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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kuyilukoru

From Solla Thudikuthu Manasu · 1988

Lyricist
Ponnadiyan
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Solla Thudikuthu Manasu1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kuyilukkoru niramirukkuThe cuckoo bird has a color
Adhu kuralukkoru niramirukkaaDoes its voice have a color?
Male
Kuyilukkoru niramirukkuThe cuckoo bird has a color
Koo koo koo karuppu pu puKoo koo koo black color
Adhu kuralukkoru niramirukkaaDoes its voice have a color?
Koo koo koo en koo koo kooKoo koo koo my koo koo koo
Male
Kondaadum indha ponnaana mannilIn this golden land that celebrates
Vandhaadum niram ethanaiyoHow many colors dance around
Onnaana indha manidha inathilIn this united human race
Undaana gunam ethanai ethanaiHow many, many qualities have risen
Kuyilukkoru niramirukku koooooooThe cuckoo bird has a color kooooooo
Male
Ariyaadha paruvathilaeDuring the innocent age of childhood
Vilaiyaadum nerathilaeDuring the time of playing games
On kurala kettenI heard your voice
Naan ennanavo nenachenI thought so many things
Male
Ariyaadha paruvathilaeDuring the innocent age of childhood
Vilaiyaadum nerathilaeDuring the time of playing games
On kurala kettenI heard your voice
Naan ennanavo nenachenI thought so many things
Male
Puriyaadha vayadhinilaeAt an age of lack of understanding
Valarndhaadum ilamaiyilIn growing, dancing youth
Oru maanidathil en manasaMy heart to a human being
Koduthu pinnae thavichenI gave and suffered later
Male
Vayasodu vandhadhellaamEverything that came with age
Vilangalaiyae appodhuWas not understood back then
Vilangaadha kelvikkellaamFor all those unexplainable questions
Vidai varudhae ippodhuAnswers are coming now
Male
Karuppum illa veluppum illaThere is no black and no white
Kannula dhaanae baedham irukkuDiscrimination exists only in the eyes
Male
Kuyilukkoru niramirukkuThe cuckoo bird has a color
Koo koo koo karuppu pu puKoo koo koo black color
Adhu kuralukkoru niramirukkaaDoes its voice have a color?
Koo koo koo en koo koo kooKoo koo koo my koo koo koo
Male
Nadhipola ala polaLike a river, like a wave
Adhu pogum nila polaLike the moving moon
Sudhandhiramaa thirivomWe will roam freely
Adha nirandharamaa adaivomWe will attain that permanently
Male
Nadhipola ala polaLike a river, like a wave
Adhu pogum nila polaLike the moving moon
Sudhandhiramaa thirivomWe will roam freely
Adha nirandharamaa adaivomWe will attain that permanently
Male
Mala pola maram polaLike a mountain, like a tree
Adhil paadum kuyil polaLike the cuckoo singing on it
Paattukkala padippomWe will sing songs
Naam rekka katti parappomWe will attach wings and fly
Male
Thadai yedhu ingae ingaeWhat obstacle is here, right here
Vilaiyaada mann melaeTo play on this earth
Vidhi enna seiyum seiyumWhat can fate do
Vidhi vazhiyae ponaalaeIf we go as per fate's way?
Male
Karuppum illa veluppum illaThere is no black and no white
Kannula dhaanae baedham irukkuDiscrimination exists only in the eyes
Male
Kuyilukkoru niramirukkuThe cuckoo bird has a color
Koo koo koo karuppu pu puKoo koo koo black color
Adhu kuralukkoru niramirukkaaDoes its voice have a color?
Koo koo koo en koo koo kooKoo koo koo my koo koo koo

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from Solla Thudikuthu Manasu uses the metaphor of a black cuckoo bird and its beautiful voice to critique superficial human discrimination based on skin tone. It reflects on the transition from childhood innocence to adult wisdom, emphasizing that beauty and character transcend physical color.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Nadhipola ala pola / Adhu pogum nila pola

Compares human freedom and joy to natural elements like rivers, waves, mountains, and flying birds using the word 'pola' (like).

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Adhu kuralukkoru niramirukkaa

Attributes physical characteristics like color to abstract elements like a voice to question social biases.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kuyilukkoru niramirukku / Koo koo koo karuppu

Repetition of the 'Ka/Ku' sound in opening lines to create rhythmic flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film Solla Thudikuthu Manasu (1988) was directed by editor-turned-director B. Lenin and starred Prabhu and Radha, featuring music composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Keep listening

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