Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaalai Ilam Parithiyile

From Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhanthai · 1978

Lyricist
Bharathidasan
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhanthai1978

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Male
Kaalai ilam parithiyilae…In the morning's tender sun...
Avalai kandaen…I saw her...
Kadar parappil oli punalil kandaen…I saw her in the ocean's expanse and in the stream of light...
Andha cholaiyilae malargalilaeIn that grove, amidst the flowers,
Thalirgal thannilWithin the tender young leaves,
Thotta idamellaamWherever I touched,
Kannil thattu pattaal…She caught my sight...
Thotta idamellaamWherever I touched,
Kannil thattu pattaal…She caught my sight...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic verse by the celebrated Tamil poet Bharathidasan describes perceiving beauty and the beloved in every element of nature. The speaker witnesses her omnipresence everywhere—from the warmth of the early morning sun and the vast ocean to the tranquil grove, vibrant flowers, and fresh leaves. Every touch and glance reinforces this divine and romantic vision of beauty.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Visual Imagery

“Kadar parappil oli punalil kandaen…”

Creates a striking visual picture of sunlight cascading over the expansive sea surface.

Personification

“Kaalai ilam parithiyilae… Avalai kandaen…”

Personifies the morning light and natural elements as a beloved woman ('Avalai').

Repetition (Anaphora)

“Thotta idamellaam / Kannil thattu pattaal…”

Repeats key lines to emphasize the inescapable, ubiquitous presence of the vision everywhere the speaker looks or touches.

Did you know?

Trivia

These lines are from a celebrated poem written by the revolutionary Tamil poet Kanagasabai Subburathinam, famously known as Bharathidasan. His works often personified nature and Tamil culture with deep romanticism and poetic imagery.

Keep listening

More from Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhanthai