Seerkazhi Govindarajan performs ‘Nagareegamana Hattu’ from the album ‘Pattaliyin Vetri,’ with lyrics by Udumalai Narayanakavi and music by S. Rajeswararao. The frantic vocal delivery matches the comedic chaos of a man losing his prized hat.
Udumalai Narayanakavi lists the hat’s features, including its Bangalore origin and previous English owner. Govindarajan repeatedly cries ‘Govinthaa’ to emphasize desperation over losing this status symbol. Comparisons to jar lids and saint beards underline the hat’s exaggerated importance.
Gate En Toppu KazhandathaeAt the gate, my hat slipped right off
Altoppu En Dooppu Ellaam ParanthathaeMy topper, my wig, everything flew away
Naagareegamaana Hate-uSuch a stylish, modern hat
Naalu Peru Kaanum Hate-uA hat the whole world admires
Enga Pocho GovinthaaWhere did it go? Oh, Govinda!
Enna Seivaen GovinthaaWhat will I do? Oh, Govinda!
Singaaramaana Hate-uA glamorous, beautiful hat
Bangalooril Vaangina Hate-uA hat I bought back in Bangalore
Englishkaaran PottuWorn by an Englishman
Erinju Pottu Pona Hate-uThen tossed aside and left behind
Singaaramaana Hate-uA glamorous, beautiful hat
Bangalooril Vaangina Hate-uA hat I bought back in Bangalore
Englishkaaran PottuWorn by an Englishman
Erinju Pottu Pona Hate-uThen tossed aside and left behind
Mangaatha Salavai SoottuA spotless, unfading suit
Mathippuke Thaguntha Hate-uA hat befitting my prestige
Enga Pocho GovinthaaWhere did it go? Oh, Govinda!
Enna Seivaen GovinthaaWhat will I do? Oh, Govinda!
Naagareegamaana Hate-uSuch a stylish, modern hat
Naalu Peru Kaanum Hate-uA hat the whole world admires
Enga Pocho GovinthaaWhere did it go? Oh, Govinda!
Enna Seivaen GovinthaaWhat will I do? Oh, Govinda!
Sottaiyodu Mottaikkum MaraippuA cover for the bald and the shaven
Soodu Pani Mazhaikkum ThaduppuA shield from heat, mist, and rain
Pattanaththil Pottaal SirappuWearing it in the city brings glory
Pala Perkkum Idhanaal PozhappuIt gives a livelihood to many folks
Sottaiyodu Mottaikkum MaraippuA cover for the bald and the shaven
Soodu Pani Mazhaikkum ThaduppuA shield from heat, mist, and rain
Pattanaththil Pottaal SirappuWearing it in the city brings glory
Pala Perkkum Idhanaal PozhappuIt gives a livelihood to many folks
Jaadikku Moodi PolaLike a lid for a jar
Saamiyaarkku Thaadi PolaeLike a beard for a saint
Jodikku Lady PolaeLike a lady for a partner
Enakku Venum Thalaikku MelaeI need it right there on my head
Naagareegamaana Hate-uSuch a stylish, modern hat
Naalu Peru Kaanum Hate-uA hat the whole world admires
Engae Pocho GovinthaaWhere did it go? Oh, Govinda!
Enna Seivaen GovinthaaWhat will I do? Oh, Govinda!
Kaaththodu Paranthu PochoDid it fly off with the wind?
Kaaraeri Kasangi PochoDid a car crush it flat?
Paarththavanga PadhukkalaachoDid onlookers stash it away?
Pattaani VaangalaachchoOr did it become a wrapper for peas?
Eduththavan KoduththiduvaanoWill the finder give it back?
Illainnu VerattiduvaanoOr chase me off saying ‘No’?
Enga Pocho GovinthaaWhere did it go? Oh, Govinda!
Enna Seivaen GovinthaaWhat will I do? Oh, Govinda!
Naagareegamaana Hate-uSuch a stylish, modern hat
Naalu Peru Kaanum Hate-uA hat the whole world admires
Engae Pocho GovinthaaWhere did it go? Oh, Govinda!
Enna Seivaen GovinthaaWhat will I do? Oh, Govinda!
Lyrics translation for ‘Nagareegamana Hattu’ reveals how mundane objects gain inflated social value. The track from ‘Pattaliyin Vetri’ uses humor to critique vanity tied to Westernized fashion trends in mid-20th century Tamil Nadu.
