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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kukkuk Koovena

From Nethiyadi · 1988

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
Music director
R. Pandiarajan
Details
Nethiyadi1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithuThis cuckoo bird coos 'kuku-koo'
Arangeruthu pudhu suram paaduthuIt debuts on stage, singing a new musical note
Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithuThis cuckoo bird coos 'kuku-koo'
Arangeruthu pudhu suram paaduthuIt debuts on stage, singing a new musical note
Male
Idhuthaan enathu nedunaal kanavuThis is my long-cherished dream
Pudhithaai thodangum pala naal uravuA long-standing relationship beginning anew
Female :Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithuFemale: This cuckoo bird coos 'kuku-koo'
Arangeruthu pudhu suram paaduthuIt debuts on stage, singing a new musical note
Male :Idhuthaan enathu nedunaal kanavuMale: This is my long-cherished dream
Male
Kannaththodu kannam vaiththuPlacing cheek against cheek
Kalledukkum kallan naanaeI am the thief who steals sweet stolen moments
Female :Thekki vaiththa thaenai ellaaFemale: All the honey that was stored up
Paakki indri thanthaal maanaeThe deer-like maiden gave it without keeping any balance
Male
Kaveri meenai kasthoori maanaiHolding the Kaveri fish and the musk deer
Kaiyodu yaendha kummaalamoIs this joy of holding them in hand?
Female :Kaval meerum ennam vanthathoFemale: Did thoughts exceeding limits arise?
Paavai vannam bodhai thanthathoDid the maiden's beauty bring intoxication?
Male
Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithuThis cuckoo bird coos 'kuku-koo'
Arangeruthu pudhu suram paaduthuIt debuts on stage, singing a new musical note
Female :Idhuthaan enathu nedunaal kanavuFemale: This is my long-cherished dream
Pudhithaai thodangum pala naal uravuA long-standing relationship beginning anew
Female
Merkkil pogum megam ondruA cloud heading towards the west
Vaanam paarkkum mannai kanduSeeing the earth that looks up at the sky
Male :Thooral podum neram indruMale: Today is the time for drizzling rain
Vaazha vendum vaazhakkandruThe banana sapling must thrive and live
Female
Verodum mannil neerodum pothuWhen water flows in the soil connected to roots
Yaedhedho ennam undaagumoWill all sorts of thoughts arise?
Male :Kaaman podum paanam allavoMale: Isn't this the arrow shot by Lord Kamadeva?
Kaayam maarum maayam sollavo…oo….Shall I speak of the magic that heals the wounds?...
Female
Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithuThis cuckoo bird coos 'kuku-koo'
Arangeruthu pudhu suram paaduthuIt debuts on stage, singing a new musical note
Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithuThis cuckoo bird coos 'kuku-koo'
Arangeruthu pudhu suram paaduthuIt debuts on stage, singing a new musical note
Male
Idhuthaan enathu nedunaal kanavuThis is my long-cherished dream
Pudhithaai thodangum pala naal uravuA long-standing relationship beginning anew
Female :Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithuFemale: This cuckoo bird coos 'kuku-koo'
Arangeruthu pudhu suram paaduthuIt debuts on stage, singing a new musical note
Male :Idhuthaan enathu nedunaal kanavu…Male: This is my long-cherished dream...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song is a joyful romantic duet expressing the euphoria of love and union. Using metaphors of a singing cuckoo debuting on stage, drizzling rain nourishing the earth, and sweet intimacy, the lovers celebrate their long-held dream of togetherness finally coming true as a fresh start to their deep bond.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Onomatopoeia (Oli-kkurippu)

Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithu

The phrase 'Kukkuk koovena' mimics the natural sound of a cuckoo singing.

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Kaveri meenai kasthoori maanai

The lover compares the female to 'Kaveri meen' (fish of Kaveri) and 'kasthoori maan' (musk deer).

Rhyme (Edhugai)

Merkkil pogum megam ondru / Vaanam paarkkum mannai kandu

Second-letter rhyming ('ri' in Kaveri / 'sthoori' in kasthoori, 'rk' in Merkkil / 'rk' in Vaanam paarkkum).

Alliteration (Monaai)

Kukkuk koovena koovum kuyilithu

Repetition of initial 'k' sounds in 'Kakkuk koovena koovum kuyilithu'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Nethiyadi (1988) was directed by actor Pandiarajan, who also composed the music for this film. The song features lively lyrics penned by Vaali and vocals by S. Janaki and Mano.

Keep listening

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