Kaalaakaalam Kalyanam
From Antha Uravukku Satchi · 1984
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- Vani Jairam, Chorus
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Details
- Antha Uravukku Satchi1984
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Chorus | |
| ……………. | [Instrumental / Intro] |
| Female | |
| Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa | When marriage takes place at the right age, |
| Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla | The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit. |
| Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi | Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby, |
| Naalai eenum chinna pullai | It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow. |
| Chorus | |
| Laali suba laali | Lullaby, a fortunate lullaby, |
| Ini aadum kaaigal kodi | Now millions of growing fruits will sway. |
| Sammanthi murai pesa vaadiyamma | Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws! |
| Sammanthi murai pesa vaadiyamma | Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws! |
| Female | |
| Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa | When marriage takes place at the right age, |
| Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla | The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit. |
| Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi | Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby, |
| Naalai eenum chinna pullai | It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow. |
| Female | |
| Pillaiyendru solvathintha thennai | This coconut tree is affectionately called a child, |
| Pillai pettrorgalthaandi idhan annai | Beyond the birth parents, Mother Earth is its true mother. |
| Thaalikatti vaiththu vidu munnae | Before tying the sacred wedding thread around it, |
| Adhan thalai meedhu thallaadum pinnae | Look how its heavy head sways afterwards! |
| Ilaneeru varum paaru | See how sweet tender coconut water emerges, |
| Ennai pola unnai pola | Just like me, just like you. |
| Female | |
| Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa | When marriage takes place at the right age, |
| Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla | The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit. |
| Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi | Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby, |
| Naalai eenum chinna pullai | It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow. |
| Chorus | |
| Aahaa oho aahaa oho | Aahaa oho aahaa oho |
| Aahaa oho oohho | Aahaa oho oohho |
| Aahaa oho aahaa oho | Aahaa oho aahaa oho |
| Aahaa oho oohho | Aahaa oho oohho |
| Chorus | |
| ……………. | [Instrumental / Interlude] |
| Female | |
| Selai kattum chinna pillai polae | Like a young girl draped in a saree, |
| Adhu chinna nadai poduthu paar melae | Look above as it takes delicate small steps. |
| Maalaiyittu manam mudichchathaalae adhu | Because it was wedded with a garland, |
| Maappillaiyai theduthu kannaalae | It searches for its groom through its eyes. |
| Ilai moodum aval maeni | Her body wrapped gracefully in green leaves, |
| Ennai pola unnai pola | Just like me, just like you. |
| Chorus | |
| Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa | When marriage takes place at the right age, |
| Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla | The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit. |
| Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi | Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby, |
| Naalai eenum chinna pullai | It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow. |
| Female | |
| Kaal vazhiyae oottri vitta neeru | Water poured at its feet, |
| Adha thalai vazhiyae thiruppo tharum paaru | Look how it returns it back sweet through its head! |
| Paanai pola moodi vachchathaaru | Who kept it sealed so perfectly like a pot? |
| Adha padachchavana paarththu nandri kooru | Look at the Creator and offer your gratitude. |
| Vayasu vantha neram paarthu | Watching for the right time when maturity arrives, |
| Ennai pola unnai pola | Just like me, just like you. |
| Female | |
| Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa | When marriage takes place at the right age, |
| Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla | The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit. |
| Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi | Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby, |
| Naalai eenum chinna pullai | It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow. |
| Chorus | |
| Laali suba laali | Lullaby, a fortunate lullaby, |
| Ini aadum kaaigal kodi | Now millions of growing fruits will sway. |
| Sammanthi murai pesa vaadiyamma | Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws! |
| Sammanthi murai pesa vaadiyamma | Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws! |
...................
[Instrumental / Intro]
காலாகாலம் கல்யாணம் ஆனா
காய்க்கும் பூக்கும் தென்னம்புள்ள
பாளைக் காட்டி பக்கத்தில் ஆடி
நாளை ஈனும் சின்னப் புள்ளை
When marriage takes place at the right age,
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
லாலி சுப லாலி
இனி ஆடும் காய்கள் கோடி
சம்மந்தி முறை பேச வாடியம்மா
சம்மந்தி முறை பேச வாடியம்மா......
