Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaalai Theme

From Kadaikutty Singam · 2018

Lyricist
Yugabharathi
Singers
Nivas, Sai Vignesh
Music director
D. Imman
Details
Kadaikutty Singam2018

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Chorus
Kaalai kaalaiBull, bull
Kaalai mayilakaalaiBull, Mayilai bull
Kaalai kaalaiBull, bull
Kaalai mayilakaalaiBull, Mayilai bull
Chorus
Kaalai kaalai mayilakaalaiBull, bull, Mayilai bull
Kavalai illa sevalakaalaiA worry-free, rooster-like energetic bull
Mela mela yegirum kaalaiA bull that leaps higher and higher
Merandudaatha oyila kaalaiA stylish bull that never panics
Chorus
Aalai aalai adhattunkaalaA bull that intimidates people left and right
Achamilla murattu kaalaiA fearless, fierce bull
Oda oda asathum kaalaiA bull that wears down opponents as it runs
Oora innum osathum kaalaiA bull that elevates the stature of the village
Chorus
Manam mariyathaHonor and respect
Atha kaakka vantha kaalaiThe bull that has come to safeguard them
Yaarum ooravagaTo everyone, a relative
Kolasaami intha kaalaiThis bull is a guardian family deity
Vegam koraiyaamaWithout its speed fading
Veriyera vellum kaalaiA bull that wins with surging fervor
Seema therandaalumEven if the whole gathering of the region comes
Meralaama sellum kaalaiA bull that moves forward without fear
Chorus
Peru pugalodaWith name and fame
Perusaagum naama kaalaiOur bull grows greater
Maalai kazhutheraAs garlands adorn its neck
Velaiyaadum vetri kaalaiThe victorious bull that plays proudly
Chorus
Peru pugalodaWith name and fame
Perusaagum naama kaalaiOur bull grows greater
Maalai kazhutheraAs garlands adorn its neck
Velaiyaadum vetri kaalaiThe victorious bull that plays proudly
Chorus
Hey heyHey hey
Hey heyHey hey
Chorus
Hey hey hey heyHey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey heyHey hey hey hey
Oooo….oooo….ooo…Oooo....oooo....ooo...
Kaalai kaalaiBull, bull
Kaalai kaalaiBull, bull

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This track serves as an anthem celebrating the traditional bull, a vital icon of rural Tamil culture and agricultural heritage. The lyrics praise the bull's majestic stature, untamed spirit, fearlessness, and deep connection to the village, framing it not merely as livestock but as a symbol of community honor and a revered family guardian deity. Through vivid imagery of Jallikattu and village festivities, the song conveys themes of bravery, cultural pride, and collective celebration as the bull earns fame and brings glory to its people.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

“Kavalai illa sevalakaalai / Mela mela yegirum kaalai”

Multiple consecutive lines end with the word 'kaalai', creating a strong, energetic rhyming cadence suited for folk celebration.

Metaphor

“Kolasaami intha kaalai”

The bull is directly elevated to a 'Kolasaami' (family guardian deity), emphasizing the deep revered status it holds within the village culture.

Anaphora / Repetition

“Kaalai kaalai / Kaalai mayilakaalai”

The phrase 'Kaalai' is repeated multiple times to build tempo, rhythmic drive, and focus on the central subject of the song.

Did you know?

Trivia

From the 2018 Tamil film 'Kadaikutty Singam', this song captures the essence of rural Tamil Nadu's traditional bull-embracing sport (Jallikattu) and agrarian pride. The music for the film was composed by D. Imman.

Keep listening

More from Kadaikutty Singam