Thaikulame
From Selvam · 1966
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- K. S. Chithra, Chorus
- Music directors
- K. V. Mahadevan, Ilayaraja
- Details
- Selvam1966
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Chorus | |
| Thaanae thandha thandhaana | Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana |
| Thaanae thandha thandhaana | Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana |
| Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa thaanaa | Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa thaanaa |
| Thaanae thandha thandhaana | Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana |
| Thaanae thandha thandhaana | Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana |
| Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa | Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa |
| Thandhana thandhana | Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhana thandhana |
| Thana thana thana thana thana thananaa | Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thana thana thana thana thana thananaa |
| Female | |
| Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae | O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk! |
| Kulava podungadi | Make the joyous ululation sound, O women! |
| Chorus | |
| Lulululu lulululu | Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation) |
| Female | |
| Thaamara poongodiya pola | Like a swaying lotus creeper flower |
| Kulungi aadungadi | Sway and dance rhythmically, O women! |
| Chorus | |
| That thatthat thakadhimi thom | That thatthat thakadhimi thom (dance beat) |
| Female | |
| Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae | O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk! |
| Kulava podungadi | Make the joyous ululation sound, O women! |
| Chorus | |
| Lulululu lulululu | Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation) |
| Female | |
| Thaamara poongodiya pola | Like a swaying lotus creeper flower |
| Kulungi aadungadi | Sway and dance rhythmically, O women! |
| Chorus | |
| That thatthat thakadhimi thom | That thatthat thakadhimi thom (dance beat) |
| Female | |
| Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu | Saying that the pitch darkness is gone |
| Kummi kottunga | Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance |
| Female | |
| Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu | Saying that the pitch darkness is gone |
| Kummi kottunga | Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance |
| Kaalam namma kaalamunnu | Saying that our time has finally arrived |
| Melam thattunga | Beat the drums loudly |
| Veeram ulla aalu ingae | A brave and heroic man here |
| Vandhirukkaan paaru | Look, he has arrived! |
| Nadukkam ellaam theerndhu | All fear and trembling have ended |
| Thala nimirndhu nikkum ooru | The town stands tall with head held high |
| Chorus | |
| Veeram ulla aalu ingae | A brave and heroic man here |
| Vandhirukkaan paaru | Look, he has arrived! |
| Nadukkam ellaam theerndhu | All fear and trembling have ended |
| Thala nimirndhu nikkum ooru | The town stands tall with head held high |
| Chorus | |
| Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae | O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk! |
| Kulava podungadi | Make the joyous ululation sound, O women! |
| Thaamara poongodiya pola | Like a swaying lotus creeper flower |
| Kulungi aadungadi | Sway and dance rhythmically, O women! |
| Female | |
| Vanna kiliyaai pala pen irundhum | Though there were many women like colorful parrots |
| Oorukkulla | Inside this town |
| Kanni kazhiya paakkala | Unmarried status wasn't ending easily |
| Konjum kumarikkoru kattazhagan | For the charming young maiden, a handsome hero |
| Maalai ittu | Garlanding her |
| Kottum muzhakkam kekkala | The booming sounds of wedding celebration weren't heard |
| Female | |
| Oor muzhukka achappattu | Fearing across the entire village |
| Or idathil kattuppattu | Restrained in one place |
| Oomaigal polae kidakka | Lying around like mute people |
| Poo mudichu pottu vaikka | To adorn flowers and put auspicious tilak |
| Poovaiyarkku kaaval nirkka | To stand guard for the women |
| Sooraadhi sooran irukka | When a supreme hero of heroes is here |
| Chorus | |
| Naam kanda aan singam | The male lion we have witnessed |
| Paer solli seer solli | Praising his name and fame |
| Paadattum kaattu kuyilae | Let the forest cuckoo sing |
| Naal nalla naal endru | Declaring today as an auspicious day |
| Aattangal paattangal | With dances and songs |
| Podattum patchi mayilae | Let the majestic peacock bird dance |