Lullaby, a fortunate lullaby,
Now millions of growing fruits will sway.
Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws!
Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws!
காலாகாலம் கல்யாணம் ஆனா
காய்க்கும் பூக்கும் தென்னம்புள்ள
பாளைக் காட்டி பக்கத்தில் ஆடி
நாளை ஈனும் சின்னப் புள்ளை
When marriage takes place at the right age,
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
பிள்ளையென்று சொல்வதிந்த தென்னை
பிள்ளை பெற்றோர்கள்தான்டி இதன் அன்னை
தாலிக்கட்டி வைத்து விடு முன்னே
அதன் தலை மீது தள்ளாடும் பின்னே
இளநீரு வரும் பாரு
என்னைப்போல உன்னைப்போல
This coconut tree is affectionately called a child,
Beyond the birth parents, Mother Earth is its true mother.
Before tying the sacred wedding thread around it,
Look how its heavy head sways afterwards!
See how sweet tender coconut water emerges,
Just like me, just like you.
காலாகாலம் கல்யாணம் ஆனா
காய்க்கும் பூக்கும் தென்னம்புள்ள
பாளைக் காட்டி பக்கத்தில் ஆடி
நாளை ஈனும் சின்னப் புள்ளை
When marriage takes place at the right age,
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
ஆஹா ஓஹோ ஆஹா ஓஹோ
ஆஹா ஓஹோ ஓஹ்ஹோ
ஆஹா ஓஹோ ஆஹா ஓஹோ
ஆஹா ஓஹோ ஓஹ்ஹோ
Aahaa oho aahaa oho
Aahaa oho oohho
Aahaa oho aahaa oho
Aahaa oho oohho
................................
[Instrumental / Interlude]
சேலைக் கட்டும் சின்னப் பிள்ளைப் போலே
அது சின்ன நடை போடுது பார் மேலே
மாலையிட்டு மணம் முடிச்சதாலே அது
மாப்பிள்ளையை தேடுது கண்ணாலே
இலை மூடும் அவள் மேனி
என்னைப்போல உன்னைப்போல
Like a young girl draped in a saree,
Look above as it takes delicate small steps.
Because it was wedded with a garland,
It searches for its groom through its eyes.
Her body wrapped gracefully in green leaves,
Just like me, just like you.
காலாகாலம் கல்யாணம் ஆனா
காய்க்கும் பூக்கும் தென்னம்புள்ள
பாளைக் காட்டி பக்கத்தில் ஆடி
நாளை ஈனும் சின்னப் புள்ளை
When marriage takes place at the right age,
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
கால் வழியே ஊற்றி விட்ட நீரு
அத தலை வழியே திருப்பி தரும் பாரு
பானைப் போல மூடி வச்சதாரு
அத படச்சவன பார்த்து நன்றி கூறு
வயசு வந்த நேரம் பார்த்து
என்னைப்போல உன்னைப்போல
Water poured at its feet,
Look how it returns it back sweet through its head!
Who kept it sealed so perfectly like a pot?
Look at the Creator and offer your gratitude.
Watching for the right time when maturity arrives,
Just like me, just like you.
காலாகாலம் கல்யாணம் ஆனா
காய்க்கும் பூக்கும் தென்னம்புள்ள
பாளைக் காட்டி பக்கத்தில் ஆடி
நாளை ஈனும் சின்னப் புள்ளை
When marriage takes place at the right age,
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
லாலி சுப லாலி
இனி ஆடும் காய்கள் கோடி
சம்மந்தி முறை பேச வாடியம்மா
சம்மந்தி முறை பேச வாடியம்மா......
Lullaby, a fortunate lullaby,
Now millions of growing fruits will sway.
Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws!
Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws!
…………….
[Instrumental / Intro]
Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa
When marriage takes place at the right age,
Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
Naalai eenum chinna pullai
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
Laali suba laali
Lullaby, a fortunate lullaby,
Ini aadum kaaigal kodi
Now millions of growing fruits will sway.
