A Platform for Ethnically and Culturally Inspired Music
About "Snake Charmer"
A mix of two traditional south Indian snake-charming pieces. This heavily-orchestrated reinvention, with Andrew’s sinuous and sensuous English lyrics, takes this Autorickshaw in a whole new direction.

lyrics
Nandhavanathil or aandi
avan naalaru mathamai kuyavanai vendi
kondu vandhaan oru thondi
athai koothadi koothadi potudaithandi

I am known as the Great Snake Charmer
With my voice I control; with my song I will entice you
Feel my melody hypnotize you
You are powerless to resist
With my melody I delight you
Feel the sway of the great snake charmer

Will you rise and dance, snake?
Villai aadu pambe

I am the Great Snake Charmer
I can make you writhe in state of pain or pleasure
Rise for the great snake charmer
‘Til I’m satisfied, you will do your dance for me
I am the Great Snake Charmer
I will tantalize you far beyond all measure
Rise for the Great Snake Charmer
‘Til I’m satisfied, you will do your dance for me

Will you rise and dance, snake?
Villai aadu pambe
Will you come out to play?
Villai aadu pambe

credits
from The Humours of Autorickshaw, released 10 November 2013
Traditional; additional English lyrics by Andrew Craig and Suba Sankaran
Lyrics © 2013 Suba Sankaran/Andrew Craig/Opus Nopus Music
Arranged by Andrew Craig

Suba Sankaran: lead and background vocals
Ed Hanley: tabla
Rich Brown: electric bass
Andrew Craig: synth and orchestral programming
Adrian Eccleston: guitars
Patrick Graham: riqq, sabar, gamelan, gong, concert bass drum, assorted sprinkles
Larnell Lewis: drum kit