Kasi presents Ilaiyaraaja’s composition and vocals, with Hariharan’s contribution and Pulamaipithan’s lyrics. The track centers on the Kottu Melam drum as a life companion.
Released: December 20, 2024
Maanu Tholu
Ilaiyaraaja | Pulamaipithan • From “Kasi”
Kasi’s Maanu Tholu Tamil Lyrics English Meaning
Pulamaipithan writes that the drum ignores caste differences and unites people. Ilaiyaraaja sings of its presence at weddings and funerals, then its lonely corner after events end.
Manu Tholu UnduThere’s deer skin.
Manja Kadambu UnduThere’s yellow ‘kadamba’ wood.
Manu Tholu UnduThere’s deer skin.
Manja Kadambu UnduThere’s yellow ‘kadamba’ wood.
Manushan Kandu Thantha Kottu MelamThis ‘Kottu Melam’ drum is a gift that humans created.
Kattila Nattila PattulaWhether in bed, in the land, or in a song,
Mangala Seithi Solla Varum Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum arrives to share auspicious news.
Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Intha Melaththu SaththathaiAt the rhythmic sound of this drum,
Ketta Manasuga ThullathoWon’t the hearts that hear it leap with joy?
Ilam Thukkaththil VaduraFor the poor soul who’s wilting in deep sorrow,
Yezhaikku Inbaththai Thara Thena OoththathoWon’t it pour out happiness like sweet honey?
Manu Tholu UnduThere’s deer skin.
Manja Kadambu UnduThere’s yellow ‘kadamba’ wood.
Manushan Kandu Thantha Kottu MelamThis ‘Kottu Melam’ drum is a gift that humans created.
Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
ChinnajirusugaFor the young couples,
Kannalam Kattikka VenumammaWho want to get married,
Nalla Kottu MelamThey need a good ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Kottu Melam Nalla Kottu MelamThe drum, a good ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Vanna Molappari Thanna SomathittuWhile carrying the colorful ‘Molappari’ ‘sprouted grain pots’,
Pogaiyilum Venum Kottu MelamWe need the ‘Kottu Melam’ drum as we go.
Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Enthentha Koottani Votekku PonalumNo matter which political alliance heads out to vote,
Thalam Podum Intha Kottu MelamThis ‘Kottu Melam’ drum sets the beat.
Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Nalu Per Tholgalil Poira AlukkuFor the one traveling on the shoulders of four men,
Kottanum Kottanum Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum must keep beating.
Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Jadhi Vedham Melam ParkkathuThe drum doesn’t see differences in caste.
Ooru Peru Thalam ParkkathuThe beat doesn’t care about your town or your name.
Thatta Thatta Thalamum NikkumAs it’s struck, the rhythm stays strong.
Vazhkkaiyoda Muttiye NikkumIt stands tall, right alongside life.
Manu Tholu UnduThere’s deer skin.
Manja Kadambu UnduThere’s yellow ‘kadamba’ wood.
Manu Tholu UnduThere’s deer skin.
Manja Kadambu UnduThere’s yellow ‘kadamba’ wood.
Manushan Kandu Thantha Kottu MelamThis ‘Kottu Melam’ drum is a gift that humans created.
Kottu Melam Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum, the ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Kott Saththam KettuHearing the sound of the beats,
Koottam Koodi VanthalIf a crowd gathers around,
Melaththukku Antha Velai UnduThen the drum has its moment of purpose.
Koottam Kalanjathum Attam MudinjathumOnce the crowd scatters and the dance is over,
Veettukkulle Oru Moolai UnduThere’s just a lonely corner for it inside the house.
Kootti Kazhichu Nan Parkkira VelaiyilWhen I sit and weigh the sums of my life,
Nanum Inge Oru Kottu MelamI’m just like a ‘Kottu Melam’ drum here.
Pattu Padikkiren Koottam RasikkuthuI sing my song and the crowd enjoys it,
Antha Santhoshamum Konja NeramBut that happiness lasts only for a short while.
Kal Nagaththil Kanal IrukkuThere’s a spark of fire even in my toenails.
Nan Nadakka Padhai IrukkuThere’s a path laid out for me to walk.
Nyana Kannu Ulla IrukkuThe eye of wisdom is within me.
Nambikkaiththan Sontham EnakkuOnly faith is truly my own.
Manu Tholu UnduThere’s deer skin.
Manja Kadambu UnduThere’s yellow ‘kadamba’ wood.
Manu Tholu UnduThere’s deer skin.
Manja Kadambu UnduThere’s yellow ‘kadamba’ wood.
Manushan Kandu Thantha Kottu MelamThis ‘Kottu Melam’ drum is a gift that humans created.
Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Intha Melaththu SaththathaiAt the rhythmic sound of this drum,
Ketta Manasuga ThullathoWon’t the hearts that hear it leap with joy?
Ilam Thukkaththil VaduraFor the poor soul who’s wilting in deep sorrow,
Yezhaikku Inbaththai Thara Thena OoththathoWon’t it pour out happiness like sweet honey?
Manu Tholu UnduThere’s deer skin.
Manja Kadambu UnduThere’s yellow ‘kadamba’ wood.
Manushan Kandu Thantha Kottu MelamThis ‘Kottu Melam’ drum is a gift that humans created.
Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Kattila Nattila PattulaWhether in bed, in the land, or in a song,
Mangala Seithi Solla Varum Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum arrives to share auspicious news.
Kottu MelamThe ‘Kottu Melam’ drum.
Maanu Tholu Music Video
Ilaiyaraaja’s Maanu Tholu lyrics translation reveals a cycle of celebration and isolation. The song comments on artistic relevance in society.