Caribbean Hindustani

Chali Gai Ho (1981) is a Chutney classic by Indo-Trinidadian musician Sundar Popo, although its cover by Indian duo Babla & Kanchan (1983) is perhaps more famous. The lyrics focus on a family where everything has gone awry. The family described does everything opposite of cultural conventions at the time, giving an insight into the etiquette traditionally observed by Indo-Trinidadian families.

चलि गए, चलि गए, चलि गए हो 

Oh it has went away!

ऐसे उलटी हवा जब मैं चलि गए हो 

In this upside down air, it has gone away

पुत्र पिता के बारन कटावे माता गोडाइन बदलावे 

The son cuts the father’s hair, the mother changes the curtains

सारी बातों बिगड़ गए हो 

All (talk/conversations) has been messed up

ऐसे उलटी हवा जब मैं चलि गए हो

In this upside down air, it has gone away

बहु वे सासु के देबे गारी बातों के उम्र गवाली 

The bahu (daughter-in-law) insults the sasu (mother-in-law), the old ways (traditions) have gone away

लाज–शर्म सब बहार गए हो 

Modesty has been thrown out of the window

ऐसे उलटी हवा जब मैं चलि गए हो 

In this upside down air, it has gone away

पिता वोह पुत्री के दान झीणावे, निर्दय के शर्म न आवे 

the father gives the daughter his wealth, the cruel has no shame

रस्म गाँव मणि पर गए हो 

The gem-like traditions have gone to town (have gone away)

ऐसे उड़ती हवा जब मैं चलि गए हो 

In this upside down air, it has gone away.

बलहीनो को नहीं सका सुहावे, चेतुवा तब प्रभ पावे

The babies cannot fall asleep, only God can be cautious

लाभ भवर सब फस गए हो

All their profits have become stuck (they are not earning anything)

ऐसे उड़ती हवा जब मैं चलि गए हो 

In this upside down air, it has gone away

Hindustani Words/Phrases and Definition

Chali gaye ho / chal gaye – It has gone went away

ulti – upside down

hawa – air

putra – son, putri – daughter

baar – hair

kataawe – to cut

gaali dewe – to curse or insult

laaj-sharm – modesty/shyness

balhino – babies

labh – profit

daan – wealth

rasma – traditions/customs