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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Atthuvaana Kaatukku

From Idam Porul Yaeval · 2014

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Music director
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Details
Idam Porul Yaeval2014

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Mmm…mm…mm…mm..Mmm… mm… mm… mm..
Hmmm…mm….Hmmm… mm….
Athuvaana kaatukkuFor the goat wandering in the wild forest,
Thappi vantha aattukkuFor the goat that escaped into the dense woods,
Thaai madi amanjathadaaA mother's lap has been destined, oh friend!
Male
Kallirukkum thaeraikkumEven for the toad residing inside a rock,
Ullirukkum vaazhvunduThere is a life sustained within.
Unakonnu vaaithathadaaOne has been destined for you as well, my dear!
Male
Ooro uravo varandae kedakkuThe town and relations lie completely parched and barren,
Usura nenaikka mazhaiyum irukkuYet there is rain to drench and revive the soul.
Pethava illaiyae mathava illaiyaaIsn't she the mother who gave birth, or is she someone else?
Iva saami solli vandhava…aa….She is the one who came as sent by God Himself...
Male
Athuvaana kaatukkuFor the goat wandering in the wild forest,
Thappi vantha aattukkuFor the goat that escaped into the dense woods,
Thaai madi amanjathadaaA mother's lap has been destined, oh friend!
Male
Kallirukkum thaeraikkumEven for the toad residing inside a rock,
Ullirukkum vaazhvunduThere is a life sustained within.
Unakonnu vaaithathadaaOne has been destined for you as well, my dear!
Male
Ava enna thaayaaIs she a mother to you?
Nee enna maganaaAre you a son to her?
Adadaa paasam thulirvidumaeAh, love and affection sprout endlessly!
Karungal idukil kaakai ittaIn the crevice of a hard rock, from the droppings left by a crow,
Echathil aalamaramae varumaeA vast banyan tree can grow!
Male
Desam vittu pogum bothumEven when leaving one's country,
Vaanam enna neelam thaanThe sky remains blue everywhere.
Paasam ulla selaiyil ellaamIn every saree filled with pure affection,
Thaai paalin vaasam thaanLies the sweet fragrance of mother's milk.
Male
Pacha molugaayilEven in a spicy green chili,
Paasam inikuthaeLove tastes remarkably sweet.
Aaththaa vaasamooThe fragrance of a mother,
Sothula veesuthaeWafts from the simple cooked rice.
Male
Idam porul yevalPlace, circumstance, and action,
Amaivathai poruthaeDepending on how they align,
Uravo pirivo yerpadumaeRelationships or separations are formed.
Yaarum attra kaatilIn a deserted forest with no one around,
Pechu thunai yaaruWho is there to talk to as a companion?
Chittu kuruvi pothumaeA tiny sparrow is companion enough!
Male
Oththa maram aagi ponaHaving become like a lonely standing tree,
Iththu pona pombalaA worn-out, frail woman,
Magizhnthu thaan poothu ponaBlossomed with immense joy,
Magan vantha thembulaWith the strength brought by the arrival of a son.
Male
Nanjchu pona vaazhkkaiA life that had gone sour and ruined,
Sonthamae thedumaeWill search for bonds of kinship.
Pincha kodaiyumEven a torn, modest umbrella,
Mazhaikku pothumaeIs enough to shelter against the rain.
Male
Athuvaana kaatukkuFor the goat wandering in the wild forest,
Thappi vantha aattukkuFor the goat that escaped into the dense woods,
Thaai madi amanjathadaaA mother's lap has been destined, oh friend!
Male
Kallirukkum thaeraikkumEven for the toad residing inside a rock,
Ullirukkum vaazhvunduThere is a life sustained within.
Unakonnu vaaithathadaa…aaa…mmm…One has been destined for you as well, my dear!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Athuvaana Kaatukku' from the movie 'Idam Porul Yaeval' is a deeply philosophical song about destiny, unexpected human connections, and the unconditional nature of maternal love. Lyricist Vairamuthu uses rich imagery from rural life and nature to convey that no soul is left completely abandoned; just as nature sustains a toad enclosed inside a rock or sprouts a banyan tree from a rock crevice, fate provides emotional refuge to those in need. The song explores how non-biological relationships can blossom into deep maternal bonds, giving renewed life and joy to both a forlorn individual and a lonely, weary mother.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhukai (Second letter rhyming)

Athuvaana kaatukku / Thappi vantha aattukku

Rhyming of the second consonant sound 'th' in consecutive lines.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Karungal idukil kaakai itta / Echathil aalamaramae varumae

Comparing the unexpected blossoming of deep affection in unlikely circumstances to a banyan tree growing out of bird droppings on a barren rock.

Moonaai (Initial letter alliteration)

Pacha molugaayil / Paasam inikuthae

Repetition of the initial 'Pa' sound creating rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Idam Porul Yaeval' directed by Seenu Ramasamy features music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Though recorded around 2014, the film and soundtrack faced prolonged financial delays, but the songs gained a cult following among fans of the director-composer collaboration.

Keep listening

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