Alishi Adams performs “Chankurichchaalu” for the album Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hridayahariyaaya Pranayakadha. The song features actors Rajesh Madhavan and Chithra Nair, with lyrics by Vaishakh Sugunan and composition by Dawn Vincent. It opens by questioning who isn’t a lover if you “peel back the skin.”
Chankurichchaalu
Alishi Adams • From “Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hridayahariyaaya Pranayakadha”
The lyrics describe affection using physical symptoms. One line compares the feeling to the irritating burn of mango sap, which leads to madness. Another section states that without the loved one, a hawk will fly away with half of a person’s life.
Chankurichchaal ChankurichchaalIf the heart clenches, if the heart clenches
Premamallathenth PremiyallathaarWhat isn’t love? Who isn’t a lover?
Tholurichchaal MelurichchaalIf you peel back the skin, if you strip the flesh
Premiyallathaar PremamallathenthWho isn’t a lover? What isn’t love?
Chankurichchaal ChankurichchaalIf the heart clenches, if the heart clenches
Mohiyaanu Daahiyaanu Valinja MaruvaanuIt’s a longing, a thirst, a trap pulled tight
Mohiyaanu Daahiyaanu Valinja MaruvaanuIt’s a craving, a parchness, a bowstring drawn taut
Kaamiyaanu Kemayaanu ThulachorambaanuIt’s desire, it’s mastery, an arrow that pierces through
Premamallathenth PremiyallathaarWhat isn’t love? Who isn’t a lover?
Premamallathenth PremiyallathaarWhat isn’t love? Who isn’t a lover?
Chankurichchaal ChankurichchaalIf the heart clenches, if the heart clenches
Maanchenappollu Pole Neeralundu NeraanuThere’s a burning like ‘mango sap’, and it’s real
Neerukeri Praantheduthu Paachilundu DooraayiThe irritation spreads, madness takes hold, and I’m running far away
Uchhanerathaalochanayude UchchiyilaanorAt the very peak of noontime thoughts
Uchhanerathaalochanayude UchchiyilaanorAt the high point of midday obsession
Premamallathenth PremiyallathaarWhat isn’t love? Who isn’t a lover?
Chankurichchaal ChankurichchaalIf the heart clenches, if the heart clenches
Thondavatti Churundurundu Indalondu RandaavumMy throat is parched and shriveled, I’m confused and split in two
Premamullu Kaadaakum Kaattilo Vazhi ThetteedumThe thorn of love becomes a jungle, and in that wilderness, I lose my way
Paathi Jeevanum Kondu Parunthu Paaridum NeeyillenkilIf you’re not here, a hawk will fly away with half of my life
Paathi Jeevanum Kondu Parunthu Paaridum NeeyillenkilWithout you, a falcon will soar off, carrying half my soul
Premamallathenth PremiyallathaarWhat isn’t love? Who isn’t a lover?
Chankurichchaal ChankurichchaalIf the heart clenches, if the heart clenches
Chundilaandu Povaandu Choottu Kettu PoyaalIf the torch on the lips should ever go out
Ullilulla Theekkol KathuvaanorutheSomeone inside will light the kindling
Thee Virippilaalaandu Poovirippoo PolaalLost in a blanket of fire, like a flower in bloom
Chinthayaandurungaan UllilundumikkanalTo sink into thought and sleep, a live ember glows inside
The song uses these bodily comparisons to show desire as an affliction. It moves from a general heart-clenching feeling to specific, almost painful sensations. The meaning of the ‘Chankurichchaalu’ lyrics is built on presenting love as a physical state that completely takes over.
