Karudhu Kathaaduthu
From Niyayam · 1984
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. Janaki, Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Niyayam1984
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Karudhu kaathaadudhu | The ear of corn sways in the wind |
| Kuruvi koothaadudhu | The sparrow dances with joy |
| Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka | As flowers bloom throughout the green grove |
| Onna poovaattam naan paakka | For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower |
| Male | |
| Karudhu kaathaadudhu | The ear of corn sways in the wind |
| Kuruvi koothaadudhu | The sparrow dances with joy |
| Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka | As flowers bloom throughout the green grove |
| Onna poovaattam naan paakka | For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower |
| Adi thai maasam kalyaanam | Hey girl, our wedding is in the month of Thai |
| Raavellaam kacheri nee rasikka | For you to enjoy a musical performance all night long |
| Indha paalaarum thaenaarum | In these flowing rivers of milk and honey |
| Veraarum kaanaama naan kulikka | For me to bathe without anyone else watching |
| Female | |
| Haei karudhu kaathaadudhu | Hey, the ear of corn sways in the wind |
| Kuruvi koothaadudhu | The sparrow dances with joy |
| Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka | As flowers bloom throughout the green grove |
| Enna poovaattam nee paakka | For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower |
| Male | |
| Meenae semmeenae | Oh fish, beautiful red fish |
| Unna oda thaalaatta | For the running stream to lull you to sleep |
| Poovae sempoovae | Oh flower, beautiful red flower |
| Panivaada paaraatta | For the morning chill wind to praise you |
| Female | |
| Odambu punnaaga thaan | While the body feels tender like a wound |
| Odhadu onnaaga thaan | While lips come together as one |
| Orasa koodaadhaiyaa saami | Oh lord, please do not brush past me like this |
| Aasa kondaalum thaan | Even if passion takes over us |
| Alavu illaama thaan | Beyond all limits and bounds |
| Mazhaiya thaangaadhaiyaa boomi | The earth cannot bear such overwhelming rain |
| Male | |
| Valai aadum kaiyodum | With hands adorned with jangling bangles |
| Kilaiyaadum kaniyodum | With fruits swaying gracefully on the branches |
| Vilaiyaadavaa | Shall I come to play? |
| Female | |
| Hoo oru paadhi pasiyaara | Hoo, to satisfy half of the hunger |
| Maru paadhi rusiyera | And enhance the taste of the remaining half |
| Parimaara vandhaayo nee thaan | Have you come yourself to serve the feast? |
| Male | |
| Karudhu kaathaadudhu | The ear of corn sways in the wind |
| Kuruvi koothaadudhu | The sparrow dances with joy |
| Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka | As flowers bloom throughout the green grove |
| Onna poovaattam naan paakka | For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower |
| Female | |
| Varum thai maasam kalyaanam | Our wedding is coming in the month of Thai |
| Raavellaam kacheri nee padikka | For you to learn the musical notes all night long |
| Indha paalaarum thaenaarum | In these flowing rivers of milk and honey |
| Veraarum kaanaama naan kulikka | For me to bathe without anyone else watching |
| Male | |
| Haei karudhu kaathaadudhu | Hey, the ear of corn sways in the wind |
| Kuruvi koothaadudhu | The sparrow dances with joy |
| Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka | As flowers bloom throughout the green grove |
| Unna poovaattam nee paakka | For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower |
| Male | |
| Kettaa naan kettaa | Even if I ask you repeatedly |
| Thara maattae neeyaaga thaan | You will not yield on your own |
