Deconstructing "Peniviti" Song from Aravinda Sametha

This song is bound to shed a tear or two in the eyes of the people of Rayalaseema and those who have been part of this barren yet fertile, ruthless yet kind, violent yet peaceful land.

Sung by Kaala Bhairava, this song depicts the cries of a typical woman from Rayalaseema who awaits her husband who has gone hunting down and to take part in violence. Hats off to Ramajogayya Shastri for such wonderful lyrics.

The least I could do is to make a literal translation of this song and tell others the tragedy and the sadness that has inflicted our region and its people in past.


Telugu: Niddarani irisesei Reppalni therisaanu
Nuvvocche dhaarullo Choopulni parisaanu

English: I have forsaken my sleep and opened my eyes
I have laid my sight at your homecoming path.

Onteddu bandekki raara..
Sagileti donkallo padilanga raara

Come home safe in atleast a single ox driven carriage.
Come home on the banks of the river Sagileru (Tributary of Penna river, which flows through rayalaseema)

Naligeti naa manasu Guruthocchi raa raa
Galaboti koorondi Pilichina raa raa

Come home to my worrisome heart,
Come home to the galaboti (made of mutton) curry, 

Penimiti enni naallainadho
Ninu zoosi kallaaraa
Ennenni nallainadho
Ninu zoosi kallaaraa

Its been long since I've had a glimpse at you, my Penimiti (husband)
Its been very very long

Chimmati cheekati Kammati sangati
Erraga kumpati Ecchaga duppati
Kommallo sakkati Koyile okkati
Kommallo sakkati Koyile okkati

The dark night, the delicious sangati (Staple delicacy of Rayalaseema)
The red brick stove, the warm blanket
A beautiful koel amongst the branches of the tree

Gundene gonthu chesi Paadathandhi
raa raa penimiti

All of them have turned their heart into their voices 
To call you back home, Penimiti

Polimera dhaati poyavani
Polamaaripoye nee dhaanini

I get sick when Im reminded that
you have crossed the boundaries of the village

Kodavali laanti ninnu Santi vaadini
Konguna daasukune aali manasuni

Im the wife who hides a small kid who holds the kodavali (a farm tool used popularly to inflict violence) in the folds of my saree

Soosi soodaka sulakanu seyaku
Naa thala raathalo Kalathalu raayaku

Dont ignore me, Dont belittle me
And dont you change my fortunes with your doings

Thaalibottu thalusukoni
Tharali tharali raa raa penimiti

At the least, come home to the memory of the holy knot/thread 
You have tied to me, Penimiti

Naragosa thaake kaamanduve
Nalapoosavainaa kantikandave

Come and stay in my eyes, you, who 
is always in embroiled in the violence of killing others and getting killed

Katiki yendalalo kandipothivo
Ragathapu sindulato thadisipothivo

In the scorching heat, are you hurting yourself
Are you drenching in the bloody bloodshed

Yelaku thintivo ettanuvvuntivo
Yeta katti thalagadai Yeda pandukuntivo

Im not sure if you are eating on time
Or if you're sleeping with the hunting knife as your pillow

Nuvvu ganna nalusunaina
Talasi talasi raara penimit

At the least come home to the 
memory of the kids you have given birth to Penimiti
Come home Penimiti, Come home.