| Female | |
| Nammai pidicha acha peigal | The fearful ghosts that possessed us |
| Indru odip pochu | Have fled away today |
| Nenja kavalai theerndhadhu | The heart's anxiety has come to an end |
| Innum edharkku verum artham atra | Why continue useless and meaningless |
| Vetti pechu | Idle chatter anymore? |
| Ullam anaithum saerndhadhae | All minds have united together |
| Female | |
| Veesugindra vaasathodu | With wafting fragrance |
| Maalai ondru katti podu | Weave and offer a garland |
| Vaangattum maaman kazhuthu | Let the maternal uncle's neck wear it |
| Podhumammaa patta paadu | Enough of the hardship suffered, O mother |
| Ponadhammaa thunba kaedu | The suffering and evil have departed, O mother |
| Paadungal nandri uraithu | Sing songs offering heartfelt gratitude |
| Chorus | |
| Mangammaa thangammaa | O Mangamma, O Thangamma |
| Aaratthi nee suthi podammaa | Perform the warding-off of evil eye (Aarathi), O mother |
| Dhrushti kazhikka | To ward off the evil eye |
| Veerammaa thaenammaa | O Veeramma, O Thaenamma |
| Per solli poo alli thoovammaa | Chant his name and shower handfuls of flowers |
| Mannan nadakka | As the king walks along |
| Female | |
| {Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae | {O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk! |
| Kulava podungadi | Make the joyous ululation sound, O women! |
| Chorus | |
| Lulululu lulululu | Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation) |
| Female | |
| Thaamara poongodiya pola | Like a swaying lotus creeper flower |
| Kulungi aadungadi | Sway and dance rhythmically, O women! |
| Chorus | |
| That thatthat thakadhimi thom} (2) | That thatthat thakadhimi thom} (2) |
| Female | |
| Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu | Saying that the pitch darkness is gone |
| Kummi kottunga | Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance |
| Female | |
| Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu | Saying that the pitch darkness is gone |
| Kummi kottunga | Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance |
| Kaalam namma kaalamunnu | Saying that our time has finally arrived |
| Melam thattunga | Beat the drums loudly |
| Veeram ulla aalu ingae | A brave and heroic man here |
| Vandhirukkaan paaru | Look, he has arrived! |
| Nadukkam ellaam theerndhu | All fear and trembling have ended |
| Thala nimirndhu nikkum ooru | The town stands tall with head held high |
| Chorus | |
| Veeram ulla aalu ingae | A brave and heroic man here |
| Vandhirukkaan paaru | Look, he has arrived! |
| Nadukkam ellaam theerndhu | All fear and trembling have ended |
| Thala nimirndhu nikkum ooru | The town stands tall with head held high |
| Chorus | |
| Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae | O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk! |
| Kulava podungadi | Make the joyous ululation sound, O women! |
| Thaamara poongodiya pola | Like a swaying lotus creeper flower |
| Kulungi aadungadi | Sway and dance rhythmically, O women! |
தானே தந்தா தந்தான
தானே தந்தா தந்தான
தந்தா நனா தந்தா நனா தானா
தானே தந்தா தந்தான
தானே தந்தா தந்தான
தந்தா நனா தந்தா நனா தானா
தானே தந்தா தந்தான
தன தன தன தன தன தனனா
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa thaanaa
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhana thandhana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thana thana thana thana thana thananaa
தாய் குலமே தாய் குலமே
குலவ போடுங்கடி
O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
லுலுலுலு லுலுலுலு
Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation)
தமர பூங்கொடிய போல
குலுங்கி ஆடுங்கடி
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
தத் தத்தத் தகதிமி தோம்
That thatthat thakadhimi thom (dance beat)
தாய் குலமே தாய் குலமே
குலவ போடுங்கடி
O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
லுலுலுலு லுலுலுலு
Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation)
தமர பூங்கொடிய போல
குலுங்கி ஆடுங்கடி
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
தத் தத்தத் தகதிமி தோம்
That thatthat thakadhimi thom (dance beat)
கக்கிருட்டு போச்சுதுன்னு
கும்மி கொட்டுங்க
Saying that the pitch darkness is gone
Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance
கக்கிருட்டு போச்சுதுன்னு
கும்மி கொட்டுங்க
காலம் நம்ம காலமுன்னு
மேளம் தட்டுங்க
வீரம் உள்ள ஆளு இங்கே
வந்திருக்கான் பாரு
நடுக்கம் எல்லாம் தீர்ந்து
தல நிமிர்ந்து நிக்கும் ஊரு
Saying that the pitch darkness is gone
Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance
Saying that our time has finally arrived
Beat the drums loudly
A brave and heroic man here
Look, he has arrived!