| Thodanum kai padanum | Touch must happen, hands must meet |
| Sugam malarum thaanaaga thaan | Bliss will then blossom automatically on its own |
| Female | |
| Iravil onnaattam thaan | In the dark of the night like this |
| Enakku thindaattam thaan | It becomes a constant struggle for me |
| Manasil poraattam thaan lesaa | A subtle conflict rages within my mind |
| Padukkai mullaachudhu | The soft bed has turned into a bed of thorns |
| Paalum kallaachudhu | The sweet milk has turned cold like stone |
| Nilavum theeyaachudhu raasaa | The cool moon has turned into hot fire, my king |
| Male | |
| Ini melum thaangaadhu | I cannot endure this separation any longer |
| Iru kannum thoongaadhu | Neither of my eyes can find sleep |
| Uravaada vaa | Come to be united with me |
| Female | |
| Hae adhu poga modhaadhae | Hey, do not push beyond that limit |
| Alaiyaattam kaayaadhae | Do not dry up like receding waves |
| Ammaadi ennaaven naan thaan | Oh dear, what will become of me? |
| Male | |
| Karudhu kaathaadudhu | The ear of corn sways in the wind |
| Kuruvi koothaadudhu | The sparrow dances with joy |
| Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka | As flowers bloom throughout the green grove |
| Onna poovaattam naan paakka | For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower |
| Female | |
| Varum thai maasam kalyaanam | Our wedding is coming in the month of Thai |
| Raavellaam kacheri nee padikka | For you to learn the musical notes all night long |
| Indha paalaarum thaenaarum | In these flowing rivers of milk and honey |
| Veraarum kaanaama naan kulikka | For me to bathe without anyone else watching |
| Female | |
| Karudhu kaathaadudhu | The ear of corn sways in the wind |
| Kuruvi koothaadudhu | The sparrow dances with joy |
| Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka | As flowers bloom throughout the green grove |
| Enna poovaattam nee paakka | For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower |
கருது காத்தாடுது
குருவி கூத்தாடுது
பசும் தோப்பெல்லாம் பூப்பூக்க
ஒன்ன பூவாட்டம் நான் பாக்க
The ear of corn sways in the wind
The sparrow dances with joy
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower
கருது காத்தாடுது
குருவி கூத்தாடுது
பசும் தோப்பெல்லாம் பூப்பூக்க
ஒன்ன பூவாட்டம் நான் பாக்க
The ear of corn sways in the wind
The sparrow dances with joy
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower
Hey girl, our wedding is in the month of Thai
For you to enjoy a musical performance all night long
In these flowing rivers of milk and honey
For me to bathe without anyone else watching
வரும் தை மாசம் கல்யாணம்
ராவெல்லாம் கச்சேரி நீ..... படிக்க
இந்தப் பாலாறும் தேனாறும்
வேறாரும் காணாம நான் குளிக்க
Hey, the ear of corn sways in the wind
The sparrow dances with joy
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower
கருது காத்தாடுது
குருவி கூத்தாடுது
பசும் தோப்பெல்லாம் பூப்பூக்க
என்ன பூவாட்டம் நீ பாக்க……
Oh fish, beautiful red fish
For the running stream to lull you to sleep
Oh flower, beautiful red flower
For the morning chill wind to praise you
மீனே செம்மீனே
உன்ன ஓட தாலாட்ட
பூவே செம்பூவே
பனி வாட பாராட்ட
While the body feels tender like a wound
While lips come together as one
Oh lord, please do not brush past me like this
Even if passion takes over us
Beyond all limits and bounds
The earth cannot bear such overwhelming rain
ஒடம்பு புண்ணாகத்தான்
ஒதடு ஒண்ணாகத்தான்
ஒரசக் கூடாதையா சாமி
With hands adorned with jangling bangles
With fruits swaying gracefully on the branches
Shall I come to play?
ஆச கொண்டலும்தான்
அளவு இல்லாமத்தான்
மழைய தாங்காதையா பூமி
Hoo, to satisfy half of the hunger
And enhance the taste of the remaining half
Have you come yourself to serve the feast?
