Kai Irukku Kaal Irukku
From Kalyaniyin Kanavan · 1963
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Details
- Kalyaniyin Kanavan1963
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Ooo…..oooh….ooo….oo…. | Ooo.....oooh....ooo....oo.... |
| Ooo….oooh….oo….oo….. | Ooo....oooh....oo....oo..... |
| Ooo….oooh….ooo….oo….oooh….oo….. | Ooo....oooh....ooo....oo....oooh....oo..... |
| Male | |
| Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa | Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Poyillaatha naakku irukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Poyillaatha naakku irukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Namma punnagaikku porulirukkuth muththaiyaa | There is genuine meaning behind our smile, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Male | |
| Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa | Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Male | |
| Yaerai pudichchu uzhuthu vachchom muththaiyaa | We held the plow and tilled the land, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Aaa…..aa…..aa….aaa….aaa…..aa….aaa….aa…. | Aaa.....aa.....aa....aaa....aaa.....aa....aaa....aa.... |
| Naama yaeththam pottu eraichchu vachchom muththaiyaa | We set up the water-lift and irrigated the fields, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Vaerai kaaththu velaiya vachchom muththaiyaa | We protected the crops from root to harvest, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Vaerai kaaththu velaiya vachchom muththaiyaa | We protected the crops from root to harvest, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Naama yaarai paarththu vaazha vendum sollaiyaa | Tell me sir, depending on whom should we live our lives? |
| Male | |
| Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa | Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Male | |
| Oodiyaadi sambathichchu | Running around and earning endlessly, |
| Usurai vittu kanakku vachchu | Pouring out our life energy into calculations, |
| Oodiyaadi sambathichchu | Running around and earning endlessly, |
| Usurai vittu kanakku vachchu | Pouring out our life energy into calculations, |
| Kodi kodi seththu vachchu muththaiyaa | Amassing millions upon millions, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Kodi kodi seththu vachchu muththaiyaa | Amassing millions upon millions, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Endha gopuraththai | Which temple tower |
| Kattaporom sollaiyaa | Are we going to construct, tell me sir? |
| Male | |
| Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa | Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Male | |
| Yaezhu maadi veettukullae | Inside a seven-story mansion, |
| Aalu maelae aalai vachchu | Placing guards upon guards for protection, |
| Yaezhu maadi veettukullae | Inside a seven-story mansion, |
| Aalu maelae aalai vachchu | Placing guards upon guards for protection, |
| Kaalamukki paduththiruppaan muththaiyaa | He lies down tucking his legs in fear, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Aaa…..aa….aaa…..aa…aa….aaa….. | Aaa.....aa....aaa.....aa...aa....aaa..... |
| Male | |
| Yaezhu maadi veettukullae | Inside a seven-story mansion, |
| Aalu maelae aalai vachchu | Placing guards upon guards for protection, |
| Kaalamukki paduththiruppaan muththaiyaa | He lies down tucking his legs in fear, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Avan kannukullae | Yet inside his eyes, |
| Thookkamillae muththaiyaa | There is no sleep, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Avan kannukullae | Yet inside his eyes, |
| Thookkamillae muththaiyaa | There is no sleep, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Male | |
| Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa | Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Poyillaatha naakku irukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Namma punnagaikku porulirukkuth muththaiyaa | There is genuine meaning behind our smile, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Male | |
| Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa | We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa | Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa! |
| Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa…. | We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!.... |
| Muththaiyaa……muththaiyaa…… | Muththaiyaa......muththaiyaa...... |
ஓஒ......ஓஒஹ்......ஓஓ......ஓ.......
ஓஒ......ஓஒஹ்......ஓஓ......ஓ.......
ஓஒ......ஓஒஹ்......ஓஓ......ஓ.......ஓஒஹ்.....ஓ....
Ooo.....oooh....ooo....oo....
Ooo....oooh....oo....oo.....
Ooo....oooh....ooo....oo....oooh....oo.....
கையிருக்குது காலிருக்குது முத்தையா
கையிருக்குது காலிருக்குது முத்தையா
இங்கே கடவுள் தந்த நிலமிருக்கு முத்தையா
பொய்யில்லாத நாக்கு இருக்குது முத்தையா
பொய்யில்லாத நாக்கு இருக்குது முத்தையா
நம்ம புன்னகைக்கு பொருளிருக்குது முத்தையா......
