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Lyrics & meaning

Yeh Kuruvi

From Muthal Mariyathai · 1985

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Muthal Mariyathai1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ye kuruviHey sparrow,
Kuruvi kuruviSparrow, sparrow,
Ye kuruvi ..chittu kuruviHey sparrow... little sparrow,
Male
Un jodi engaeWhere is your partner?
Athu koottikittuBring them along,
Enga vittathulaUnder our house's roof,
Vanthu koodu kattuCome and build a nest.
Male
Pollaatha veeduIt is a troublesome house,
Kattu ponnaana kooduBuild a golden nest.
Ippa pondaati illaiRight now, my wife is not around,
Vanthu enkooda paadu..Come and sing along with me...
Ye kuruviHey sparrow,
Female
Chittu kuruviLittle sparrow,
Ye kuruvii….iiiHey sparrow...
Ayyaa ullathilaeIn the master's heart,
Nalla anbirukkuThere is pure love and kindness,
Aanaa veettukkullaBut inside the house,
Konjam vamburukkuThere is quite a bit of trouble.
Female
Pondaatti kaariHis wife,
Ennaannu paappaaWill confront you demanding to know what's up,
Vanthu unkoota paarththaaIf she catches sight of your nest,
Hahhaa.. ha..Hahhaa.. ha..
Kodakkoozhi keppaaShe will demand a pot-roosted chicken as tax!
Female
Ye kuruvi.. chittu kuruviHey sparrow.. little sparrow.
Male :Ye yevadi adiyae yevadiMale: Hey, who is that girl? Hey, who is she?
Ye yevadi athuHey, who is that?
Female :Hahhahaha….Female: Hahhahaha....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

"Ye Kuruvi" is a playful, rustic bit song from the landmark film 'Muthal Mariyathai' (1985). It takes the form of a lighthearted dialogue involving a sparrow as a metaphor for freedom, innocence, and companionship. The male protagonist, feeling isolated in a loveless marriage, invites a little bird to build a nest in his house and keep him company with its song while his stern wife is away.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition)

Kuruvi kuruvi

The word 'kuruvi' (sparrow) is repeated successively to express affection, rhythm, and playful endearment.

Personification

Ippa pondaati illai / Vanthu enkooda paadu..

The bird is humanized as a companion invited to sing together and share moments with the protagonist.

Colloquial Metaphor / Cultural Idiom

Kodakkoozhi keppaa

'Kodakkoozhi' refers to a hen kept in a pot for brooding in rural Tamil households; here it metaphorically represents a fine or demanding toll extracted by an overbearing spouse.

Did you know?

Trivia

This snippet captures the authentic rural flavor of 'Muthal Mariyathai' (1985), directed by Bharathiraja with iconic music composed by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics by Vairamuthu. The song highlights the carefree, playful dynamic between Malaichami (played by Sivaji Ganesan) and Kuyil (played by Radha), set against the backdrop of village life.

Keep listening

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