வளை ஆடும் கையோடும்
கிளையாடும் கனியோடும்
விளையாடவா
ஹோ ஒரு பாதி பசியாற
மறு பாதி ருசியேற
பரிமாற வந்தாயோ நீதான்
The ear of corn sways in the wind
The sparrow dances with joy
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower
கருது காத்தாடுது
குருவி கூத்தாடுது
பசும் தோப்பெல்லாம் பூப்பூக்க
ஒன்ன பூவாட்டம் நான் பாக்க
Our wedding is coming in the month of Thai
For you to learn the musical notes all night long
In these flowing rivers of milk and honey
For me to bathe without anyone else watching
வரும் தை மாசம் கல்யாணம்
ராவெல்லாம் கச்சேரி நீ..... படிக்க
இந்தப் பாலாறும் தேனாறும்
வேறாரும் காணாம நான் குளிக்க
Hey, the ear of corn sways in the wind
The sparrow dances with joy
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower
ஹேய் கருது காத்தாடுது
குருவி கூத்தாடுது
பசும் தோப்பெல்லாம் பூப்பூக்க
ஒன்ன பூவாட்டம் நான் பாக்க
Even if I ask you repeatedly
You will not yield on your own
Touch must happen, hands must meet
Bliss will then blossom automatically on its own
கேட்டா நான் கேட்டா
தர மாட்டே நீயாகத்தான்
தொடணும் கை படணும்
சுகம் மலரும் தானாகத்தான்
In the dark of the night like this
It becomes a constant struggle for me
A subtle conflict rages within my mind
The soft bed has turned into a bed of thorns
The sweet milk has turned cold like stone
The cool moon has turned into hot fire, my king
இரவில் ஒன்னாட்டம்தான்
எனக்கு திண்டாட்டம்தான்
மனசில் போராட்டம்தான் லேசா ஹாஹா
படுக்கை முள்ளாச்சுது
பாலும் கள்ளாச்சுது
நிலவும் தீயாச்சுது ராசா
I cannot endure this separation any longer
Neither of my eyes can find sleep
Come to be united with me
இனி மேலும் தாங்காது
இரு கண்ணும் தூங்காது
உறவாட வா
ஹே அது போக மோதாதே
அலையாட்டம் பாயாதே
அம்மாடி என்னாவேன் நான்தான்
Hey, do not push beyond that limit
Do not dry up like receding waves
Oh dear, what will become of me?
கருது காத்தாடுது
குருவி கூத்தாடுது
பசும் தோப்பெல்லாம் பூப்பூக்க
ஒன்ன பூவாட்டம் நான் பாக்க
The ear of corn sways in the wind
The sparrow dances with joy
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower
வரும் தை மாசம் கல்யாணம்
ராவெல்லாம் கச்சேரி நீ..... படிக்க
இந்தப் பாலாறும் தேனாறும்
வேறாரும் காணாம நான் குளிக்க
Our wedding is coming in the month of Thai
For you to learn the musical notes all night long
In these flowing rivers of milk and honey
For me to bathe without anyone else watching
கருது காத்தாடுது
குருவி கூத்தாடுது
பசும் தோப்பெல்லாம் பூப்பூக்க
என்ன பூவாட்டம் நீ பாக்க……
The ear of corn sways in the wind
The sparrow dances with joy
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower
Karudhu kaathaadudhu
The ear of corn sways in the wind
Kuruvi koothaadudhu
The sparrow dances with joy
Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
Onna poovaattam naan paakka
For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower
Karudhu kaathaadudhu
The ear of corn sways in the wind
Kuruvi koothaadudhu
The sparrow dances with joy
Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
Onna poovaattam naan paakka
For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower
Adi thai maasam kalyaanam
Hey girl, our wedding is in the month of Thai
Raavellaam kacheri nee rasikka
For you to enjoy a musical performance all night long
Indha paalaarum thaenaarum
In these flowing rivers of milk and honey
Veraarum kaanaama naan kulikka
For me to bathe without anyone else watching
Haei karudhu kaathaadudhu
Hey, the ear of corn sways in the wind
Kuruvi koothaadudhu
The sparrow dances with joy
Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
Enna poovaattam nee paakka
For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower
Meenae semmeenae
Oh fish, beautiful red fish
Unna oda thaalaatta
For the running stream to lull you to sleep
Poovae sempoovae
Oh flower, beautiful red flower
Panivaada paaraatta
For the morning chill wind to praise you
Odambu punnaaga thaan
While the body feels tender like a wound
Odhadu onnaaga thaan
While lips come together as one
Orasa koodaadhaiyaa saami
Oh lord, please do not brush past me like this
Aasa kondaalum thaan
Even if passion takes over us
Alavu illaama thaan
Beyond all limits and bounds
Mazhaiya thaangaadhaiyaa boomi
The earth cannot bear such overwhelming rain
Valai aadum kaiyodum
With hands adorned with jangling bangles
Kilaiyaadum kaniyodum
With fruits swaying gracefully on the branches
Vilaiyaadavaa
Shall I come to play?
Hoo oru paadhi pasiyaara
Hoo, to satisfy half of the hunger
Maru paadhi rusiyera
And enhance the taste of the remaining half
Parimaara vandhaayo nee thaan
Have you come yourself to serve the feast?
