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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Karu Karunnu

From Magalir Mattum · 2017

Lyricist
Bramma
Singers
Banupriya, Namitha Babu, Gold Devaraj
Music director
Ghibran
Details
Magalir Mattum2017

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Karukarunu suruttai mudiDeep black curly hair,
ValathirundhaandiHe grew it long!
Current kambi kannai vaichuWith eyes like live electric wires,
KirangadichaandiHe made me dizzy!
Female
Nimishathula moolaikkullaIn just a minute, inside my brain,
PugundhukittaandiHe entered and settled!
Ninaichu ninaichu paakka vachuMaking me think of him again and again,
Usir eduthaandiHe stole my soul away!
Female
Rettai jadai vayasukkoruFor the age of double-braided hair,
Sattai thachaandiHe stitched a new shirt!
Rekkai vaicha patchi ennaiMe, a winged bird,
Sikka vaichaandiHe trapped me tightly!
Female
Saarai paambai saakku vaichuUsing a rat-snake as an excuse,
Veetukkulla nuzhainjavanThe one who sneaked into the house,
Soorakkaathu vegathulaWith the speed of a whirlwind,
SeeterinjaandiWhistled and flirted!
Female
Saadhisanam paaththuruchuThe caste relatives spotted us,
Saagadikka thuninjuruchuThey dared to kill him,
Kaadhalichu adutha nodiThe very next second after falling in love,
MaattikittaandiHe got caught!
Female
Naalu naal kaadhalanMy lover of just four days,
Pona thadam theriyalaNo trace of where he went,
Peru theriyum podhuBy the time I finally knew his name,
Avan usiru illadiOh friend, he was no longer alive!
Chorus
Thaanae thaanae thannanaanae (4)Thaanae thaanae thannanaanae (repeats)
Female
Karukarunu suruttai mudiDeep black curly hair,
ValathirundhaandiHe grew it long!
Current kambi kannai vaichuWith eyes like live electric wires,
KirangadichaandiHe made me dizzy!
Female
Nimishathula moolaikkullaIn just a minute, inside my brain,
PugundhukittaandiHe entered and settled!
Narachi pona kaadhalukuTo a love that had grown grey with age,
Color adichandi …He painted vibrant colors...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Magalir Mattum' (2017) narrates a poignant recollection of youthful love and tragic honor killing. The protagonist nostalgically reminisces about a charming young man with curly hair and electrifying eyes who entered her life during her school days, bringing excitement and romantic fervor. However, their brief four-day romance met a brutal end when her caste-conscious relatives caught them and murdered him before she even had a chance to properly know his name. Years later, this painful memory resurfaces as a bittersweet reminder of her lost youth and unfulfilled love. The song balances vibrant folk rhythms with deeply sorrowful lyrics, highlighting how the passion of that brief romance painted colors onto an otherwise grey and stagnant life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile / Metaphor

Current kambi kannai vaichu

Describing eyes as electric wires ('Current kambi kannai vaichu') metaphorically conveys the shocking, intense impact of his gaze.

Metaphor

Narachi pona kaadhaluku / Color adichandi

Comparing a long-lost past love that was fading away to grey hair ('Narachi pona kaadhaluku') which is suddenly re-energized ('Color adichandi').

Monoreyme / End Rhyme (Eybhu)

Valathirundhaandi / Kirangadichaandi / Pugundhukittaandi

Sequential lines ending with the verb suffix '-aandi' (Valathirundhaandi, Kirangadichaandi, Pugundhukittaandi, Usir eduthaandi) creating a catchy rhythm.

Alliteration (Monaai)

Naalu naal kaadhalan

Repetition of initial consonants like 'Ka' in 'Kaadhalichu' and 'Na' in 'Naalu naal kaadhalan'.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song, titled 'Karukarunu Suruttai Mudi', features lyrics written by Bramma himself, who also directed the movie 'Magalir Mattum' (2017). The music was composed by Ghibran. In the film narrative, this song plays during a flashback sequence featuring the character played by Bhanupriya, illustrating her tragic past romance.

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