Traditional Chutney·Wedding Songs
Chali Gai Ho
Chutney classic · Original · 1981
Chali Gai Ho (1981) is a chutney classic by Indo-Trinidadian musician Sundar Popo. The lyrics focus on a family where everything has gone awry — each verse describes people doing the opposite of the cultural conventions of the time, giving an insight into the etiquette traditionally observed by Indo-Trinidadian families. Babla & Kanchan’s better-known 1983 cover is listed separately.
Lyrics
Refrain
Chali gaye ho, chali gaye, chali gaye ho
It has gone away — it has gone, it has gone away
Aise ulti hawa jab main chali gaye ho
In this upside-down air, it has gone away
Verse 1
Putra pita ke baaran kataawe, mata godain badlaawe
The son cuts the father's hair, the mother changes the curtains
Saari baaton bigad gaye ho
All talk has been messed up
Aise ulti hawa jab main chali gaye ho
In this upside-down air, it has gone away
Verse 2
Bahu we sasu ke debe gaari, baaton ke umra gavali
The bahu (daughter-in-law) insults the sasu (mother-in-law), the old ways have gone away
Laaj-sharm sab bahar gaye ho
Modesty has been thrown out the window
Aise ulti hawa jab main chali gaye ho
In this upside-down air, it has gone away
Verse 3
Pita woh putri ke daan jhinawe, nirdaya ke sharm na aawe
The father gives the daughter his wealth, the cruel have no shame
Rasm gaon mani par gaye ho
The gem-like village traditions have gone away (to town)
Aise udati hawa jab main chali gaye ho
In this upside-down air, it has gone away
Verse 4
Balhino ko nahi saka suhaawe, chetuva tab prabh paawe
The babies cannot fall asleep peacefully, only God can be cautious
Laabh bhavar sab phas gaye ho
All their profits have become stuck (they are not earning anything)
Aise udati hawa jab main chali gaye ho
In this upside-down air, it has gone away