Karudhu kaathaadudhu
The ear of corn sways in the wind
Kuruvi koothaadudhu
The sparrow dances with joy
Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
Onna poovaattam naan paakka
For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower
Varum thai maasam kalyaanam
Our wedding is coming in the month of Thai
Raavellaam kacheri nee padikka
For you to learn the musical notes all night long
Indha paalaarum thaenaarum
In these flowing rivers of milk and honey
Veraarum kaanaama naan kulikka
For me to bathe without anyone else watching
Haei karudhu kaathaadudhu
Hey, the ear of corn sways in the wind
Kuruvi koothaadudhu
The sparrow dances with joy
Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
Unna poovaattam nee paakka
For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower
Kettaa naan kettaa
Even if I ask you repeatedly
Thara maattae neeyaaga thaan
You will not yield on your own
Thodanum kai padanum
Touch must happen, hands must meet
Sugam malarum thaanaaga thaan
Bliss will then blossom automatically on its own
Iravil onnaattam thaan
In the dark of the night like this
Enakku thindaattam thaan
It becomes a constant struggle for me
Manasil poraattam thaan lesaa
A subtle conflict rages within my mind
Padukkai mullaachudhu
The soft bed has turned into a bed of thorns
Paalum kallaachudhu
The sweet milk has turned cold like stone
Nilavum theeyaachudhu raasaa
The cool moon has turned into hot fire, my king
Ini melum thaangaadhu
I cannot endure this separation any longer
Iru kannum thoongaadhu
Neither of my eyes can find sleep
Uravaada vaa
Come to be united with me
Hae adhu poga modhaadhae
Hey, do not push beyond that limit
Alaiyaattam kaayaadhae
Do not dry up like receding waves
Ammaadi ennaaven naan thaan
Oh dear, what will become of me?
Karudhu kaathaadudhu
The ear of corn sways in the wind
Kuruvi koothaadudhu
The sparrow dances with joy
Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
Onna poovaattam naan paakka
For me to gaze at you like a blossoming flower
Varum thai maasam kalyaanam
Our wedding is coming in the month of Thai
Raavellaam kacheri nee padikka
For you to learn the musical notes all night long
Indha paalaarum thaenaarum
In these flowing rivers of milk and honey
Veraarum kaanaama naan kulikka
For me to bathe without anyone else watching
Karudhu kaathaadudhu
The ear of corn sways in the wind
Kuruvi koothaadudhu
The sparrow dances with joy
Pasum thoppellaam poo pookka
As flowers bloom throughout the green grove
Enna poovaattam nee paakka
For you to gaze at me like a blossoming flower
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song is a vibrant and romantic folk-style duet from the movie Niyayam (1984), written by the celebrated lyricist Vaali. Set against a lush rural landscape of swaying cornfields, chirping sparrows, and blossoming groves, the lovers express their deep affection and eager anticipation for their upcoming wedding in the auspicious Tamil month of Thai. Through poetic exchanges filled with nature imagery, they convey the overwhelming intensity of youthful love, physical closeness, and romantic longing. The female protagonist playfully sets boundaries while expressing how sleepless and restless her nights have become in anticipation, while the male protagonist teasingly woos her with promises of an endless celebration of togetherness and intimate affection.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Karudhu kaathaadudhu / Kuruvi koothaadudhu”
The second letters of the words match in adjacent lines (Karudhu / Kuruvi), creating a rhythmic chime characteristic of Tamil poetry.
Moonaai (Alliteration)
“Karudhu kaathaadudhu / Kuruvi koothaadudhu”
Repetition of the initial consonants ('k' sound) across the opening phrase gives a lively folk musical cadence.
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Indha paalaarum thaenaarum”
The expression 'Paalaarum thaenaarum' (rivers of milk and honey) metaphorically represents sweet, overwhelming intimacy and luxury of romantic togetherness.
Uvamai (Simile)
“Onna poovaattam naan paakka”
Comparing looking at the beloved to looking at a blooming flower ('Poovaattam').
Hyperbole & Oxymoron
“Padukkai mullaachudhu / Paalum kallaachudhu / Nilavum theeyaachudhu raasaa”
Sensory inversion expressing romantic anguish where comforting things turn adverse—bed turning into thorns, moon into fire, and milk into stone.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Niyayam' (1984) is a Tamil film starring Sivakumar and Ambika. The music for the film was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, featuring lyrics penned by the veteran lyricist Vaali, who frequently drew upon pastoral Tamil imagery and traditional folk motifs to craft romantic rural melodies.
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