam the door shut
Kayil Kasillathavan Kadavul AanalumEven if God shows up with empty pockets
Kadhavai SaththadiSlam the door shut
Kadhavai Sathadi Music Video
Material necessity outweighs divine virtues in this Tamil classic. A complete ‘Kadhavai Sathadi’ lyrics translation reveals Krishnamoorthy’s unflinching social commentary on transactional relationships.