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa!
We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa!
There is genuine meaning behind our smile, Oh Muththaiyaa!
கையிருக்குது காலிருக்குது முத்தையா
இங்கே கடவுள் தந்த நிலமிருக்கு முத்தையா
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
ஏரைப் புடிச்சு உழுது வச்சோம் முத்தையா
ஆஅ......ஆ......ஆ......ஆஅ.......ஆ........ஆஅ......ஆ.....
ஏரைப் புடிச்சு உழுது வச்சோம் முத்தையா
நாம ஏத்தம் போட்டு எறைச்சு வச்சோம் முத்தையா
வேரை காத்து வெளைய வச்சோம் முத்தையா
வேரை காத்து வெளைய வச்சோம் முத்தையா
நாம யாரைப் பார்த்து வாழ வேண்டும் சொல்லையா
We held the plow and tilled the land, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Aaa.....aa.....aa....aaa....aaa.....aa....aaa....aa....
We set up the water-lift and irrigated the fields, Oh Muththaiyaa!
We protected the crops from root to harvest, Oh Muththaiyaa!
We protected the crops from root to harvest, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Tell me sir, depending on whom should we live our lives?
கையிருக்குது காலிருக்குது முத்தையா
இங்கே கடவுள் தந்த நிலமிருக்கு முத்தையா
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
ஓடியாடிச் சம்பாதிச்சு
உசுரை விட்டு கணக்கு வச்சு
ஓடியாடிச் சம்பாதிச்சு
உசுரை விட்டு கணக்கு வச்சு
கோடி கோடி சேத்து வச்சு முத்தையா
கோடி கோடி சேத்து வச்சு முத்தையா
எந்தக் கோபுரத்தைக்
கட்டப்போறோம் சொல்லையா
எந்தக் கோபுரத்தைக்
கட்டப்போறோம் சொல்லையா
Running around and earning endlessly,
Pouring out our life energy into calculations,
Running around and earning endlessly,
Pouring out our life energy into calculations,
Amassing millions upon millions, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Amassing millions upon millions, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Which temple tower
Are we going to construct, tell me sir?
கையிருக்குது காலிருக்குது முத்தையா
இங்கே கடவுள் தந்த நிலமிருக்கு முத்தையா
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
ஏழு மாடி வீட்டுக்குள்ளே
ஆளு மேலே ஆளை வச்சு
ஏழு மாடி வீட்டுக்குள்ளே
ஆளு மேலே ஆளை வச்சு
காலமுக்கிப் படுத்திருப்பான் முத்தைய்யா.....
ஆஆ.....ஆ......ஆஅ......ஆ.......ஆ.......ஆஆ.......
Inside a seven-story mansion,
Placing guards upon guards for protection,
Inside a seven-story mansion,
Placing guards upon guards for protection,
He lies down tucking his legs in fear, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Aaa.....aa....aaa.....aa...aa....aaa.....
ஏழு மாடி வீட்டுக்குள்ளே
ஆளு மேலே ஆளை வச்சு
காலமுக்கிப் படுத்திருப்பான் முத்தைய்யா.....
அவன் கண்ணுக்குள்ளே
தூக்கமில்லே முத்தைய்யா
அவன் கண்ணுக்குள்ளே
தூக்கமில்லே முத்தைய்யா
Inside a seven-story mansion,
Placing guards upon guards for protection,
He lies down tucking his legs in fear, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Yet inside his eyes,
There is no sleep, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Yet inside his eyes,
There is no sleep, Oh Muththaiyaa!
கையிருக்குது காலிருக்குது முத்தையா
இங்கே கடவுள் தந்த நிலமிருக்கு முத்தையா
பொய்யில்லாத நாக்கு இருக்குது முத்தையா
நம்ம புன்னகைக்கு பொருளிருக்குது முத்தையா......
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa!
There is genuine meaning behind our smile, Oh Muththaiyaa!
கையிருக்குது காலிருக்குது முத்தையா
இங்கே கடவுள் தந்த நிலமிருக்கு முத்தையா
கையிருக்குது காலிருக்குது முத்தையா......
முத்தையா......முத்தையா.......
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!....
Muththaiyaa......muththaiyaa......
Ooo…..oooh….ooo….oo….
Ooo.....oooh....ooo....oo....
Ooo….oooh….oo….oo…..
Ooo....oooh....oo....oo.....
Ooo….oooh….ooo….oo….oooh….oo…..
Ooo....oooh....ooo....oo....oooh....oo.....
Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Poyillaatha naakku irukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Poyillaatha naakku irukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Namma punnagaikku porulirukkuth muththaiyaa
There is genuine meaning behind our smile, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Yaerai pudichchu uzhuthu vachchom muththaiyaa
We held the plow and tilled the land, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Aaa…..aa…..aa….aaa….aaa…..aa….aaa….aa….
Aaa.....aa.....aa....aaa....aaa.....aa....aaa....aa....
Naama yaeththam pottu eraichchu vachchom muththaiyaa
We set up the water-lift and irrigated the fields, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Vaerai kaaththu velaiya vachchom muththaiyaa
We protected the crops from root to harvest, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Vaerai kaaththu velaiya vachchom muththaiyaa
We protected the crops from root to harvest, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Naama yaarai paarththu vaazha vendum sollaiyaa
Tell me sir, depending on whom should we live our lives?
Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Oodiyaadi sambathichchu
Running around and earning endlessly,
Usurai vittu kanakku vachchu
Pouring out our life energy into calculations,
Oodiyaadi sambathichchu
Running around and earning endlessly,
Usurai vittu kanakku vachchu
Pouring out our life energy into calculations,
Kodi kodi seththu vachchu muththaiyaa
Amassing millions upon millions, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Kodi kodi seththu vachchu muththaiyaa
Amassing millions upon millions, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Endha gopuraththai
Which temple tower
Kattaporom sollaiyaa
Are we going to construct, tell me sir?
Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Yaezhu maadi veettukullae
Inside a seven-story mansion,
Aalu maelae aalai vachchu
Placing guards upon guards for protection,
Yaezhu maadi veettukullae
Inside a seven-story mansion,
Aalu maelae aalai vachchu
Placing guards upon guards for protection,
Kaalamukki paduththiruppaan muththaiyaa
He lies down tucking his legs in fear, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Aaa…..aa….aaa…..aa…aa….aaa…..
Aaa.....aa....aaa.....aa...aa....aaa.....
Yaezhu maadi veettukullae
Inside a seven-story mansion,
Aalu maelae aalai vachchu
Placing guards upon guards for protection,
Kaalamukki paduththiruppaan muththaiyaa
He lies down tucking his legs in fear, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Avan kannukullae
Yet inside his eyes,
Thookkamillae muththaiyaa
There is no sleep, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Avan kannukullae
Yet inside his eyes,
Thookkamillae muththaiyaa
There is no sleep, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Poyillaatha naakku irukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have a tongue that does not lie, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Namma punnagaikku porulirukkuth muththaiyaa
There is genuine meaning behind our smile, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Ingae kadavul thantha nilamirukku muththaiyaa
Here we have the land gifted by God, Oh Muththaiyaa!
Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa….
We have hands and we have legs, Oh Muththaiyaa!....
Muththaiyaa……muththaiyaa……
Muththaiyaa......muththaiyaa......
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This classic philosophical song written by Kannadasan celebrates the dignity of labor, simple living, and honest hard work. Addressing 'Muththaiyaa', the singer emphasizes that with working hands, active legs, fertile land given by God, and an honest character, a hardworking farmer can live a self-respecting life without depending on anyone. The song contrasts the joyful, peaceful life of honest laborers with the anxiety-ridden existence of the wealthy who accumulate millions and live in heavily guarded mansions yet suffer from sleeplessness and perpetual fear. The lyrics advocate for contentment and truthfulness over greedy wealth accumulation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Emonai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa”
Repetition of the 'ya' / 'i' consonant sound in the second character of consecutive lines (Kaiyirukkuthu / Ingae).
Anaphora / Repetition
“Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa”
The refrain line addressing 'Muththaiyaa' is repeated emphasizing the direct address and conversational tone of rural folk songs.
Imagery & Contrast
“Yaezhu maadi veettukullae... Avan kannukullae Thookkamillae muththaiyaa”
Kannadasan contrasts the physical comfort of a seven-story mansion with the inner turmoil of sleeplessness.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kalyaniyin Kanavan' (1963) featured music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and starred Sivaji Ganesan and B. Saroja Devi. Lyricist Kannadasan was known for inserting profound societal philosophies into simple rural folk rhythms.
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