Kumthalakadi
From Mannan · 1992
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Chorus
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Mannan1992
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi (a rhythmic folk phrase) |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Chorus | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Chorus | |
| {Kumthalakkadi | {Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi } (2) | Kumthalakkadi } (2) |
| Chorus | |
| {Kumthalakkadi | {Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi } (2) | Kumthalakkadi } (2) |
| Male | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Chorus | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Male | |
| Naan maamannaru veettil | In the emperor's house |
| Mannanaaga aanen | I became a king |
| Aanabodhum ingae | Even though I became so, here |
| Annanaagi ponen | I became an elder brother to all |
| Male | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Male | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Chorus | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Male | |
| Paattaali koottamellaam | The group of working-class people |
| Paaravandi izhukkudhu | Is pulling the heavy bullock cart |
| Chorus :Paadubattu pozhaikkudhu | Chorus : Toiling hard to make a living |
| Paattugal eduththu padikkudhu | Singing songs while working hard |
| Male | |
| Annaadam meen pidukkum | Daily fish-catching |
| Ezhaisanam kadalilae | Poor people in the sea |
| Chorus :Pogurappoo padagilae | Chorus : While riding in the boat |
| Elaelo endru paadudhu | Singing 'Elaelo' folk rhythms |
| Male | |
| Yeththam iraippavan | The one who lifts water with a water-wheel |
| Chorus : Heyy | Chorus : Heyy |
| Male :Yera pidippavan | Male : The one who holds the plow |
| Chorus :Heyy | Chorus : Heyy |
| Male :Moottai sumappavan | Male : The one who carries heavy sacks |
| Chorus :Heyy | Chorus : Heyy |
| Male :Mudiyai vazhippavan | Male : The one who shaves heads |
| Male | |
| Ellaam oru inam | All belong to one single brotherhood |
| Ingu paadiththaan seiyudhu velai | Everyone does their work here while singing |
| Chorus :Heyy hey | Chorus : Heyy hey |
| Male :Paattaalae manam konda | Male : Because the burdens of the heart |
| Baarangal neenguvadhaalae | Are lightened through song |
| Chorus :Heyy hey | Chorus : Heyy hey |
| Male :Naam koodaththaan | Male : We too shall |
| Oru kacheri vaippomadaa | Host a music concert, my friend |
| Chorus :Heyy | Chorus : Heyy |
| Chorus | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Male | |
| Thaimaasam pirandhiduchu | The month of Thai has arrived |
| Ponga paanai vaikkalaam | Let us set up the Pongal pot |
| Chorus :Pudhusu vaangikkattalaam | Chorus : Let's buy and wear new clothes |
| Pongalo pongal paadalaam | Let's sing 'Pongalo Pongal' |
| Male | |
| Oyaamal uzhaikkum vargham | The class that works tirelessly |
| Naalum ingu sirikkanum | Must smile every single day |
| Chorus :Naadum veedum sezhikkanum | Chorus : The country and home should prosper |
| Nalladhu ellaam nadakkanum | All good things must happen |
| Male | |
| Yeri kidakkudhu | Prices have shot up sky-high |
| Chorus :Heyy | Chorus : Heyy |
| Male :Ellaam vilaiyilae | Male : In everything's price |
| Chorus :Heyy | Chorus : Heyy |
| Male :Yetram varaliyae | Male : No increment has come |
| Chorus :Heyy | Chorus : Heyy |
| Male :Enga nilaiyilae | Male : In our living status |
| Male | |
| Maasam thaan varum | Month after month comes |
| Enga sambalam paththalae saami | Our salary is not enough, oh God |
| Chorus :Heyy hey | Chorus : Heyy hey |
| Male :Bonus thaan tharum | Male : The world will praise |
| Mudhalaaliyai mechchidum boomi | The employer who gives a bonus |
| Chorus :Heyy hey | Chorus : Heyy hey |
| Male :Poraadinaa vetri nichchaiyam | Male : If we fight/struggle, victory is guaranteed |
| Nichchaiyam thaan hei | Victory is guaranteed, hei! |
| Male | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Chorus | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Male | |
| Naan maamannaru veettil | In the emperor's house |
| Mannanaaga aanen | I became a king |
| Aanabodhum ingae | Even though I became so, here |
| Annanaagi ponen | I became an elder brother to all |
| Male | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Male | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Chorus | |
| Kumthalakkadi | Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Male :Amaam | Male : Yes! |
| Chorus :Idhai kummidippoondi | Chorus : Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu | Goods train carriage |
| Male :Podu | Male : Play it! |
| Chorus | |
| {Kumthalakkadi | {Kumthalakkadi |
| Kumthalakkadi paattu | The Kumthalakkadi song |
| Idhai kummidippoondi | Load this into the Gummidipoondi |
| Goodsu vandiyil yeththu} (2) | Goods train carriage} (2) |
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi (a rhythmic folk phrase)
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
{கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி} (2)
{Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi } (2)
{கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி} (2)
{Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi } (2)
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
நான் மாமனாரு வீட்டில்
மன்னனாக ஆனேன்
ஆனபோதும் இங்கே
அண்ணனாகிப் போனேன்
In the emperor's house
I became a king
Even though I became so, here
I became an elder brother to all
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
பாட்டாளிக் கூட்டமெல்லாம்
பாரவண்டி இழுக்குது
குழு :
பாடுபட்டுப் பொழைக்குது
பாட்டுக்கள் எடுத்துப் படிக்குது
The group of working-class people
Is pulling the heavy bullock cart
Chorus : Toiling hard to make a living
Singing songs while working hard
அன்னாடம் மீன் பிடிக்கும்
ஏழை சனம் கடலிலே
குழு :
போகுறப்போ படகிலே
ஏலேலோ என்று பாடுது
Daily fish-catching
Poor people in the sea
Chorus : While riding in the boat
Singing 'Elaelo' folk rhythms
ஏத்தம் இறைப்பவன்
குழு :
ஹேய்ய்
ஏரைப் பிடிப்பவன்
குழு :
ஹேய்ய்
மூட்டை சுமப்பவன்
குழு :
ஹேய்ய்
முடியை வழிப்பவன்
The one who lifts water with a water-wheel
Chorus : Heyy
Male : The one who holds the plow
Chorus : Heyy
Male : The one who carries heavy sacks
Chorus : Heyy
Male : The one who shaves heads
எல்லாம் ஒரு இனம்
இங்கு பாடித்தான் செய்யுது வேல
குழு :
ஹேய்ய் ஹே
பாட்டாலே மனம் கொண்ட
பாரங்கள் நீங்குவதாலே
குழு :
ஹேய்ய் ஹே
நாம் கூடத்தான்
ஒரு கச்சேரி வைப்போமடா
குழு :
ஹேய்
All belong to one single brotherhood
Everyone does their work here while singing
Chorus : Heyy hey
Male : Because the burdens of the heart
Are lightened through song
Chorus : Heyy hey
Male : We too shall
Host a music concert, my friend
Chorus : Heyy
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
தை மாசம் பிறந்திடுச்சு
பொங்கப் பானை வைக்கலாம்
குழு :
புதுசு வாங்கிக்கட்டலாம்
பொங்கலோ பொங்கல் பாடலாம்
The month of Thai has arrived
Let us set up the Pongal pot
Chorus : Let's buy and wear new clothes
Let's sing 'Pongalo Pongal'
ஓயாமல் உழைக்கும் வர்க்கம்
நாளும் இங்கு சிரிக்கணும்
குழு :
நாடும் வீடும் செழிக்கணும்
நல்லது எல்லாம் நடக்கணும்
The class that works tirelessly
Must smile every single day
Chorus : The country and home should prosper
All good things must happen
ஏறி கெடக்குது
குழு :
ஹேய்ய்
எல்லாம் விலையிலே
குழு :
ஹேய்ய்
ஏற்றம் வரலியே
குழு :
ஹேய்ய்
எங்க நிலையிலே
Prices have shot up sky-high
Chorus : Heyy
Male : In everything's price
Chorus : Heyy
Male : No increment has come
Chorus : Heyy
Male : In our living status
மாசம் தான் வரும்
எங்க சம்பளம் பத்தலே சாமி
குழு :
ஹேய்ய் ஹே
போனஸ்தான் தரும்
முதலாளியை மெச்சிடும் பூமி
குழு :
ஹேய்ய் ஹே
போராடினா வெற்றி நிச்சயம்
நிச்சயம் தான் ஹேய்...
