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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kottaiyile Kuyilirukku

From Neethaana Andha Kuyil · 1986

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Neethaana Andha Kuyil1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oooo oo ooo oo oo oo ooo oo(Melodic vocalization)
Kottaiyilae kuyilirukkuThere is a cuckoo bird in the fort
Kuyilukku oru kadhai irukkuThat cuckoo bird has a story to tell
Raavellaam adhu paadumIt sings all through the night
Andha raagam ketkiradhaCan you hear that melody?
Yedhedhoo adhil sogamThere is so much sorrow in it
Andha yaekkam purigiradhaDo you understand that longing?
Male
Kottaiyilae kuyilirukkuThere is a cuckoo bird in the fort
Male
Nandri undu nenjilaThere is gratitude in her heart
Kobam undu kannulaThere is anger in her eyes
Nyaayam puriyalaJustice is hard to comprehend
Naalai enna naerumWhat will happen tomorrow?
Edhirkaalam bathil koorumThe future will give the answer
Ival kadha thaan thodarkadhaiyooIs her story a continuous saga?
Vidhi ezhudhum vidukadhaiyooOr is it a riddle written by fate?
Ival kadha thaan thodarkadhaiyooIs her story a continuous saga?
Vidhi ezhudhum vidukadhaiyooOr is it a riddle written by fate?
Theeratha kaayangal aaraadhooWill these unhealable wounds never heal?
Male
Kottaiyilae kuyilirukkuThere is a cuckoo bird in the fort
Kuyilukku oru kadhai irukkuThat cuckoo bird has a story to tell
Male
Kaayam patta pombalaA woman who has been deeply hurt
Kanneeru innum kaayalaHer tears haven't dried yet
Kaalam kaniyalaTime has not turned favorable yet
Vaala koduvaala viduvaala viraivaalaIs she a sword, a scythe, a whip, or speed?
Pagai mudikka ezhundhu vittaalShe has risen to destroy her enmity
Sudum neruppaai kozhundhu vittaalShe has blazed up like a burning fire
Pagai mudikka ezhundhu vittaalShe has risen to destroy her enmity
Sudum neruppaai kozhundhu vittaalShe has blazed up like a burning fire
Thoongaama poraada thuninjaalaeShe dared to fight sleeplessly
Male
Kottaiyilae kuyilirukkuThere is a cuckoo bird in the fort
Kuyilukku oru kadhai irukkuThat cuckoo bird has a story to tell
Raavellaam adhu paadumIt sings all through the night
Andha raagam ketkiradhaCan you hear that melody?
Yedhedhoo adhil sogamThere is so much sorrow in it
Andha yaekkam purigiradhaDo you understand that longing?
Male
Kottaiyilae kuyilirukkuThere is a cuckoo bird in the fort

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song uses the poetic metaphor of a cuckoo bird trapped in a fort to represent a grieving woman trapped in her harsh reality. It portrays her complex emotions—carrying gratitude deep in her heart while bearing intense rage in her eyes due to unaddressed injustice. The lyrics question whether her tragic existence is an endless saga or a complex riddle crafted by destiny, mourning her deep, unhealable emotional wounds.\n\nAs the song advances, her deep sorrow transforms into unwavering resolve. The wounded woman rises like a blazing fire, ready to fight her enemies endlessly without sleep to claim justice. Lyricist Vairamuthu masterfully captures this powerful transition from tragic lamentation to fiery vengeance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kottaiyilae kuyilirukku

The suffering woman trapped in a castle/fort is poetically compared to a trapped cuckoo bird ('Kuyil').

Simile / Imagery (Uvamai)

Sudum neruppaai kozhundhu vittaal

Her intense rage and determination to end her enmity are compared to a rising, burning fire.

Rhetorical Question

Ival kadha thaan thodarkadhaiyoo / Vidhi ezhudhum vidukadhaiyoo

The line questions whether her life is an unending continuous saga or a riddle written by fate, emphasizing uncertainty.

Contrast / Antithesis

Nandri undu nenjila / Kobam undu kannula

Juxtaposes gratitude in the heart with anger in the eyes to highlight internal turmoil.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed with unknown credits in some records, Neethaana Andha Kuyil (1986) features a acclaimed soundtrack composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with evocative lyrics by Vairamuthu. The metaphor of the 'kuyil' (cuckoo) is central to the entire narrative of the film.

Keep listening

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