All fear and trembling have ended
The town stands tall with head held high
வீரம் உள்ள ஆளு இங்கே
வந்திருக்கான் பாரு
நடுக்கம் எல்லாம் தீர்ந்து
தல நிமிர்ந்து நிக்கும் ஊரு
A brave and heroic man here
Look, he has arrived!
All fear and trembling have ended
The town stands tall with head held high
தாய் குலமே தாய் குலமே
குலவ போடுங்கடி
தமர பூங்கொடிய போல
குலுங்கி ஆடுங்கடி
O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
வண்ண கிளியாய்
பல பெண் இருந்தும் ஊருக்குள்ளே
கன்னி கழிய பாக்கல
கொஞ்சும் குமரிக்கொரு கட்டழகன்
மாலை இட்டு
கொட்டும் முழக்கம் கேக்கல
Though there were many women like colorful parrots
Inside this town
Unmarried status wasn't ending easily
For the charming young maiden, a handsome hero
Garlanding her
The booming sounds of wedding celebration weren't heard
ஊர் முழுக்க அச்சப்பட்டு
ஓர் இடத்தில் கட்டுப்பட்டு
ஊமைகள் போலே கிடக்க
பூ முடிச்சு போட்டு வைக்க
பூவையர்க்கு காவல் நிற்க
சூராதி சூரன் இருக்க
Fearing across the entire village
Restrained in one place
Lying around like mute people
To adorn flowers and put auspicious tilak
To stand guard for the women
When a supreme hero of heroes is here
நாம் கண்ட ஆண் சிங்கம்
பேர் சொல்லி சீர் சொல்லி
பாடட்டும் கட்டு குயிலே
நாள் நல்ல நாள் என்று
ஆட்டங்கக் பாட்டங்கள்
போடட்டும் பட்சி மயிலே
The male lion we have witnessed
Praising his name and fame
Let the forest cuckoo sing
Declaring today as an auspicious day
With dances and songs
Let the majestic peacock bird dance
நம்ம பிடிச்ச அச்ச பேய்கள்
இன்று ஓடிப் போச்சு
நெஞ்ச கவலை தீர்ந்தது
இன்னும் எதற்கு வெறும் அர்த்தம் அற்ற
வெட்டி பேச்சு
உள்ளம் அனைத்தும் சேர்ந்ததே
The fearful ghosts that possessed us
Have fled away today
The heart's anxiety has come to an end
Why continue useless and meaningless
Idle chatter anymore?
