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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Konjum Kili

From Kandhan Karunai · 1967

Lyricist
Sankaradas Swamigal
Singer
A. L. Raghavan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kandhan Karunai1967

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Cho…Shoo...
Konjum kili kuruvi mainaavaePrattling parrot, sparrow, and mynahs,
Koottamaai ingae varaadheerDo not come here in flocks.
Kavan veesi kal erivenaeI will swing my sling and throw stones,
Kaavalil naada videnaeI will not let you wander into my guarded field.
Azhagaana paravaigal ariyaadhae vandheerBeautiful birds, you came without knowing.
Naan ini mel dhaatchanyam paarenI will no longer show any mercy.
Male
Konjum kili kuruvi mainaavaePrattling parrot, sparrow, and mynahs,
Koottamaai ingae varaadheerDo not come here in flocks.
Cho…Shoo...
Male
Aalolam aalolam aalolamaeAalolam, aalolam, aalolame (traditional call to shoo birds),
Annam kaudhaarigal aalolamaeSwans and partridges, aalolame!
Aalolam aalolam aalolamaeAalolam, aalolam, aalolame,
Annam kaudhaarigal aalolamaeSwans and partridges, aalolame!
Male
Kothi kothi thinaiyarundhumPecking and pecking, eating the millet,
Kogilangaal ungal meedhuO cuckoos, upon you all,
Kothi kothi thinaiyarundhumPecking and pecking, eating the millet,
Kogilangaal ungal meedhuO cuckoos, upon you all,
Suthi suthi kavan viduvenWhirling around, I will aim my sling!
Aalolangadi choAalolangadi shoo!
Neeveer thuridhamudan parandhu selveerYou all fly away quickly!
Aalolangadi cho…. cho…. cho….Aalolangadi shoo.... shoo.... shoo....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a classic representation of 'Tinai Punam Kaaval' (guarding millet fields), a theme deeply rooted in ancient Tamil Sangam literature. Sung by Goddess Valli in the film Kandhan Karunai, she warns various birds—parrots, sparrows, mynahs, swans, partridges, and cuckoos—not to destroy or eat the ripe millet crops in her field. She playfully yet firmly threatens to sling stones at them if they do not fly away swiftly.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Konjum kili kuruvi mainaavae / Koottamaai ingae varaadheer

Repetition of the initial 'K' sound across consecutive lines ('Konjum', 'Koottamaai', 'Kavan', 'Kaavalil').

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Kothi kothi thinaiyarundhum

The duplicated words 'Kothi kothi' (pecking repeatedly) and 'Suthi suthi' (whirling continuously) enhance the rhythm and vividly describe the actions.

Traditional Refrain (Onomatopoeia / Cultural Chant)

Aalolam aalolam aalolamae

'Aalolam' and 'Cho' are traditional vocalizations specifically used by ancient Tamil women to shoo away birds from crops.

Did you know?

Trivia

The term 'Aalolam' is an ancient Tamil word dating back to Sangam poetry, specifically referring to the melodious sound made by young women guarding field crops ('Tinai Punam') to scare away birds without harming them. The lyrics used in the film were originally written by Swami Sankaradas, the pioneer of modern Tamil theatre.

Keep listening

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