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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaala Magal

From Paruva Mazhai · 1978

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Salil Chowdry
Movie name
Paruva Mazhai
Movie release year
1978
Lyrics added on
3 Feb 2024

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kaala magal medai naadagam
Kanneer paadum raagamandro
Paathai engum devan paathaiyai
En payanam oru sodhanai
Kaala magal medai naadagam
Kanneer paadum raagamandro
Paathai engum devan paathaiyai
En payanam oru sodhanai
Entha thottil entha pillai
Entha kangal entha kaigal
Entha thottil entha pillai
Entha kangal entha kaigal
Pogumidam engo endro
Naalai endru solvaarundo
Naalai endru solvaarundo
Kadhal ullam edhai thaangumo
Aasai kadhal nenjin samaathi
Kaala magal medai naadagam….
Koondukkili pesa vidu
Koottu kuyil paada vidu
Koondukkili pesa vidu
Koottu kuyil paada vidu
Devan sonna orae vazhi
Ellaamae un aathmaavil
Ellaamae un aathmaavil
Kaala magal medai naadagam
Kanneer paadum raagamandro
Paathai engum devan paathaiyai
En payanam oru sodhanai
Kaala magal medai naadagam…
This stage play of Time,
is it not a melody sung in tears?
Everywhere is God's path,
yet my journey is a trial.
This stage play of Time,
is it not a melody sung in tears?
Everywhere is God's path,
yet my journey is a trial.
Which cradle belongs to which child?
Which eyes belong to which loving hands?
Which cradle belongs to which child?
Which eyes belong to which loving hands?
Where is the destination, and when will it be reached?
Is there anyone who can tell what tomorrow brings?
Is there anyone who can tell what tomorrow brings?
How much can a loving heart bear?
Loving desires are buried in the heart's tomb...
This stage play of Time...
Let the caged parrot speak,
let the cuckoo in its nest sing.
Let the caged parrot speak,
let the cuckoo in its nest sing.
The only path revealed by God
is that everything lies within your own soul.
Everything lies within your own soul.
This stage play of Time,
is it not a melody sung in tears?
Everywhere is God's path,
yet my journey is a trial.
This stage play of Time...
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This poignant song depicts human life as a theatrical play directed by 'Kaala Magal' (Goddess of Time), where sorrow and trials form the core tune. Kannadasan's lyrics reflect philosophical angst over identity, the unpredictable nature of fate, and the pain of unfulfilled love, ultimately suggesting that truth and peace reside within one's own soul.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

“Kaala magal medai naadagam”

Life is metaphorically described as a stage play orchestrated by Time ('Kaala magal medai naadagam').

Personification

“Kanneer paadum raagamandro”

Tears are personified as singing a musical raga ('Kanneer paadum raagam').

Alliteration (Monai)

“Koondukkili pesa vidu / Koottu kuyil paada vidu”

Repetition of the initial 'K' sound in adjacent phrases ('Koondukkili', 'Koottu kuyil').

Did you know?

Trivia

Paruva Mazhai (1978) is the Tamil release featuring music by Salil Chowdhury, who re-used some of his celebrated compositions from Malayalam/Hindi for this film, sung powerfully by K. J. Yesudas with lyrics by Kannadasan.

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