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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aayiram Kann

From Paavai Vilakku · 1960

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
C. S. Jayaraman
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Paavai Vilakku1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aayiram kann podhaadhuA thousand eyes will not be enough,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Aayiram kann podhaadhuA thousand eyes will not be enough,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Kuttraala azhagai naamumFor us to behold
Kaanbatharkku vanna kiliyaeThe natural beauty of Courtallam, oh colorful parrot!
Aayiram kann podhaadhuA thousand eyes will not be enough,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Kuttraala azhagai naamumFor us to behold
Kaanbatharkku vanna kiliyaeThe natural beauty of Courtallam, oh colorful parrot!
Male
Thendral isai paadi varumThe gentle breeze breezes in singing music,
Thaenaruvi aadi varum…hmmmThe honey-like waterfall dances along... hmmm,
Thendral isai paadi varumThe gentle breeze breezes in singing music,
Thaenaruvi aadi varum..The honey-like waterfall dances along..
Andralarndha senbagapooFreshly bloomed champak flower,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Andralarndha senbagapooFreshly bloomed champak flower,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Engum aanandha kaatchi tharum vanna kiliyaePresents a joyful sight everywhere, oh colorful parrot!
Aanandha kaatchi tharum vanna kiliyaePresents a joyful sight, oh colorful parrot!
Male
Aayiram kann podhaadhuA thousand eyes will not be enough,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Kuttraala azhagai naamumFor us to behold
Kaanbatharkku vanna kiliyaeThe natural beauty of Courtallam, oh colorful parrot!
Male
Engum pani thoongum malai …eeMist slumbers upon the mountains everywhere... ee,
Engum pani thoongum malaiMist slumbers upon the mountains everywhere,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Nenjil inba nilai thandhidudhaeIt fills the heart with a state of pure bliss,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Engum pani thoongum malaiMist slumbers upon the mountains everywhere,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Nenjil inba nilai thandhidudhaeIt fills the heart with a state of pure bliss,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Male
Pongi varum aindharuviThe Five Falls gushes forth with overflowing vigor,
VannakiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Pongi varum aindharuviThe Five Falls gushes forth with overflowing vigor,
VannakiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Ingae thanga tamil muzhangidudhaeHere, precious golden Tamil resounds with resonance,
VannakiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Thanga tamil muzhangidudhaePrecious golden Tamil resounds with resonance,
VannakiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Male
Aayiram kann podhaadhuA thousand eyes will not be enough,
Vanna kiliyaeOh colorful parrot!
Kuttraala azhagai naamumFor us to behold
Kaanbatharkku vanna kiliyae…vanna kiliyae..yeThe natural beauty of Courtallam, oh colorful parrot... oh colorful parrot.. ye!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from 'Paavai Vilakku' (1960) is an evocative tribute to the scenic grandeur and natural splendour of Courtallam (Kuttraalam), a region famous for its cascading waterfalls and lush landscapes in Tamil Nadu. Addressed affectionately to a colorful parrot (vanna kiliyae) in the traditional Kili Kannai genre of Tamil poetry, the singer expresses that even a thousand eyes would fall short of absorbing the breathtaking sights of Courtallam.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Kili Kannai (Parrot Refrain / Apostrophe)

Vanna kiliyae

Addressing a parrot ('Vanna kiliyae') throughout the song is a traditional Tamil poetic device used to convey personal wonder and deep feelings.

Hyperbole (Uruvakattam / Uyartvu Navirchi)

Aayiram kann podhaadhu

Exaggerating that even a thousand eyes are insufficient to take in the sheer beauty of nature.

Personification

Thendral isai paadi varum

Attributing human traits like singing to the breeze ('thendral isai paadi varum') and sleeping to the fog/mist ('pani thoongum').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Thaenaruvi aadi varum.. / Thanga tamil muzhangidudhae

Describing the waterfall as sweet honey ('Thaenaruvi') and the Tamil language as pure gold ('Thanga tamil').

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. V. Mahadevan and penned by A. Maruthakasi, this iconic song is rendered in the unique, expressive vocal style of C. S. Jayaraman. The song draws rich inspiration from classic Tamil literature like Courtallu Kutrala Kuravanji, celebrating the geography, culture, and waterfalls of Courtallam.

Keep listening

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