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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kuthaalathula Kudiyirukkira

From Kannin Manigal · 1956

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
Kasthoori
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Kannin Manigal1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kuththaalaththulae kudiyirukkiraI reside in the town of Courtallam,
Kumari naanunga kumari naanungaI am a maiden, yes, a maiden I am,
Naan suththaatha ooru intha naattil illeengaThere is no town in this land that I haven't traveled to,
Naan suththaatha ooru intha naattil illeengaThere is no town in this land that I haven't traveled to.
Female
Kuththaalaththulae kudiyirukkiraI reside in the town of Courtallam,
Kumari naanunga kumari naanungaI am a maiden, yes, a maiden I am,
Naan suththaatha ooru intha naattil illeengaThere is no town in this land that I haven't traveled to.
Female
Kachchithamaa kaiyai paarththuBy closely inspecting palms accurately,
Solluvenunga kuri solluvenungaI will predict fortunes, yes, tell your future,
Nalla achchu polae azhagaagaBeautifully like a neat mold print,
Kuththuvenunga pachchai kuththuvenungaI will ink tattoos, yes, craft tattoos.
Female
Kuththaalaththulae kudiyirukkiraI reside in the town of Courtallam,
Kumari naanunga kumari naanungaI am a maiden, yes, a maiden I am,
Naan suththaatha ooru intha naattil illeengaThere is no town in this land that I haven't traveled to.
Female
Vasiyam panna marunthum maiyumMagic potions and eyeliner to cast love spells,
Vachchirukenga kaiyil vachchirukengaI carry in my hand, yes, hold in my hand.
Vaangi neega pirichchu paarththu pirakuBuy them, open and inspect them, and then
Sollunga pudichchaa kaasai thallungaSpeak your mind; if you like it, pay the money.
Female
Eththanaiyo perukkuTo so many people
Naan koduththirukkengaI have given,
Marunthu koduththirukengaI have given remedies.
Avanga ellaarumae ennai iniAll of them, from now on,
Marakka maattaanga lesaa ninaikka maattaangaWill never forget me, nor think of me lightly.
Female
Kuththaalaththulae kudiyirukkiraI reside in the town of Courtallam,
Kumari naanunga kumari naanungaI am a maiden, yes, a maiden I am,
Naan suththaatha ooru intha naattil illeengaThere is no town in this land that I haven't traveled to.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a vibrant, folk-style solo track sung from the perspective of a traveling nomadic woman (a Kurathi) originating from Courtallam. She introduces herself proudly as a well-traveled fortune teller and tattoo artist who journeys across various towns offering her traditional services. She highlights her proficiency in reading palm lines with accuracy, drawing neat and attractive tattoos, and providing charm potions and cosmetics designed to enchant others. Expressing complete confidence in her craft, she invites onlookers to inspect her remedies before purchasing and asserts that anyone who benefits from her skills will remember her forever.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kuththaalaththulae kudiyirukkira

Repetition of the initial 'Ku' sound in 'Kuththaalaththulae' and 'kudiyirukkira' creates a rhythmic beat characteristic of Tamil folk poetry.

Upamai (Simile)

Nalla achchu polae azhagaaga

The line uses 'polae' (like/as) to compare the precise and beautiful outcome of her tattoos to a neat stamp print.

Ettukai / Madakku (Repetition for Emphasis)

Kumari naanunga kumari naanunga

The phrase 'kumari naanunga' is repeated back-to-back to emphasize her identity and maintain the lively cadence of a folk song.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kannin Manigal (1956) featured music composed by S. V. Venkatraman with lyrics written by A. Maruthakasi. The song highlights the classic 'Kurathi' archetype popular in mid-20th-century Tamil cinema, showcasing traditional occupations like fortune-telling, herbal remedies, and tattooing through energetic folk arrangements.

Keep listening

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