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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kudagu Malaikaadu

From Sugamana Sumaigal · 1992

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
K. J. Jesudass
Music director
Chandrabose
Details
Sugamana Sumaigal1992

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kudagu malai kaaduIn the forest of Kudagu mountain,
Adhil kuruvikoru kooduThere is a nest for a bird.
Kuruvi paranthodumThe bird will fly away,
Antha koodu mannil vaadumAnd that nest will wither into the soil.
Male
Kudagu malai kaaduIn the forest of Kudagu mountain,
Adhil kuruvikoru kooduThere is a nest for a bird.
Kuruvi paranthodumThe bird will fly away,
Antha koodu mannil vaadumAnd that nest will wither into the soil.
Male
Mannodu koodumthaanIt merges with the earth,
Mannaai pogum…mm…And turns into dust... mm...
Thannaasai kunjugal engae vaazhum…mm..Where will its beloved little chicks live?... mm...
Siragum sarugaai…..udhirnthae pogumEven its wings will shed like dry leaves.
Male
Kudagu malai kaaduIn the forest of Kudagu mountain,
Adhil kuruvikoru kooduThere is a nest for a bird.
Kuruvi paranthodumThe bird will fly away,
Antha koodu mannil vaadumAnd that nest will wither into the soil.
Female
Laa laalaa laalaa laalaLaa laalaa laalaa laala
Laalaa laa laa laalaLaalaa laa laa laala
Male
Aaruthal kooravo en devathai vanthathuDid my angel arrive to offer comfort?
Paalaivanam thedi oru nadhi vanthathuA river came searching for the desert.
Melliya paarvaiyaa nee solliya vaarththaiyaaWas it your soft gaze, or the words you spoke?
En idhayam nambikkaiyil udhikkindrathuMy heart rises anew in hope.
Male
Kudagu malai kaaduIn the forest of Kudagu mountain,
Adhil kuruvikoru kooduThere is a nest for a bird.
Kuruvi paranthodumThe bird will fly away,
Antha koodu mannil vaadumAnd that nest will wither into the soil.
Male
Ungalai aasaiyaaWith deep affection,
En nenjil thaanginaenI held you all in my heart.
Paasaththilae bharangalum sugamaanathuIn true love, even heavy burdens become pleasant.
Kangalai koodaththaan naan mooduvathillaiyaeI do not even close my eyes anymore,
Thookkamindri vaazhvatharkor varam kekkiraenI pray for a boon to live without sleep.
Male
Nadhiyae neruppilae erigindrathaeThe river itself is burning in fire,
Vizhi neer anaiththida thudikkindrathaeTears struggle anxiously to extinguish it.
Enathu vizhiyil sirikkum malargal Vaadi pogumoWill the smiling flowers in my eyes wither away?
Vidhiyin vazhiyil kavithai paravai oodi pogumoWill the bird of poetry run away along the path of fate?
Male
Kudagu malai kaaduIn the forest of Kudagu mountain,
Adhil kuruvikoru kooduThere is a nest for a bird.
Kuruvi paranthodumThe bird will fly away,
Antha koodu mannil vaadumAnd that nest will wither into the soil.
Male
Mannodu koodumthaanIt merges with the earth,
Mannaai pogum…mm…And turns into dust... mm...
Thannaasai kunjugal engae vaazhum…mm..Where will its beloved little chicks live?... mm...
Siragum sarugaai…..udhirnthae pogumEven its wings will shed like dry leaves.
Male
Kudagu malai kaaduIn the forest of Kudagu mountain,
Adhil kuruvikoru kooduThere is a nest for a bird.
Kuruvi paranthodumThe bird will fly away,
Antha koodu mannil vaadumAnd that nest will wither into the soil.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song uses the metaphor of a mountain bird and its fragile nest to reflect on the impermanence of life, human mortality, and deep familial responsibilities. The lyrics portray how aging and fate strip away one's physical strength like leaves falling from a tree, leaving behind vulnerable loved ones who still need care and protection.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Paalaivanam thedi oru nadhi vanthathu

Compares a soothing, comforting person arriving in a dry, suffering life to a river coming in search of a desert.

Simile (Uvamai)

Siragum sarugaai.....udhirnthae pogum

Compares aging wings losing their strength to dry leaves (sarugu) shedding off trees.

Oxymoron / Paradox

Paasaththilae bharangalum sugamaanathu

Pairs the concept of heavy burdens (bharangal) with sweetness/pleasure (sugamaanathu), encapsulating the title and core theme of the movie.

Edugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kudagu malai kaadu / Adhil kuruvikoru koodu

The second consonant sound 'da/da' rhymes between 'Kudagu' and 'koodu', creating rhythmic poetic harmony.

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Trivia

Sugamana Sumaigal (1992) was directed by Parthiban, who also starred in the lead role. The soundtrack was composed by Deva, and the deeply philosophical lyrics were penned by the renowned poet Pulamaipithan. The song captures the central thematic essence of the movie: bearing the heavy responsibilities of family with love makes every burden enjoyable.

Keep listening

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