it ki dukki paan kaa ikkaa
kahi jokar kahi sattaa hai
suno ji ye kalakattaa hai

taali gaj ki jhil pe baabu aa_e rup ke daas
jhil kinaare badhati jaa_e matavaalo ki pyaas
naa pocket me maal hai baabu
naa kapadaa naa lattaa hai
suno ji ye kalakattaa

chauragi ke chauk me dekho matavaale bagaali
rasagulle si mithi baate inaki shaan niraali
kahi benarji kahi mukarji
kahi ghosh kahi dattaa hai
suno ji ye kalakattaa

ye basti hai aag kaa dariyaa isame haavadaa pul hai
apani jaan bachaa lo baabu varanaa dibbaa gul hai
sar par paanv rakh kar bhaago katane vaalaa pattaa hai
suno ji ye kalakattaa

The Two of Bricks, Ace of Spades,
A Joker here, a ruling hand, it plays.
Listen close, this is Calcutta.

By Tollygunge's lake, the fair come forth,
Beauty's slaves, of measured worth.
Around the shore, a thirst that swells,
No riches held, no cloth, no bells.
Listen close, this is Calcutta.

In Chowringhee's square, the Bengali's sway,
Sweet words like rasgulla, light of day.
Banners fly for Banerjee, for Mukherjee's name,
For Ghosh and Dutta, in the game.
Listen close, this is Calcutta.

A sea of fire, this dwelling place,
Howrah Bridge, a timeless grace.
Save your soul, or face the end,
A leaf to sever, life to bend.
Listen close, this is Calcutta.