Seerkazhi Govindarajan performs “Kalappai Pidikkum Kaiyai Nambi” from the album Irumanam Kalanthal Thirumanam. Lyricist A. Maruthakasi and composer S. Dakshinamurthi developed the song. It begins with the idea that the world depends on the hand holding the plough, but poverty continuously harms the farmer.
Kalappai Pidikkum Kaiyai Nambi
Seerkazhi Govindarajan • From “Irumanam Kalanthal Thirumanam”
The verses document the farmer’s specific labor, from irrigating fields to harvesting crops. A. Maruthakasi’s writing then asks where the farmer finds basic needs like shelter and food. The lyrics establish that after all this toiling, the reward for the work belongs to someone else.
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
Anal KalamellamBut all the while
Avan Kazhuththai Varumai ArukkuthuPoverty slits his throat
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
Anal KalamellamBut all the while
Avan Kazhuththai Varumai ArukkuthuPoverty slits his throat
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
Anal KalamellamBut all the while
Avan Kazhuththai Varumai ArukkuthuPoverty slits his throat
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
Aluppillamal AnudhinamumTirelessly, day after day
Yettram PidippavanHe works the ‘yettram’ water-lift
Azhkinatril IrukkumFrom the depths of the well
Neerai Senthi EduppavanHe scoops out the water
Varappu Vetti Madai ThiranthuHe cuts the ridges and opens the channels
Varappu Vetti Madai ThiranthuCutting the ridges and opening the channels
Vayalil IraippavanHe irrigates the field
Irukka Idamum Kudikka KoozhumBut a place to live and gruel to drink
Enge KidaikkuthuWhere are they to be found?
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
Anal KalamellamBut all the while
Avan Kazhuththai Varumai ArukkuthuPoverty slits his throat
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
Pakkuvamai Naththu NattuHe skillfully plants the seedlings
Payir ValarppavanAnd raises the crops
Paruvam Paththu Kalai EduththuAt the right season, he removes the weeds
Uram KoduppavanAnd applies the fertilizer
Kathiraruththu KattukattiHe reaps the stalks, tying them into bundles
Kathiraruththu KattukattiReaping the stalks and tying them into bundles
Athai AdippavanHe then threshes the grain
Kashtappattu Palan EvarkkoBut after all his toil, the reward
SonthamaguthuGoes to someone else
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
Anal KalamellamBut all the while
Avan Kazhuththai Varumai ArukkuthuPoverty slits his throat
Kalappai PidikkumThe hand that holds the plough
Kaiyai Nambi Ulagam IrukkuthuIs the hand the world depends on
The track takes the form of a refrain that states the central conflict. Each verse adds evidence of the farmer’s work before returning to the main point of exploitation. This structure disconnects the producer’s labor from any personal benefit.
