Mathichiyam Bala’s earthy vocals deliver Kavimuni’s lyrics for the Ayothi album track Sethupathi Naattukulle, composed by N. R. Raghunanthan. This Rameswaram-set folk ballad depicts a child confronting isolation after parental loss. Traditional instrumentation underscores the story’s emotional weight.
Kavimuni contrasts material absence with moral richness through blunt declarations. The lyrics note the orphan’s lack of relatives or official name before emphasizing inner worth outweighing empty pockets. Specific phrases like ‘stone box with no money’ reinforce this central tension.
Karuva Mara KaduA forest of thorny trees.
Idhu Rameswram OoruThis is the town of Rameswaram.
Uppu Kathu VeesumThe salty wind blows here.
Idhu Unmai Kadha ParuLook, this is a true story.
Sethupadhi NattukkullaInside the land of the Sethupathis.
Porandha Chella PullaA beloved child was born.
Sethupadhi NattukkullaInside the land of the Sethupathis.
Porandha Chella PullaA beloved child was born.
Vanam Patha BoomiyileOn this earth that looks to the sky for rain.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Vanam Patha BoomiyileOn this earth that relies on the rain.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Vilanja NellumaniLike a fully grown paddy grain.
Ponnu RathinameOh, my precious gem.
Rasa Kadhaiya Padi VarenI’m coming to sing the King’s story.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Sondhamunnu Yarum IllaHe has no relatives to call his own.
Sollikolla Perum IllaAnd no big name to mention.
Sondhamunnu Yarum IllaHe has no relatives to call his own.
Sollikolla Perum IllaAnd no big name to mention.
Othiyile NikkuraneHe stands all by himself.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Othiyile NikkuraneHe stands all alone.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Vayasu Anjukooda ThandavillaiHe hasn’t even crossed five years of age.
Ponnu RathinameOh, my precious gem.
Adhukkulla Appan Atha PoyitangaHis father and mother passed away by then.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Gunathula ThangakattiHe is pure gold in character.
Kasu Illa KallappettiBut has a stone box with no money.
Gunathula ThangakattiHe is pure gold in character.
Kasu Illa KallappettiBut has a stone box with no money.
Collector Velai KoodaEven if offered a Collector’s job.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Collector Velai KoodaEven if offered a Collector’s job.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Koduthalum PudikalambanHe would say he doesn’t want it.
Ponnu RathinameOh, my precious gem.
Rasa Koduthalum PudikalambanThe King would say he doesn’t want it.
Ponnu RathinameOh, my precious gem.
Karkkandu Kann AzhaguHis eyes are beautiful like rock candy.
Manja PanangkizhanguHe is like a golden palm tuber.
Thenoorum NenjukkullaInside his heart that flows with honey.
Devadhaiya Vandha PullaIs the child who came like an angel.
Rasa VaruvarunnuHoping that the King will come.
Thanga RathinameOh, my golden gem.
Rasathi Kathu KidakkaThe Queen is waiting for him.
Ponnu RathinameOh, my precious gem.
Avathan Rapagala Kathu IrukkaShe is waiting there day and night.
Endurance through adversity emerges as the core message in Kavimuni’s writing. The Sethupathi Naattukulle lyrics meaning gains clarity through repeated references to Rameswaram’s salty winds and thorn forests. Resilience persists despite limited resources in this landscape.
