Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kani Mutham Pathinthathu Song

From Yaar Jambulingam · 1972

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
P. Susheela, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Yaar Jambulingam1972

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kani muththam pathinthathu kodi melaeA fruit's kiss imprinted on the creeper,
Pani muththam pathinthathu malar melaeA dewdrop's kiss imprinted on the flower,
Male :Mugil muththam pathinthathu malai melaeA cloud's kiss imprinted on the mountain,
Un mudhal muththam pathinthathen idhazh melaeYour first kiss imprinted on my lips.
Female
Kani muththam pathinthathu kodi melaeA fruit's kiss imprinted on the creeper,
Pani muththam pathinthathu malar melaeA dewdrop's kiss imprinted on the flower,
Male :Mugil muththam pathinthathu malai melaeA cloud's kiss imprinted on the mountain,
Un mudhal muththam pathinthathen idhal melaeYour first kiss imprinted on my lips.
Female
: Poovizhiyaal oru oviyamWith flower-like eyes, a painting
Varainthen kadhalan ullaththilaeI drew within my lover's heart.
Male :Punnagaiyaal oru kaaviyamWith a smile, an epic poem
Varanthen kadhali nenjaththilaeI composed within my beloved's chest.
Female
Poovizhiyaal oru oviyamWith flower-like eyes, a painting
Varainthen kadhalan ullaththilaeI drew within my lover's heart.
Male :Punnagaiyaal oru kaaviyamWith a smile, an epic poem
Varanthen kadhali nenjaththilaeI composed within my beloved's chest.
Female
: Ezhuthiya kavithaikku pareisennavoWhat is the prize for the poem written?
Male: Koduppathai koduththaal suvaiyallavoIf you yield what ought to be given, isn't it sweet?
Female :Vaa vaa ennai aadharikka nee vaaCome, come, come to support me!
Male: Vaa vaa ennai kadhalikka nee vaaCome, come, come to love me!
Female
Kani muththam pathinthathu kodi melaeA fruit's kiss imprinted on the creeper,
Pani muththam pathinthathu malar melaeA dewdrop's kiss imprinted on the flower,
Male :Mugil muththam pathinthathu malai melaeA cloud's kiss imprinted on the mountain,
Un mudhal muththam pathinthathen idhazh melaeYour first kiss imprinted on my lips.
Male
Thaen kudam thaangiya maanthalirA tender mango-leaf body bearing pots of honey,
Meaniyai naan thodum neraththilaeIn the moments when I touch that form,
Female :Noolidai meloru naadagamA drama played upon the thread-thin waist,
Nadanthathai kann sollum naanaththilaeTold by the shy glances of the eyes.
Male
Aaa…aaah….aa…aa…aa…aa….Aaa... aaah... aa... aa... aa... aa...
Thaen kudam thaangiya maanthalirA tender mango-leaf body bearing pots of honey,
Meaniyai naan thodum neraththilaeIn the moments when I touch that form,
Female :Noolidai meloru naadagamA drama played upon the thread-thin waist,
Nadanthathai kann sollum naanaththilaeTold by the shy glances of the eyes.
Male
Iravinil ragasiyam velippadumoWill the secrets of the night be revealed?
Female :Ilamaiyin adhisayam pulappadumoWill the wonders of youth come into view?
Male :Vaa vaa ennai aadharikka nee vaaCome, come, come to support me!
Male :Vaa vaa ennai kadhalikka nee vaaCome, come, come to love me!
Female
Kani muththam pathinthathu kodi melaeA fruit's kiss imprinted on the creeper,
Pani muththam pathinthathu malar melaeA dewdrop's kiss imprinted on the flower,
Male :Mugil muththam pathinthathu malai melaeA cloud's kiss imprinted on the mountain,
Un mudhal muththam pathinthathen idhazh melaeYour first kiss imprinted on my lips.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet from the film 'Yaar Jambulingam' (1972) expresses the blissful romance between two lovers. The lyrics draw rich comparisons between elements of nature—such as fruit clinging to vines, dew resting on petals, and clouds touching mountain peaks—and the physical intimacy of a couple's first kiss. The lovers romanticize their bond through poetic metaphors, describing art painted by eyes and epics written through smiles, while yearning for togetherness and warmth in the night.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Kani muththam pathinthathu kodi melae

The repetitive ending 'melae' across the opening lines creates a rhythmic end-rhyme scheme characteristic of Tamil lyricism.

Uvamai (Metaphor/Simile)

Poovizhiyaal oru oviyam

Comparing eyes to flowers ('Poovizhi') and waist to a thin thread ('Noolidai') are traditional Tamil poetic imagery used to praise feminine grace.

Anaphora / Repetition

Pani muththam pathinthathu malar melae

The structure '...muththam pathinthathu...' repeated across successive lines establishes a poetic cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by veteran music director T. R. Pappa and written by Vaali, 'Kani Muththam' is a rare track from the 1972 film 'Yaar Jambulingam' featuring SPB and P. Susheela. T. R. Pappa was renowned for integrating light classical and folk elements seamlessly into mid-20th century Tamil cinema music.

Keep listening

More from Yaar Jambulingam