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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Hey Radhaiye Naan

From Kunguma Kodu · 1988

Lyricist
S. A. Rajkumar
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vidhya
Music director
S. A. Rajkumar
Details
Kunguma Kodu1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Hae raadhaiyae naan kannanaeHey Radha, I am Krishna!
Hae raadhaiyae naan kannanaeHey Radha, I am Krishna!
Yen innum mounam kel krishna gaanamWhy this silence still? Listen to Krishna's song!
Yen innum mounam kel krishna gaanamWhy this silence still? Listen to Krishna's song!
Needhaane en brindhaavanamYou alone are my Brindavan!
Male
Hae raadhaiyae naan kannanaeHey Radha, I am Krishna!
Hae hae raadhaiyae naan kannanaeHey hey Radha, I am Krishna!
Male
Nee dhaan endhan dheva dheviYou are my divine goddess,
Naanoo vaasal thaedum paaviAnd I am a sinner searching for your threshold.
Nee dhaan endhan dheva dheviYou are my divine goddess,
Naanoo vaasal thaedum paaviAnd I am a sinner searching for your threshold.
Vaai thiranthu kaadhal vaakku solla vendumaeYou must open your mouth and speak words of love,
Vaalibangal vaazha vendumaeOur youth must blossom and live!
Vaai thiranthu kaadhal vaakku solla vendumaeYou must open your mouth and speak words of love,
Vaalibangal vaazha vendumaeOur youth must blossom and live!
Paadava paadava anbu ondru kenjukkindrathaeShall I sing? Shall I sing? A heart begs for love!
Male
Hae raadhaiyae naan kannanaeHey Radha, I am Krishna!
Hae raadhaiyae naan kannanaeHey Radha, I am Krishna!
Male
Pogum paadhai engu pogumWhere does this path lead?
Kaadhal endra ooril saerumIt reaches the destination called Love.
Pogum paadhai engu pogumWhere does this path lead?
Kaadhal endra ooril saerumIt reaches the destination called Love.
Kannanukkum mannanukkumBecause love bloomed for Krishna and great kings,
Kaadhal vandhadhaalBecause love bloomed for them,
Kaaviyangal indru vandhathuGreat epics came into existence today!
Kannanukkum mannanukkumBecause love bloomed for Krishna and great kings,
Kaadhal vandhadhaalBecause love bloomed for them,
Kaaviyangal indru vandhathuGreat epics came into existence today!
Naanoru yaasagan kaadhal pitchai poda vendumaeI am a beggar; you must give me the alms of love!
Female
Hae devanae poo thooramaeO Lord, a drizzle of flowers!
Hae devanae poo thooramaeO Lord, a drizzle of flowers!
Paadhai illadha ooril kaadhal selladhu thaerilIn a town without a path, love cannot ride in a chariot.
Paadhai illadha ooril kaadhal selladhu thaerilIn a town without a path, love cannot ride in a chariot.
Poongaatru polladhadhuThe gentle breeze can be wicked!
Female
Hae devanae poo thooramaeO Lord, a drizzle of flowers!
Hae devanae poo thooramaeO Lord, a drizzle of flowers!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic song draws upon mythological imagery, comparing the lovers to Radha and Krishna. The male protagonist pleads with his beloved to break her silence and express her feelings, describing himself as a humble seeker asking for the 'alms' of her love. He reflects on how love has historically inspired legendary epics and transformed divine and royal beings alike. As the song progresses, the tone shifts slightly towards the challenges of love, acknowledging that romantic journeys are not always smooth—just as a chariot cannot traverse a town without proper roads. It balances passionate romantic devotion with a grounded realization of the trials inherent in love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Needhaane en brindhaavanam

The speaker directly compares his beloved to 'Brindavan' (the sacred abode of Krishna), symbolizing her as his sanctuary and source of joy.

Metaphor

Naanoru yaasagan kaadhal pitchai poda vendumae

The lover describes himself as a beggar ('yaasagan') asking for love as alms ('pitchai').

Allusion

Hae raadhaiyae naan kannanae

Uses the legendary divine lovers Radha and Krishna to contextualize the deep devotional nature of his love.

Monai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)

Kannanukkum mannanukkum / Kaadhal vandhadhaal / Kaaviyangal indru vandhathu

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across consecutive lines creates rhythmic musicality.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics for this song were written by S. A. Rajkumar in the late 1980s, during the early phase of his career before he went on to become one of Tamil cinema's most popular music directors in the 1990s.

Keep listening

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