T. M. Soundarajan and T. V. Rathinam perform ‘Maattu Vandi Pootti’ from the Veerapandiya Kattabomman album. Lyricist Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniyam and composer G. Ramanathan frame this duet as urgent travel advice. Their exchange uses bullock cart imagery to signal broader dangers.
Maattu Vandi Pootti
T. M. Soundarajan | T. V. Rathinam • From “Veerapandiya Kattabomman”
Maattu Vandi Pootti Lyrics Meaning T. M. Soundarajan | T. V. Rathinam | Veerapandiya Kattabomman
A man cautions that some would sell their nation for money. The woman responds that even trusted brothers might betray. Both voices stress vigilance toward disguised threats during journeys.
Maattu Vandi PootikittuHaving hitched the ‘bullock cart’,
Maappillaiya KootikittuTaking the groom along with you,
Maattu Vandi PootikittuHaving hitched the ‘bullock cart’,
Maappillaiya KootikittuTaking the groom along with you,
Kaattu Vazhi PoravalaeYou, who are traveling through the forest path,
Kaattu Vazhi Poravalae KanniyammaYou, who are traveling through the forest path, young woman,
Un Kaasu Maala Pathirama PathukkamaKeep your ‘gold coin necklace’ safe and secure.
Nallavarai Pola Sila Kallarum IruppangaThere’ll be thieves who disguise themselves as good people,
Nambhi Varum PaadhaiyilaeOn the path you walk with so much trust,
Kollaiyum AdipaangaThey’ll surely try to rob you.
Nallavarai Pola Sila Kallarum IruppangaThere’ll be thieves who disguise themselves as good people,
Nambhi Varum PaadhaiyilaeOn the path you walk with so much trust,
Kollaiyum AdipaangaThey’ll surely try to rob you.
Naattai Kooda Kaasukaaga VippangaThey’d even sell the country for the sake of money,
Naattai Kooda Kaasukaaga VippangaThey’d even sell the country for the sake of money,
Indha Nalaiyilae Thanimai VelaiyilaeIn these times, during this lonely hour,
Nalaiyilae Thanimai VelaiyilaeDuring this lonely hour,
Ponnaana Maalai Ellam Pottikullae VaiyemmaPut all those golden necklaces safely inside the chest, madam,
Purushanaiyum Pathirama PathukkammaAnd make sure you keep your husband safe as well.
Ponnaana Maalai Ellam Pottikullae VaiyemmaPut all those golden necklaces safely inside the chest, madam,
Purushanaiyum Pathirama PathukkammaAnd make sure you keep your husband safe as well.
Maattu Vandi PootikittuHaving hitched the ‘bullock cart’,
Maappillaiya KootikittuTaking the groom along with you,
Kaattu Vazhi Poravalae KanniyammaYou, who are traveling through the forest path, young woman,
Un Kaasu Maala Pathirama PathukkamaKeep your ‘gold coin necklace’ safe and secure.
Saettaigalai PannikittuWhile you’re busy making mischief,
Nottangalai PaathukittuAnd casting ‘judgmental glares’ around,
Saettaigalai PannikittuWhile you’re busy making mischief,
Nottangalai PaathukittuAnd casting ‘judgmental glares’ around,
Pattugalum Paadanuma PachaiyappaShould we be singing songs too, Pachaiyappa?
Un Paadhaiyai Thaan Pathirama PathukkappaYou’d better watch your own path carefully.
Aalugalai Saikka InageTo bring people down in this world,
Aazham Vetti VeipaangaThey’ll dig deep ‘pits of deception’ for you,
Annan Thambhi AayirundhumEven if they’re as close as brothers,
Kattiyae KoduppangaThey’ll tie you up and betray you.
Maanathaiyum Yelam Poda NippangaThey’ll stand ready to auction off your honor,
Maanathaiyum Yelam Poda NippangaThey’ll stand ready to auction off your honor,
Indha Nerathilae Saalai OrathilaeAt this moment, by the side of the road,
Indha Nerathilae Saalai OrathilaeAt this moment, by the side of the road,
Munnaerum Paadhaiyilae Kann Konjam VeiyappaKeep your eyes on the path that lies ahead,
Katti Sorum Pathiarma PathukkappaAnd take good care of your ‘packed lunch’ of virtues.
Maattu Vandi PootikittuHaving hitched the ‘bullock cart’,
Maappillaiya KootikittuTaking the groom along with you,
Kaattu Vazhi Poravalae KanniyammaYou, who are traveling through the forest path, young woman,
Un Kaasu Maala Pathirama PathukkamaKeep your ‘gold coin necklace’ safe and secure.
Maattu Vandi Pootti Music Video
Veerapandiya Kattabomman’s Tamil lyrics meaning centers on recognizing deceit in trusted spaces. Ramanathan’s folk melody amplifies the necessity of constant alertness.