Govind Vasantha’s “Poovaaru” from the album Christy is an invitation to a different life. Lyricist Vinayak Sasikumar and composer Govind Vasantha create this appeal. The song asks the listener to leave the “cage they call a city.” This sets up a direct comparison between urban and rural existence.
Poovaaru
Govind Vasantha • From “Christy”
Lyricist
Vinayak Sasikumar
Composer
Govind Vasantha
Christy’s Poovaaru Lyrics Translation
The lyrics build a picture of village life through specific details. One line compares a sunset’s color to fish in a fiery red gravy. Another verse invites someone to taste fresh crab meat and local toddy. These images appeal directly to the senses of sight and taste.
Thekkele Naadu KandaaWhen you see the southern lands,
Theera Vannu Kaalee ThottaaAnd come to touch your feet upon the shore,
Thengola Panthal KeezheUnder a canopy of coconut leaves,
Padinjaaran Kaattum KondaaFeeling the western wind blow.
Vaavaavaa Poovaaru Meenodeyunnaam ChoruCome, come to Poovar, let’s eat rice with fish,
NeyyaattuvanchikalilaadiyaadiSwaying gently in the boats of Neyyar,
Kadalethidunna Pokkithenthu JoruWhat a joy it is to journey towards the sea.
Nallapole Naalupaadumonnu ChuttidaanTo wander all around this wonderful place,
Naattupacha Kannirachu Kandu NinnidaanTo stand and gaze until your eyes fill with its rustic green,
Nagaramenna Koodu Vittu Vannu NokkadeCome and see for yourself, leaving the cage they call a city,
Nanmayulla TheeradeshamaarilonnupolLike no other shoreline, this one is filled with goodness.
Naadu Chutti Paari Vanna PakshiyundedeThere are birds here that have flown from all over the world,
Poozhimannilaazhi Kandu Panthu ThattedePlaying ball on the dusty sand, watching the deep sea,
Mulakaracha Meeninotha ChanthamodithaaWith all the beauty of fish in a fiery red gravy,
Anthivinnilooliyittu Mungidunnu SooryanThe sun dips and sways into the evening sky.
Poovukal Neenthidunne NeerilFlowers are swimming in the water,
Pakalkkaazhchakal Jaalam Thunnum KannilThe daytime sights weave magic in your eyes,
Manam VaadiyaalWhen your spirit feels weary.
Mazhamaanja Maasamudanjodi VannuWhen the rainy season has passed and a new month arrives,
Pozhikandu Kandu KulirenoShall we feel the chill as we watch the estuary?
Raavethunna Koorel Chethunna KallothuWith the fresh toddy that’s tapped as night approaches,
Njandirachi NunayenoShall we taste some crab meat?
Nee Vaavaavaa PoovaaruYou, come, come to Poovar,
Ee Naattin Koottaay MaaruBecome a friend to this land.
Nee Aattumeetheyoru Thoniyeri KaraYou, get on a boat in the river,
Lonnu Kondu Choondayittu NokkuAnd try casting a fishing line towards the bank.
Nallapole Naalupaadumonnu ChuttidaanTo wander all around this wonderful place,
Naattupacha Kannirachu Kandu NinnidaanTo stand and gaze until your eyes fill with its rustic green,
Nagaramenna Koodu Vittu Vannu NokkaneYou must come and see, leaving the cage they call a city,
Nanmayulla TheeradeshamaarilonnupolLike no other shoreline, this one is filled with goodness.
Naadu Chutti Paari Vanna PakshiyundedeThere are birds here that have flown from all over the world,
Poozhimannilaazhi Kandu Panthu ThattedePlaying ball on the dusty sand, watching the deep sea,
Mulakaracha Meeninotha ChanthamodithaaWith all the beauty of fish in a fiery red gravy,
Anthivinnilooliyittu Mungidunnu SooryanThe sun dips and sways into the evening sky.
The song’s initial call to escape the city is supported by rich, local experiences. It moves from a general command to specific invitations involving food and natural beauty. The result is a complete picture of life in Poovar, celebrating its unique culture.