All minds have united together
வீசுகின்ற வாசத்தோடு
மாலை ஒன்று கட்டி போடு
வாங்கட்டும் மாமன் கழுத்து
போதுமம்மா பட்ட பாடு
போனதம்மா துன்ப காடு
பாடுங்கள் நன்றி உரைத்து
With wafting fragrance
Weave and offer a garland
Let the maternal uncle's neck wear it
Enough of the hardship suffered, O mother
The suffering and evil have departed, O mother
Sing songs offering heartfelt gratitude
மங்கம்மா தங்கம்மா
ஆரத்தி நீ சுத்தி போடம்மா
திருஷ்டி கழிக்க
வீரம்ம தேனம்மா
பேர் சொல்லி பூ அள்ளி தூவம்மா
மன்னன் நடக்க
O Mangamma, O Thangamma
Perform the warding-off of evil eye (Aarathi), O mother
To ward off the evil eye
O Veeramma, O Thaenamma
Chant his name and shower handfuls of flowers
As the king walks along
{தாய் குலமே தாய் குலமே
குலவ போடுங்கடி
{O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
லுலுலுலு லுலுலுலு
Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation)
தமர பூங்கொடிய போல
குலுங்கி ஆடுங்கடி
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
தத் தத்தத் தகதிமி தோம்} (2)
That thatthat thakadhimi thom} (2)
கக்கிருட்டு போச்சுதுன்னு
கும்மி கொட்டுங்க
Saying that the pitch darkness is gone
Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance
கக்கிருட்டு போச்சுதுன்னு
கும்மி கொட்டுங்க
காலம் நம்ம காலமுன்னு
மேளம் தட்டுங்க
வீரம் உள்ள ஆளு இங்கே
வந்திருக்கான் பாரு
நடுக்கம் எல்லாம் தீர்ந்து
தல நிமிர்ந்து நிக்கும் ஊரு
Saying that the pitch darkness is gone
Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance
Saying that our time has finally arrived
Beat the drums loudly
A brave and heroic man here
Look, he has arrived!
All fear and trembling have ended
The town stands tall with head held high
வீரம் உள்ள ஆளு இங்கே
வந்திருக்கான் பாரு
நடுக்கம் எல்லாம் தீர்ந்து
தல நிமிர்ந்து நிக்கும் ஊரு
A brave and heroic man here
Look, he has arrived!
All fear and trembling have ended
The town stands tall with head held high
தாய் குலமே தாய் குலமே
குலவ போடுங்கடி
தமர பூங்கொடிய போல
குலுங்கி ஆடுங்கடி
O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa thaanaa
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa thaanaa
Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thaanae thandha thandhaana
Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhaa nanaa thandhaa nanaa
Thandhana thandhana
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thandhana thandhana
Thana thana thana thana thana thananaa
Rhythmic rhythm syllables: Thana thana thana thana thana thananaa
Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae
O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Kulava podungadi
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
Lulululu lulululu
Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation)
Thaamara poongodiya pola
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Kulungi aadungadi
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
That thatthat thakadhimi thom
That thatthat thakadhimi thom (dance beat)
Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae
O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Kulava podungadi
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
Lulululu lulululu
Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation)
Thaamara poongodiya pola
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Kulungi aadungadi
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
That thatthat thakadhimi thom
That thatthat thakadhimi thom (dance beat)
Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu
Saying that the pitch darkness is gone
Kummi kottunga
Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance
Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu
Saying that the pitch darkness is gone
Kummi kottunga
Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance
Kaalam namma kaalamunnu
Saying that our time has finally arrived
Melam thattunga
Beat the drums loudly
Veeram ulla aalu ingae
A brave and heroic man here
Vandhirukkaan paaru
Look, he has arrived!
Nadukkam ellaam theerndhu
All fear and trembling have ended
Thala nimirndhu nikkum ooru
The town stands tall with head held high
Veeram ulla aalu ingae
A brave and heroic man here
Vandhirukkaan paaru
Look, he has arrived!
Nadukkam ellaam theerndhu
All fear and trembling have ended
Thala nimirndhu nikkum ooru
The town stands tall with head held high
Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae
O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Kulava podungadi
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
Thaamara poongodiya pola
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Kulungi aadungadi
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
Vanna kiliyaai pala pen irundhum
Though there were many women like colorful parrots
Oorukkulla
Inside this town
Kanni kazhiya paakkala
Unmarried status wasn't ending easily
Konjum kumarikkoru kattazhagan
For the charming young maiden, a handsome hero
Maalai ittu
Garlanding her
Kottum muzhakkam kekkala
The booming sounds of wedding celebration weren't heard
Oor muzhukka achappattu
Fearing across the entire village
Or idathil kattuppattu
Restrained in one place
Oomaigal polae kidakka
Lying around like mute people
Poo mudichu pottu vaikka
To adorn flowers and put auspicious tilak
Poovaiyarkku kaaval nirkka
To stand guard for the women
Sooraadhi sooran irukka
When a supreme hero of heroes is here
Naam kanda aan singam
The male lion we have witnessed
Paer solli seer solli
Praising his name and fame
Paadattum kaattu kuyilae
Let the forest cuckoo sing
Naal nalla naal endru
Declaring today as an auspicious day
Aattangal paattangal
With dances and songs
Podattum patchi mayilae
Let the majestic peacock bird dance
Nammai pidicha acha peigal
The fearful ghosts that possessed us
Indru odip pochu
Have fled away today
Nenja kavalai theerndhadhu
The heart's anxiety has come to an end
Innum edharkku verum artham atra
Why continue useless and meaningless
Vetti pechu
Idle chatter anymore?
