Kariya - Translated

Movies are a wonderful medium for the spread of a language. I got a first hand experience of this during our vacation in Sri Lanka last year when our guide, a somewhat grouchy Sinhala, showed off his Hindi to me, picked up completely from watching Bollywood masala.

It is natural then that I would consider the same medium to improve my Kannada, but sadly the Kannada movie industry is not my friend in this.
Of the movie industry in the four southern languages, it seems that Malayalam has the art (and apparently some porn), Telegu has the slickness, Tamil has both quality and production value (exhibit A: Mani Ratnam).
Kannada movies have rowdies who indulge in rampant eve-teasing as a means to woo the girl, who for some unknowable reason actually gets won over. They both then indulge in frenetic aerobics in the song sequences, even when the tune is a gentle melody. My sensitive stomach and weak constitution can't take it.

The one bright point is the music which is of a high quality. From time to time I come across a Kannada song that I like so much I want to know what the lyrics mean. While I can, sort of, follow conversational Kannada, poetry is beyond. Unable to find translations on the net, I have turned to my good but jobless friends (Sammy, Ciff, Vy) to help me with them.

In the spirit of paying forward, I thought it would be a good idea to post the lyrics with translations so other unfortunate souls will have access to the meanings of these wonderful songs. So the first of the series is for the song Kariya I Love You from the movie Duniya.

Lyrics / Translation

Kariya I Love You

Blackie/black one, I love you.

Karunaada Mele Aane

I swear on this Karu-nadu (the ancient name of Karnataka meaning: Elevated land or Land of the Black Soil )

Belli I Love You, Bili Modada Aane

Belli (short for belliappa - also a pun on "whitie") I love you, I swear upon the white clouds.

Ningondu Premada Patra, Bariyoodu Nanagaase

I wish to write a love letter to you.

Naane Iruve Hatra, Bidu Aase Oh Koose

I (only) shall be close to you, Leave your aspirations, Oh young one!

|| Chorus ||

Oodu Baraha Baredu, Bari Aadu Bhashe Nandu

I dont know how to read and write, Only singing is my language/ I speak only colloquially

Tabbali Naanu Tayee Neenu, Yelu Janmada Bandhu

I am an orphan - you are the mother, a relationship of seven generations

Ninna Preeti Yeduru Naa Innu Koneya Uguru

In front of your love, I am equivalent to the last nail of my last finger

Saarthakavaitu Nanna Baalu, Naavu Onde Usiru

my life's purpose has been fulfilled, we are one breath

|| Chorus ||

Yaaru Yene Anali, Edi Urige Ure Barali

let anybody say anything, May the entire town confront us

Jeevavu Ninade Jeevana Ninade, Ninna Preeti Sigali

all (my) life is yours, let (me) obtain your affection (love)

Baare Baare Jamuna, Urmyale Yaake Gamana

come come Yamuna, why is your attention fixated on the village

Olave Jeevana Saakshatkara, Jeeva Kodtin Chinna

Life is filled with love, as perceived with all my senses (literally sight, but used in the context for all 5 senses), i shall give (my) life my dear.

--The End--