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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kathudhu Kathudhu Koyil Puraa

From Anbu Chinnam · 1989

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Anbu Chinnam1989

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kathudhu kathudhu koyil puraaThe temple dove is cooing and cooing
Kannula kannula yaedho kanaaThere is a dream in the eyes, in the eyes
Kathudhu kathudhu koyil puraaThe temple dove is cooing and cooing
Kannula kannula yaedho kanaaThere is a dream in the eyes, in the eyes
Kan kaadhal thamizh pesumThe eyes speak the Tamil language of love
Kai innum innum thazhuvumThe hands embrace more and more
Thannaal idhu ennaalum thaanBy itself, for all time
Kathura sithiram thaanIt is like a picture that speaks
Chorus
I love you… i love you…I love you... I love you...
I love you… i love you…I love you... I love you...
Female
Kathudhu kathudhu koyil puraaThe temple dove is cooing and cooing
Kannula kannula yaedho kanaaThere is a dream in the eyes, in the eyes
Female
Malaraachu azhagaanaA beautiful blossom
Arumbondru thaanJust a flower bud
Varundhaadho oru vanduWon't a beetle yearn
Thazhuvaadhu thaanWithout embracing it?
Paruvam thaan mayangaadhaaWon't youth become spellbound
Un kai thodaWhen your hand touches it?
Dhaagam thaan pirakkaadhoWon't a thirst be born
Thendral sudaWhen the gentle breeze warms up?
Female
Kaadhal undaagum ammaadiLove blossoms, oh my!
Kaalgal vandhaadum thallaadiThe feet sway and stagger in joy
Unaal oru neerodai thaanBecause of you, a water stream
Ullae ponga ennaalum thaanGushes inside forever
Dhinam penmai ennai kannaa neeyum theenduTouch my womanhood every day, my dear!
Female
Kathudhu kathudhu ei ei eiCooing and cooing, hey hey hey
Kathudhu kathudhu koyil puraaThe temple dove is cooing and cooing
Kannula kannula yaedho kanaaThere is a dream in the eyes, in the eyes
Female
Naal thorum madi konjumCuddled in the lap every single day
Kodi thaan idhuThis is like a vine creeper
Neengaadhu muthaada unai thoondudhuIt tempts you to kiss without leaving
Thullaadho angangae idai aanaadhuWon't the slender waist bounce around?
Thaalaadha viragangal kondaadudhuUnbearable passions celebrate
Female
Poovae thaen sottu vazhangaOh flower, yield drops of honey
Undaal kani bodhai thodangaOnce consumed, the sweet intoxication begins
Nee illaiyael naan tharaadhadhaaIf not for you, wouldn't I give it?
Thaen vazhangum poo thoongaadhadhaaWouldn't the honey-bearing flower stay awake?
Ada naanum neeyum onnaa serum naal thaanAh, the day when you and I unite as one
Female
Kathudhu kathudhu koyil puraaThe temple dove is cooing and cooing
Kannula kannula yaedho kanaaThere is a dream in the eyes, in the eyes
Kathudhu kathudhu koyil puraaThe temple dove is cooing and cooing
Kannula kannula yaedho kanaaThere is a dream in the eyes, in the eyes
Kan kaadhal thamizh pesumThe eyes speak the Tamil language of love
Kai innum innum thazhuvumThe hands embrace more and more
Thannaal idhu ennaalum thaanBy itself, for all time
Kathura sithiram thaanIt is like a picture that speaks
Chorus
I love you… i love you…I love you... I love you...
I love you… i love you…I love you... I love you...
Female
Kathudhu kathudhu koyil puraaThe temple dove is cooing and cooing
Kannula kannula yaedho kanaaThere is a dream in the eyes, in the eyes

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song expresses the intense romantic longing and passion between two lovers. Utilizing classical Tamil poetry tropes—such as comparing the beloved to a temple dove, a tender blossom, and a climbing vine—lyricist Vaali paints a sensory portrait of affection. The lyrics capture the overwhelming feelings of yearning, physical closeness, and the beauty of love expressed through silent glances and gentle touches.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Kathudhu kathudhu koyil puraa

Words like 'Kathudhu kathudhu', 'Kannula kannula', and 'Innum innum' are repeated consecutively to evoke a rhythmic, musical quality and emphasize emotional depth.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kodi thaan idhu

The lover or heart is metaphorically represented as a 'Koyil Puraa' (temple dove) and 'Kodi' (a vine creeper), symbolizing gentleness, purity, and affection.

Personification (Tharkurippetradhanivani)

Kan kaadhal thamizh pesum

Attributing the human capability of speaking the Tamil language of love directly to eyes ('Kan kaadhal thamizh pesum').

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the legendary Tamil poet Vaali, the song features a blending of classical Tamil metaphors (like flowers, beetles, and vines) with contemporary English phrases like 'I love you', reflecting the late 1980s Tamil cinema music trend of mixing modern pop elements into traditional melodies.

Keep listening

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