Giliyu panjaradolilla: A translation

Giliyu panjaradolilla (The parrot's no longer in the cage), by Purandaradasa, contemplates death with a bird metaphor. I haven't heard Karnatak classical musicians, or even Hindustani musicians, singing this composition. But B V Karanth, the theatre legend, made a lovely tune for this song, and it has a folksy lilt that makes it singable even to those not classically trained.

I attempt a translation:


The parrot's no longer in the cage.
The cage's suddenly bare, alas!

Sister, I took your word,
and got myself a little parrot.
When you weren't around
the cat snatched it and ran away.

The parrot that chanted Rama Rama,
the parrot with a soft body,
the parrot nurtured with love
is suddenly silent, alas!

It lived in a house with nine doors
and lots of people for company.
The pillar broke, the image fell
and it flew skywards, alas!

The parrot that played in the palm,
the parrot that danced on the wrist,
has flown away to be with
Ranga Purandara Vittala.

The parrot's no longer in the cage.
The cage's suddenly bare, alas!