- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Duet
- Movie release year
- 1994
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Aug 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'En Kaadhalae' is a poignant composition expressing the overwhelming anguish, vulnerability, and confusion brought by deep love. The protagonist addresses love itself, pondering whether it brings redemption and liberation like wings, or sacrifice and torment like a cross. The central metaphor highlights the irony of being asked to sacrifice the very vision (eyes) needed to appreciate the beauty (painting) created for love. Throughout the song, the protagonist grapples with emotional turbulence, weeping at love's indifference and questioning if the beloved is a companion or an adversary. The lyrics beautifully articulate the fine line between joy and suffering in romantic devotion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Siluvaigal siragugal”
'Siluvaigal siragugal' uses crosses (symbolizing suffering/sacrifice) and wings (symbolizing freedom/bliss) as metaphors for the dual outcomes of love.
Paradox / Metaphor
“Naan oviyam ondru ezhuthinen / Yen kannirandai ketkiraai…”
'Naan oviyam ondru ezhuthinen / Yen kannirandai ketkiraai' presents a paradox where love demands the creator's eyes as sacrifice after a painting is made.
Adukkuthodar (Repetition)
“Naan vilunthu vilunthu thozhudhen / Naan kulungi kulungi azhudhen”
'vilunthu vilunthu' and 'kulungi kulungi' use repeated words to emphasize the intensity of falling at love's feet and weeping uncontrollably.
Iyaibu (Rhyming)
“Ithu maatramaa..aaa / Thadumaatramaa..aaa”
'Maatramaa' and 'Thadumaatramaa' rhyme at the end of consecutive lines, creating rhythm while contrasting positive change with stumbling.
Keep listening
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