Month after month comes
Our salary is not enough, oh God
Chorus : Heyy hey
Male : The world will praise
The employer who gives a bonus
Chorus : Heyy hey
Male : If we fight/struggle, victory is guaranteed
Victory is guaranteed, hei!
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
நான் மாமனாரு வீட்டில்
மன்னனாக ஆனேன்
ஆனபோதும் இங்கே
அண்ணனாகிப் போனேன்
In the emperor's house
I became a king
Even though I became so, here
I became an elder brother to all
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
ஆமாம்
குழு :
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து
போடு
Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Male : Yes!
Chorus : Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage
Male : Play it!
{கும்தலக்கடி
கும்தலக்கடி பாட்டு
இதை கும்மிடிபூண்டி
கூட்சு வண்டியில் ஏத்து} (2)
{Kumthalakkadi
The Kumthalakkadi song
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goods train carriage} (2)
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi (a rhythmic folk phrase)
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
{Kumthalakkadi
{Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi } (2)
Kumthalakkadi } (2)
{Kumthalakkadi
{Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi } (2)
Kumthalakkadi } (2)
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Naan maamannaru veettil
In the emperor's house
Mannanaaga aanen
I became a king
Aanabodhum ingae
Even though I became so, here
Annanaagi ponen
I became an elder brother to all
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Paattaali koottamellaam
The group of working-class people
Paaravandi izhukkudhu
Is pulling the heavy bullock cart
Chorus :Paadubattu pozhaikkudhu
Chorus : Toiling hard to make a living
Paattugal eduththu padikkudhu
Singing songs while working hard
Annaadam meen pidukkum
Daily fish-catching
Ezhaisanam kadalilae
Poor people in the sea
Chorus :Pogurappoo padagilae
Chorus : While riding in the boat
Elaelo endru paadudhu
Singing 'Elaelo' folk rhythms
Yeththam iraippavan
The one who lifts water with a water-wheel
Chorus : Heyy
Chorus : Heyy
Male :Yera pidippavan
Male : The one who holds the plow
Chorus :Heyy
Chorus : Heyy
Male :Moottai sumappavan
Male : The one who carries heavy sacks
Chorus :Heyy
Chorus : Heyy
Male :Mudiyai vazhippavan
Male : The one who shaves heads
Ellaam oru inam
All belong to one single brotherhood
Ingu paadiththaan seiyudhu velai
Everyone does their work here while singing
Chorus :Heyy hey
Chorus : Heyy hey
Male :Paattaalae manam konda
Male : Because the burdens of the heart
Baarangal neenguvadhaalae
Are lightened through song
Chorus :Heyy hey
Chorus : Heyy hey
Male :Naam koodaththaan
Male : We too shall
Oru kacheri vaippomadaa
Host a music concert, my friend
Chorus :Heyy
Chorus : Heyy
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Thaimaasam pirandhiduchu
The month of Thai has arrived
Ponga paanai vaikkalaam
Let us set up the Pongal pot
Chorus :Pudhusu vaangikkattalaam
Chorus : Let's buy and wear new clothes
Pongalo pongal paadalaam
Let's sing 'Pongalo Pongal'
Oyaamal uzhaikkum vargham
The class that works tirelessly
Naalum ingu sirikkanum
Must smile every single day
Chorus :Naadum veedum sezhikkanum
Chorus : The country and home should prosper
Nalladhu ellaam nadakkanum
All good things must happen
Yeri kidakkudhu
Prices have shot up sky-high
Chorus :Heyy
Chorus : Heyy
Male :Ellaam vilaiyilae
