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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Malai Saaralil

From Oru Kudumbathin Kathai · 1975

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
K. J. Yesudas, B. S. Sasirekha
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Oru Kudumbathin Kathai1975

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
……………….
Male
Malaisaaralil ilam poonguyilA young female cuckoo in the mountain drizzle,
Adhan maarbinil oru aan kuyilAnd a male cuckoo resting on its chest,
Malaisaaralil ilam poonguyiA young female cuckoo in the mountain drizzle,
Adhan maarbinil oru aan kuyilAnd a male cuckoo resting on its chest,
Adhu naanallavaa thunai neeyallavaaIs that not me, and are you not my companion?
Antha geedham naam paadum nallallavaaIs today not a grand day for us to sing that song?
Male
Malaisaaralil ilam poonguyilA young female cuckoo in the mountain drizzle,
Adhan maarbinil oru aan kuyilAnd a male cuckoo resting on its chest,
Adhu naanallavaa thunai neeyallavaaIs that not me, and are you not my companion?
Antha geedham naam paadum nallallavaaIs today not a grand day for us to sing that song?
Female
………………….
Male
Eeraezhu jenmathin pantham idhuThis is a bond forged over fourteen lifetimes,
Oru izhaikkooda piriyaatha sonthamA relationship where not even a single thread parts us.
Idhu deiveegam pennaaga near vanthathuThis divine grace came directly in the form of a woman,
Enthan thiruveedhi vazhi thedi thaer vanthathuA temple chariot came searching for the path to my sacred street.
Male
Thodum uravaanathu thodarkadhaiyaanathuThe physical touch blossomed into a relationship, and then into a continuing story,
Intha naatham kalaiyaatha isaiyaanathuThis sound transformed into an eternal, undissolving melody.
Male
Malaisaaralil ilam poonguyilA young female cuckoo in the mountain drizzle,
Adhan maarbinil oru aan kuyilAnd a male cuckoo resting on its chest,
Adhu naanallavaa thunai neeyallavaaIs that not me, and are you not my companion?
Antha geedham naam paadum nallallavaaIs today not a grand day for us to sing that song?
Female
……………..
Male
Pani thoongum malarae un madi enbathuOh flower where the dew reposes, your lap is,
Iru kani thoongum thaen thiraatchai kodi enbathuLike a grapevine yielding sweet twin fruits,
Ninaiththaalum anaiththaalum kodhikkindrathuWhether I think of it or embrace it, passion boils within,
Adhil naan thaedum inbangal udhikindrathuFrom that, the happiness I seek begins to rise.
Male
Vizhi sirikkindrathu kavi padikkindrathuHer eyes smile and recite poetry,
Thirumaeni thaalaamal nadikkindrathuHer graceful body sways unable to bear the surge of emotions.
Male
Malaisaaralil ilam poonguyilA young female cuckoo in the mountain drizzle,
Adhan maarbinil oru aan kuyilAnd a male cuckoo resting on its chest,
Adhu naanallavaa thunai neeyallavaaIs that not me, and are you not my companion?
Antha geedham naam paadum nallallavaaIs today not a grand day for us to sing that song?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Malaisaaralil Ilam Poonguyil is a classic romantic duet from the 1975 Tamil movie Oru Kudumbathin Kathai, composed by the duo Shankar-Ganesh and written by Vaali. The song captures the blissful union and intimacy between husband and wife using picturesque metaphors of nature, such as cuckoos nestling together in a cool mountain rain, dew-kissed flowers, and sweet grapevines. The lyrics express the profound spiritual belief that their love is not merely a chance encounter, but a divine bond destined across fourteen rebirths. Every touch and moment shared deepens their connection, turning their lives into an unending song of romantic harmony.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Metaphor / Simile)

Malaisaaralil ilam poonguyil / Adhan maarbinil oru aan kuyil

Comparing the lovers to a pair of cuckoos embracing in mountain mist, and describing the beloved's lap as a flower holding dew drops.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Ninaiththaalum anaiththaalum kodhikkindrathu / Adhil naan thaedum inbangal udhikindrathu

Repeated end suffix '-andrathu' creating a rhythmic, musical cadence across consecutive lines.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Thodum uravaanathu thodarkadhaiyaanathu

Repetition of initial consonant/vowel sounds in adjacent words, enhancing flow.

Rupakam (Visual Imagery)

Enthan thiruveedhi vazhi thedi thaer vanthathu

Comparing the arrival of the bride into the protagonist's life to a sacred temple chariot reaching his street.

Did you know?

Trivia

Oru Kudumbathin Kathai (1975) featured a popular soundtrack by Shankar-Ganesh. Lyricist Vaali crafted this song highlighting traditional Tamil romantic tropes like 'eeraezhu jenmam' (fourteen rebirths). The track remains a notable early duet featuring the vocal pairing of K. J. Yesudas and B. S. Sasireka.

Keep listening

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