Kanvllea Kiteak Roddtai Darant - A Goan Folk Song

GOA OF THE 1950's

For a few years when I was very young, I lived in Goa with my mother while my father worked in Bombay. I remember my Mum often hummed this beautiful tune under her breath while going about the house doing her daily chores. Brings a tear to my eye.

English translation of the folk song: 

Kanvllea kiteak roddtai darant

(Translated by Joel D’Souza)

O Crow! Why do you caw at the door?

Someone may shoot you,

If you’ve brought tidings from my husband, Crow dear,

You better fly away.

The crow came in the morning,

He began cawing on the drumstick tree (moringa tree);

While the crow was still cawing

My beloved husband arrived home.

My husband reached home

He kissed me lovingly,

And our heart’s desire

Got quenched eventually.