“Tharavattipperannathane” by Aju Varghese, Shabareesh Varma, and Samuel Abhi is a track from the album Bharathanatyam. Manu Manjith wrote the lyrics, and Samuel Abhi composed the music for the song. It begins with a declaration of pride in being born into an ancestral family with status and prestige.
Tharavattipperannathane
Aju Varghese | Shabareesh Varma • From “Bharathanatyam”
The lyrics mock this pride by stating even the cobwebs in the attic show off their supremacy. Other lines enforce a social order, commanding specific individuals to work the fields and bow down. This is presented as necessary to protect what their forefathers established and to prevent townspeople from whispering.
TharavattipperrannathaaneWe’re born into a great ancestral family
Nelayum VelayumullathaaneWe have status and prestige
Thalamura Thalamurayaay Njangalinganaa..!For generations, this is how we’ve been!
Purame Palathum ParanjennirikkumOn the outside, we might say many things
Chirichu Kalichu KazhinjennirikkumWe might laugh and jest with everyone
Valuthu Cheruthu Alavu Thirivu Manassilundedaa..!But make no mistake, we know the difference between big and small!
Panda Thottu KaarnormmaaruEverything our forefathers
Kettippokki Vachathellaambuilt and established long ago
Athepadi Kaakkum NjangalWe will protect it all just as it is
Ille(L)Korachilaa..!There will be no shortcomings!
Chenan Chaathan Koran CheeruChenan, Chaathan, Koran, and Cheeru
Thodiyil Panithu Thozhuthu NinnoYou will work in the fields and bow before us
Pazhaya Chavaru SamarillayelIf there’s none of that old rebellious trash
“Thambraananedaa”..!!Then I am the ‘Thambraan’ (‘lord/master’)!
Aanappurattheriyorane..!We’re the ones who ride on elephants!
Kodi Ketti Vaanoraane..!We’re the ones who flew flags and ruled!
Athilullorabhimaanam Vere ThanneyaneThe pride in that is a whole other level
Tharikida KaattiyaalumEven if you try to pull a fast one
Thalayathu ThaazhthukillaWe will never lower our heads
Naattukaarkku MurumurukkanWe won’t give the townsfolk
Pidi TharilledaAnything to whisper about
Avasthakal MarachirikkanamOur true situation must be hidden
Sakalarum VilamathikkanamEveryone must hold us in high esteem
Ividuthe KadhakalarinjuKnowing the stories of this house
Avanum Ivanum KayyadikanamEvery random person should applaud us
Idapedum Pani PalathilumWe interfere in many matters
Idavum Valavum ArichuperukkiSifting through every nook and cranny
Kuravu Muzhuvan Harichu GunichuWe’ll calculate and divide every flaw
Kazhiyana Vidham KulamaakkidumeAnd destroy them in a way that benefits the clan
Chuttum Pokkathil Thalayaattum ThenginteThe coconut trees swaying high all around
Olem Vambatham CholleedunnuTheir leaves are telling tales of our greatness
Veedin Machinmel Thoongidum MaaralaThe cobwebs hanging from the attic
Polum Aadhyathwam KaatteedunnuEven they are showing off their supremacy
Oh..Pokanjoru Kolliyayi NinnalOh… if you stand as a smouldering firebrand
Padiyude Veliyilaanu SthanamYour place is outside the main gate
Ortho Nee OrthoRemember that, you better remember
Venda VedaanthamWe don’t need your philosophies
Niyamamivide Pazhaya PadiyaaThe law here is the old way
Maattan Nokkenda, Valanjathu NeerthidendaDon’t try to change it, don’t try to straighten what’s bent
TharavattipperrannathaaneWe’re born into a great ancestral family
Nelayum VelayumullathaaneWe have status and prestige
Thalamura Thalamurayaay Njangalinganaa..!For generations, this is how we’ve been!
Purame Palathum ParanjennirikkumOn the outside, we might say many things
Chirichu Kalichu KazhinjennirikkumWe might laugh and jest with everyone
Valuthu Cheruthu Alavu Thirivu Manassilundedaa..!But make no mistake, we know the difference between big and small!
Panda Thottu KaarnormmaaruEverything our forefathers
Kettippokki Vachathellaambuilt and established long ago
Athepadi Kaakkum NjangalWe will protect it all just as it is
Ille(L)Korachilaa..!There will be no shortcomings!
Chenan Chaathan Koran CheeruChenan, Chaathan, Koran, and Cheeru
Thodiyil Panithu Thozhuthu NinnoYou will work in the fields and bow before us
Pazhaya Chavaru SamarillayelIf there’s none of that old rebellious trash
“Thambraananedaa”..!Then I am the ‘Thambraan’ (‘lord/master’)
The song uses a cheerful, folksy tune for lyrics about a strict social hierarchy. The meaning of the ‘Tharavattipperannathane’ lyrics comes from this contrast between the upbeat sound and the serious warnings. It reveals a system focused on hiding its true condition and silencing anyone who questions the old ways.
