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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaala Magal

From Paruva Mazhai · 1978

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Salil Chowdry
Details
Paruva Mazhai1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaala magal medai naadagamTime, the goddess, presents a stage drama,
Kanneer paadum raagamandroIsn't it a musical raga sung in tears?
Paathai engum devan paathaiyaiEvery path everywhere belongs to God,
En payanam oru sodhanaiYet my journey remains a trial.
Male
Kaala magal medai naadagamTime, the goddess, presents a stage drama,
Kanneer paadum raagamandroIsn't it a musical raga sung in tears?
Paathai engum devan paathaiyaiEvery path everywhere belongs to God,
En payanam oru sodhanaiYet my journey remains a trial.
Male
Entha thottil entha pillaiWhich cradle holds which child?
Entha kangal entha kaigalWhich eyes belong to which hands?
Entha thottil entha pillaiWhich cradle holds which child?
Entha kangal entha kaigalWhich eyes belong to which hands?
Pogumidam engo endroWhere is the destination and when will we reach?
Naalai endru solvaarundoIs there anyone who can tell us about tomorrow?
Naalai endru solvaarundoIs there anyone who can tell us about tomorrow?
Male
Kadhal ullam edhai thaangumoHow much can a loving heart endure?
Aasai kadhal nenjin samaathiDesired love becomes a tomb inside the heart.
Male
Kaala magal medai naadagam….Time, the goddess, presents a stage drama...
Male
Koondukkili pesa viduLet the caged parrot speak,
Koottu kuyil paada viduLet the nested cuckoo sing.
Koondukkili pesa viduLet the caged parrot speak,
Koottu kuyil paada viduLet the nested cuckoo sing.
Devan sonna orae vazhiThe only path shown by God,
Ellaamae un aathmaavilEverything is within your soul,
Ellaamae un aathmaavilEverything is within your soul.
Male
Kaala magal medai naadagamTime, the goddess, presents a stage drama,
Kanneer paadum raagamandroIsn't it a musical raga sung in tears?
Paathai engum devan paathaiyaiEvery path everywhere belongs to God,
En payanam oru sodhanaiYet my journey remains a trial.
Male
Kaala magal medai naadagam…Time, the goddess, presents a stage drama...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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