Sammanthi murai pesa vaadiyamma
Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws!
Sammanthi murai pesa vaadiyamma
Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws!
Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa
When marriage takes place at the right age,
Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
Naalai eenum chinna pullai
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
Pillaiyendru solvathintha thennai
This coconut tree is affectionately called a child,
Pillai pettrorgalthaandi idhan annai
Beyond the birth parents, Mother Earth is its true mother.
Thaalikatti vaiththu vidu munnae
Before tying the sacred wedding thread around it,
Adhan thalai meedhu thallaadum pinnae
Look how its heavy head sways afterwards!
Ilaneeru varum paaru
See how sweet tender coconut water emerges,
Ennai pola unnai pola
Just like me, just like you.
Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa
When marriage takes place at the right age,
Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
Naalai eenum chinna pullai
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
Aahaa oho aahaa oho
Aahaa oho aahaa oho
Aahaa oho oohho
Aahaa oho oohho
Aahaa oho aahaa oho
Aahaa oho aahaa oho
Aahaa oho oohho
Aahaa oho oohho
…………….
[Instrumental / Interlude]
Selai kattum chinna pillai polae
Like a young girl draped in a saree,
Adhu chinna nadai poduthu paar melae
Look above as it takes delicate small steps.
Maalaiyittu manam mudichchathaalae adhu
Because it was wedded with a garland,
Maappillaiyai theduthu kannaalae
It searches for its groom through its eyes.
Ilai moodum aval maeni
Her body wrapped gracefully in green leaves,
Ennai pola unnai pola
Just like me, just like you.
Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa
When marriage takes place at the right age,
Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
Naalai eenum chinna pullai
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
Kaal vazhiyae oottri vitta neeru
Water poured at its feet,
Adha thalai vazhiyae thiruppo tharum paaru
Look how it returns it back sweet through its head!
Paanai pola moodi vachchathaaru
Who kept it sealed so perfectly like a pot?
Adha padachchavana paarththu nandri kooru
Look at the Creator and offer your gratitude.
Vayasu vantha neram paarthu
Watching for the right time when maturity arrives,
Ennai pola unnai pola
Just like me, just like you.
Kaalaakaalam kalyaanam aanaa
When marriage takes place at the right age,
Kaaikkum pookkum thennampulla
The coconut sapling blossoms and bears fruit.
Paalai kaatti pakkaththil aadi
Displaying its flower spathe and swaying nearby,
Naalai eenum chinna pullai
It is like a little child that gives birth tomorrow.
Laali suba laali
Lullaby, a fortunate lullaby,
Ini aadum kaaigal kodi
Now millions of growing fruits will sway.
Sammanthi murai pesa vaadiyamma
Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws!
Sammanthi murai pesa vaadiyamma
Come, my dear, to speak in the kinship of in-laws!
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
In 'Kaalaakaalam Kalyaanam Aanaa', legendary lyricist Kannadasan crafts an exquisite allegory comparing the life cycle of a coconut tree to that of a young woman growing up, getting married, and attaining motherhood. The coconut sapling (thennampullai) is lovingly personified as a young girl who matures, gets 'garlanded', sways gracefully as if wearing a saree, and eventually yields sweet tender coconut water as a mother yields milk for her child.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification (Uruvagam)
“Selai kattum chinna pillai polae”
The coconut sapling ('thennampulla') is personified as a young maiden wearing a saree ('Selai kattum chinna pillai') and searching for her groom.
Moral Allegory & Contrast
“Kaal vazhiyae oottri vitta neeru / Adha thalai vazhiyae thiruppo tharum paaru”
Illustrates the philosophical lesson of gratitude and nature's generosity—water poured down at the roots is returned in sweet form at the very top.
Second-Letter Rhyme (Ethirai)
“Pillaiyendru solvathintha thennai / Pillai pettrorgalthaandi idhan annai”
The second consonant 'l' ('ll') creates a pleasing rhythmic match across lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
This track showcases Kannadasan's mastery in drawing deep philosophical insights and human emotions from simple agricultural elements of rural Tamil Nadu.
Keep listening
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