Ullam anaithum saerndhadhae
All minds have united together
Veesugindra vaasathodu
With wafting fragrance
Maalai ondru katti podu
Weave and offer a garland
Vaangattum maaman kazhuthu
Let the maternal uncle's neck wear it
Podhumammaa patta paadu
Enough of the hardship suffered, O mother
Ponadhammaa thunba kaedu
The suffering and evil have departed, O mother
Paadungal nandri uraithu
Sing songs offering heartfelt gratitude
Mangammaa thangammaa
O Mangamma, O Thangamma
Aaratthi nee suthi podammaa
Perform the warding-off of evil eye (Aarathi), O mother
Dhrushti kazhikka
To ward off the evil eye
Veerammaa thaenammaa
O Veeramma, O Thaenamma
Per solli poo alli thoovammaa
Chant his name and shower handfuls of flowers
Mannan nadakka
As the king walks along
{Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae
{O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Kulava podungadi
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
Lulululu lulululu
Lulululu lulululu (sound of ululation)
Thaamara poongodiya pola
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Kulungi aadungadi
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
That thatthat thakadhimi thom} (2)
That thatthat thakadhimi thom} (2)
Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu
Saying that the pitch darkness is gone
Kummi kottunga
Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance
Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu
Saying that the pitch darkness is gone
Kummi kottunga
Clap hands and dance the Kummi folk dance
Kaalam namma kaalamunnu
Saying that our time has finally arrived
Melam thattunga
Beat the drums loudly
Veeram ulla aalu ingae
A brave and heroic man here
Vandhirukkaan paaru
Look, he has arrived!
Nadukkam ellaam theerndhu
All fear and trembling have ended
Thala nimirndhu nikkum ooru
The town stands tall with head held high
Veeram ulla aalu ingae
A brave and heroic man here
Vandhirukkaan paaru
Look, he has arrived!
Nadukkam ellaam theerndhu
All fear and trembling have ended
Thala nimirndhu nikkum ooru
The town stands tall with head held high
Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae
O motherly womenfolk! O motherly womenfolk!
Kulava podungadi
Make the joyous ululation sound, O women!
Thaamara poongodiya pola
Like a swaying lotus creeper flower
Kulungi aadungadi
Sway and dance rhythmically, O women!
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This energetic Tamil folk celebration song from 'Selvam' (1966) expresses joyous relief and village triumph. The women of the village are called upon to perform traditional ululation ('Kulavai') and clap hands in the Kummi dance form to celebrate the arrival of a valiant protector who has freed the community from long-standing oppression, fear, and sorrow.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai (Simile)
“Thaamara poongodiya pola”
Compares the grace and movement of dancing women to a swaying lotus vine.
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Kakkiruttu pochudhunnu”
Uses pitch darkness ('Kakkiruttu') as a metaphor for tyranny and fear, and 'Aan singam' (male lion) for the brave protagonist.
Oli-kkurippu (Onomatopoeia)
“Lulululu lulululu”
Incorporates folk phonetic sound representations of traditional ululation and rhythmic dance beats.
Moonaay (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Thaai kulamae thaai kulamae”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across lines creating folk musicality.
Did you know?
Trivia
Selvam (1966) starred Sivaji Ganesan and K. R. Vijaya. The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics penned by Vaali, highlighting traditional Tamil folk music forms like Kummi and Kulavai.
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