C. S. Jayaraman performs ‘Karumbum Erumbum’ on the album ‘Puthumai Pithan’ with urgent romantic longing. Lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass and composer G. Ramanathan frame attraction through magnetic nature metaphors.
Karumbum Erumbum
C. S. Jayaraman • From “Puthumai Pithan”
Puthumai Pithan’s Karumbum Erumbum Tamil Lyrics English Translation
Ramaiah Dass writes physical reactions to love: Jayaraman’s body feels ‘stung by a scorpion.’ The beloved enters ‘like a bold gypsy’ slipping past guards, showing her disruptive power.
Karumbum Erumbum PolaeLike an ant drawn to a sugarcane stalk.
Kaaviyam Thiruvodum PolaeLike a grand epic paired with a wandering saint’s bowl.
Irumbum Kaandham PolaeLike iron pulled towards a magnet.
Irukkalam MarakkamalaeWe can stay together, never forgetting this bond.
Manae Un Mel Maiyal AanenOh my deer-like love, I’ve fallen under your spell.
Nillu NilluWait, oh wait.
Manae Un Mel Maiyal AanenMy doe-eyed beauty, I am captivated by you.
Nillu NilluStand still, just stand still.
Thaenae Undhan Istam EnnaMy sweet honey, tell me what you desire.
Sollu SolluTell me, tell me now.
Thaenae Undhan Istam EnnaOh sweetness, what is your heart’s wish?
Sollu SolluSpeak up, please speak.
Manae Un Mel Maiyal AanenMy graceful deer, I’ve lost myself to you.
Nillu NilluWait right there, wait.
Dhegam Ellam UnnaleMy entire body, because of you,
Thaelaaga KottudhadiFeels as if it’s being stung by a scorpion.
Indha Baagam Ellam ThannaleAnd every part of me, all on its own,
Paambaaga KadikkudhadiHurts like it’s being bitten by a snake.
Dhegam Ellam UnnaleThis whole body, all because of your love,
Thaelaaga KottudhadiBurns like the sting of a scorpion.
Baagam Ellam ThannaleEvery inch of me, involuntarily,
Paambaaga KadikkudhadiThrobs like the bite of a serpent.
Mogathaal Ennai MeeriOverwhelmed by this passion, beyond my control,
Mel Moochu VaanguthadiMy breath is coming in heavy gasps.
Kannae EndhanOh my darling eye,
Raaja Petha RojaapoovaeYou are a royal rose born of a King.
Kanal Jaadai Kaati Vittaal Naane PovenIf you just glare at me with fire, I’ll walk away.
Manae Un Mel Maiyal AanenOh deer-like beauty, I’m obsessed with you.
Nillu NilluStop, please stop.
Yaaradi Nee Ingu Vandhaval Yaaradi NeeWho are you, girl? Who is this girl who has come here?
Korathanamaai Kaaval MeeriyaeLike a bold gypsy, breaking past the guards,
Sollaamal Yen Vandhaai SolluWhy did you enter without a word? Tell me.
Korathanamaai Kaaval MeeriyaeSlipping past the sentries like a mystic woman,
Sollaamal Yen Vandhaai Sollu SolluWhy did you come unannounced? Answer me, answer me.
Korathanamaai Kaaval MeeriyaeLike a wild wanderer defying the watchmen,
Sollaamal Yen Vandhaai Sollu Sollu Sollu SolluWhy are you here without warning? Speak, speak, speak, speak!
Yaaradi Nee Ingu Vandhaval Yaaradi NeeWho on earth are you? Who is this intruder?
Pitham Theliya MarunthondrikkudhuThere is a single medicine to clear this madness.
Per Inbam AdhukullaeAnd a supreme pleasure lies within it.
Pitham Theliya MarunthondrikkudhuA unique remedy exists to cure my delirium.
Per Inbam AdhukullaeIt holds the greatest bliss inside.
Mattra Marundhugal Thindraalum UllukkuEven if I consume other cures for my soul,
Mattra Marundhugal Thindraalum UllukkuNo matter what other potions I try to take inside,
Valle Valle Aiyaen AdimaiThey are weak, they are weak; I am your slave, Sir.
Pitham Theliya MarunthondrikkudhuOnly one medicine can clear this feverish state.
Per Inbam AdhukullaeAnd that great joy is found right there.
Mattra MarundhugalOther remedies,
Mattra Marundhugal Thindraalum UllukkuEven if I swallow every other medicine deep down,
Valle Valle Aiyaen AdimaiThey fail, they fail; I remain a humble servant.
Pitham Theliya MarunthondrikkudhuThere is a cure to clarify this confused mind.
Per Inbam AdhukullaeAnd eternal bliss resides within it.
Karumbum Erumbum Music Video
Love’s dual cure appears as both venom and medicine in the closing verses. The ‘Karumbum Erumbum’ lyrics meaning connects intense attraction to conflicting physical sensations.