Male : In everything's price
Chorus :Heyy
Chorus : Heyy
Male :Yetram varaliyae
Male : No increment has come
Chorus :Heyy
Chorus : Heyy
Male :Enga nilaiyilae
Male : In our living status
Maasam thaan varum
Month after month comes
Enga sambalam paththalae saami
Our salary is not enough, oh God
Chorus :Heyy hey
Chorus : Heyy hey
Male :Bonus thaan tharum
Male : The world will praise
Mudhalaaliyai mechchidum boomi
The employer who gives a bonus
Chorus :Heyy hey
Chorus : Heyy hey
Male :Poraadinaa vetri nichchaiyam
Male : If we fight/struggle, victory is guaranteed
Nichchaiyam thaan hei
Victory is guaranteed, hei!
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Naan maamannaru veettil
In the emperor's house
Mannanaaga aanen
I became a king
Aanabodhum ingae
Even though I became so, here
Annanaagi ponen
I became an elder brother to all
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Male :Amaam
Male : Yes!
Chorus :Idhai kummidippoondi
Chorus : Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu
Goods train carriage
Male :Podu
Male : Play it!
{Kumthalakkadi
{Kumthalakkadi
Kumthalakkadi paattu
The Kumthalakkadi song
Idhai kummidippoondi
Load this into the Gummidipoondi
Goodsu vandiyil yeththu} (2)
Goods train carriage} (2)
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This celebratory folk song from 'Mannan' (1992) captures the spirit of the working-class community celebrating unity, labor, and perseverance. The protagonist, Krishna (played by Rajinikanth), reflects on how despite being married into a wealthy family ('maamannaru veettil...'), his heart remains tied to his fellow factory workers and working-class brothers ('annanaagi ponen'). The lyrics emphasize how music relieves the physical and emotional burden of hard manual labor for farmers, fishermen, porters, and laborers alike. In the second stanza, the song speaks about the festival of Pongal and addresses socio-economic realities such as rising inflation, inadequate wages, and the struggle for labor rights like bonuses. It delivers an uplifting message of solidarity and optimism, reassuring workers that through collective effort and struggle, victory and prosperity are guaranteed.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Naan maamannaru veettil / Mannanaaga aanen / Aanabodhum ingae / Annanaagi ponen”
Matching second consonants in consecutive lines (e.g., 'Kumthalakkadi' / 'Goodsu' - 'dha'/'dhu' sounds, and 'Maamannaru' / 'Mannanaaga' / 'Annanaagi').
Monaai (First-letter Alliteration)
“Paattaali koottamellaam / Paaravandi izhukkudhu”
Matching initial letters across words in the same or adjacent lines (e.g., 'Paattaali' / 'Paaravandi' / 'Paadubattu' / 'Paattugal').
Refrain / Chorus Repetition
“Kumthalakkadi paattu / Idhai kummidippoondi / Goodsu vandiyil yeththu”
The rhythmic gibberish and catchy place-based refrain 'Kumthalakkadi... Goodsu vandiyil yeththu' acts as an energetic folk anchor throughout the track.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kumthalakkadi' is a popular high-energy folk number composed by Ilaiyaraaja and sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Gangai Amaran for the Rajinikanth starrer 'Mannan' (1992). The song showcases Rajinikanth performing energetic dance steps alongside factory workers, celebrating worker solidarity.
Keep listening
More from Mannan
Mannan
Mannan
Mannan
Mannan
Mannan