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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Alaiye Kadal Alaiye

From Thirukkalyanam · 1978

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singers
S. Janaki, P. Jayachandran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Thirukkalyanam1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Alaiyae kadal alaiyaeO wave, ocean wave!
Yaen aadugiraai enna thaedugiraaiWhy do you dance, what are you searching for?
Inba ninaivinil paadugiraaiYou sing in joyful memories.
Ennennavo un aasaigalSo many varied desires you have!
Female
Pon manal maedai meedhinilaeUpon the golden mound of sand,
Ven panivaadai kaatrinilaeIn the cool, frosty north wind,
Mayakkum maalai pozhudhinilae…In the mesmerizing evening time…
Kaadhali indha naayagiMy beloved heroine,
Pala naal varai kaathirukkaAs she waits for many days,
Ennennavo un aasaigalSo many varied desires you have!
Male
Nee urugaadhae manam kalangaadhaeDo not melt in sadness, do not be troubled in heart,
Un aruginil naan iruppenI will be right beside you.
Ennennavo un aasaigalSo many varied desires you have!
Male
Vasanthathai thaedum ilam thaliraeO tender leaf seeking spring,
Vaadaiyil vaadum pani malaraeO dew-laden flower wilting in the chill wind,
Nenjinil endrum unninaivae…In my heart, your memory remains forever…
Kanmani uyir kaadhaliO my precious darling, my life's beloved,
En kaigalil thavazhndhirukkaAs you rest gently in my arms,
Ennennavo en aasaigalSo many varied desires I have!
Female
Koyilai thaedi thavam irukkaAs one meditates in search of the temple,
Male
Dhaeviyin naayagan thunai irukkaWith the Goddess's lord present as support,
Female
Aayiram piravigal inaindhirukka…Remaining bound together for a thousand lifetimes…
Male
Aayiram piravigal inaindhirukka…Remaining bound together for a thousand lifetimes…
Female
Alaiyae kadal alaiyaeO wave, ocean wave!
Male
Nee urugaadhae manam kalangaadhaeDo not melt in sadness, do not be troubled in heart,
Female
Ennennavo nam aasaigalSo many varied desires we both have!
Male
Ennennavo nam aasaigalSo many varied desires we both have!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poetic song draws a beautiful parallel between the restless waves of the sea and the longing heart of a lover. It captures the warmth, comfort, and deep devotion shared between lovers during a serene evening by the coast. The singer reassures their beloved, who is portrayed as a delicate flower wilting in the cold wind, promising eternal companionship and comfort. The narrative gracefully shifts from acknowledging 'your desires' to 'my desires', culminating in the unity of 'our desires' meant to endure across a thousand lifetimes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification

Alaiyae kadal alaiyae / Yaen aadugiraai enna thaedugiraai

The ocean wave is addressed as an emotional, sentient being asked about its dancing, searching, and singing.

Metaphor

Vasanthathai thaedum ilam thalirae / Vaadaiyil vaadum pani malarae

The beloved is metaphorically described as a tender leaf searching for spring and a delicate flower wilting in the cold wind.

Linguistic Progression / Refrain Variation

Ennennavo un aasaigal ... Ennennavo en aasaigal ... Ennennavo nam aasaigal

The key refrain systematically shifts perspective across the song: 'un aasaigal' (your desires) -> 'en aasaigal' (my desires) -> 'nam aasaigal' (our desires).

Did you know?

Trivia

Thirukkalyanam (1978) features music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, starring Vijayakumar and Sripriya. The soundtrack is known for its serene, melodic compositions set against evocative Tamil romantic imagery.

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