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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Avale En Kadhali

From Perum Pugazhum · 1976

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jairam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Perum Pugazhum1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Avalae en kaadhaliShe alone is my lover
Avalae en kaadhaliShe alone is my lover
Kodi neerukullae malar melaeAmidst vast water, upon the flower
Penn kulippadhu thamarai polaeA woman bathing is like a lotus lotus flower
Kodi neerukullae malar melaeAmidst vast water, upon the flower
Penn kulippadhu thamarai polaeA woman bathing is like a lotus lotus flower
Naan neeraai pirandhirundhaalumEven if I were born as water
Inneram ennenavoAt this moment, who knows what would happen
Female
Avanae en kaadhalanHe alone is my lover
Avanae en kaadhalanHe alone is my lover
Nadai medayilae vizhi ingaeHer eyes are here on the walking stage
Avan naadagam paarpadhu engaeWhere is he watching his drama from?
Nadai medayilae vizhi ingaeHer eyes are here on the walking stage
Avan naadagam paarpadhu engaeWhere is he watching his drama from?
Avan neeraai pirandhirundhaalumEven if he were born as water
Inneram ennennavoAt this moment, who knows what would happen
Female
{Thaalaattum pillai ondru{A child that needs lulling to sleep
Saelaattam pennai kanduSeeing a woman moving gracefully like silk
Vaalattum ennam ennaWhat is this playful, mischievous thought?
Ilaiyo…malaro..kaniyo….} (2)Is it a tender leaf... a flower... or a fruit...} (2)
Male
{Paal vaasam sindhum{Exuding the pure scent of milk
Chinna paapaavin ullam indruWhy does the little child's heart today
Poovasam kondadhennaCelebrate the scent of flowers?
Adhuvoo…idhuvoo… edhuvoo..} (2)Is it that... or this... or what else...} (2)
Male
Avalae en kaadhaliShe alone is my lover
Female : Nadai medayilae vizhi ingaeFemale : Her eyes are here on the walking stage
Avan naadagam paarpadhu engaeWhere is he watching his drama from?
Avan neeraai pirandhirundhaalumEven if he were born as water
Inneram ennennavoAt this moment, who knows what would happen
Male
Thottaalum ottikkollumSmooth as silk that clings at a touch
Pattaana velli kannamIs this silky, silvery cheek
Ettaamal seivadhennaWhat makes it stay out of reach?
Inamoo..kulamoo…bhayamoo…Is it community... lineage... or fear?
Female
Paeraasai vellam vandhuEven when a surging flood of deep desire
Poraadum podhum penngalWages a war within, for women
Thaai veedu thandha selvamThe rich treasure bestowed by their mother's home
Achcham… naanam.. vetkam…Is fear... modesty... and shyness...
Female
Avanae en kaadhalanHe alone is my lover
Male
Kodi neerukullae malar melaeAmidst vast water, upon the flower
Penn kulippadhu thamarai polaeA woman bathing is like a lotus lotus flower
Naan neeraai pirandhirundhaalumEven if I were born as water
Inneram ennenavoAt this moment, who knows what would happen

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic duet explores playful romantic banter and sweet yearning between two lovers who observe each other with deep affection and admiration. The lyrics compare the maiden's beauty and innocence to blooming flowers, water lilies, and milk-scented warmth, while highlighting the natural shyness and hesitation that accompanies love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Penn kulippadhu thamarai polae

Comparing a bathing woman to a lotus blooming in water ('Penn kulippadhu thamarai polae').

Edugai (Second-letter rhyme)

Nadai medayilae vizhi ingae / Avan naadagam paarpadhu engae

The second letter 'da' rhymes between 'Nadai' and 'naadagam'.

Alliteration (Monaai)

Achcham… naanam.. vetkam…

Repetition of starting sounds in 'Achcham… naanam.. vetkam…' expressing traditional virtues.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the legendary poet Kannadasan, this song showcases his signature style of blending nature imagery with human emotions, emphasizing traditional cultural modesty (Achcham, Naanam, Madam, Payirppu) in romantic expression.

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