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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaalai Neram Oruvan

From Iravum Pagalum · 1965

Lyricist
Aalangudi Somu
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Iravum Pagalum1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Hmm mm mm hmm mm mmHmm mm mm hmm mm mm
Hooo ooo oo ho ho hoooHooo ooo oo ho ho hooo
Hmm mmm mmmHmm mmm mmm
Female
Kaalai neram oruvan vandhaanIn the morning time, someone came
Kattipidithaan mutham koduthaanHe hugged me and gave me a kiss
Male :Haang yaaravan?Male: Ah, who was he?
Female :Kaalai neram oruvan vandhaanFemale: In the morning time, someone came
Kattipidithaan hooo hoi mutham koduthaanHe hugged me and gave me a kiss
Mmm kadhiravanMmm... it was the morning sun (Kadhiravan)
Male
Maalai neram oruthi vandhaalIn the evening time, a maiden came
Maiyal koduthaal kaiyil anaithaalShe gave me love and embraced me in her arms
Maalai neram oruthi vandhaalIn the evening time, a maiden came
Maiyal koduthaal kaiyil anaithaalShe gave me love and embraced me in her arms
Female :Ohoo yaaraval ?…Female: Ohoo, who was she?
Male :ThendralMale: It was the gentle breeze (Thendral)
Male
Thottavudan nadukkamo theeratha mayakkamoIs it a shiver upon touch, or an endless trance?
Thottavudan nadukkamo theeratha mayakkamoIs it a shiver upon touch, or an endless trance?
Pattu udal sivanthatho pakkuvamaai nadanthathooDid the silky body turn red, or did it conduct itself gracefully?
Female
Vandha sugam kasakkumoo vaalibam nilaikkumooWill the joy that arrived turn bitter, or will youth endure?
Vandha sugam kasakkumoo vaalibam nilaikkumooWill the joy that arrived turn bitter, or will youth endure?
Indha manam marukkumoo innum konjam kidaikkumoo hoiWill this heart refuse, or will it yearn for a little more?
Female
Ahaaa haa haa hahahaAhaaa haa haa hahaha
Male :Ohoo ho ooo ooo hohooMale: Ohoo ho ooo ooo hohoo
Female :Ho ho hooo ho hooFemale: Ho ho hooo ho hoo
Male
Maalai neram oruthi vandhaalIn the evening time, a maiden came
Maiyal koduthaal kaiyil anaithaalShe gave me love and embraced me in her arms
Male
Kodiyai valaikkava kaniyai parikkavaShould I bend the vine, or pluck the fruit?
Female :Ahaa ahaa ha aa aa a aa aaFemale: Ahaa ahaa ha aa aa a aa aa
Male :Kodiyai valaikkava kaniyai parikkavaMale: Should I bend the vine, or pluck the fruit?
Madiyai niraikkava manam pol suvaikkavaShould I fill my lap, or relish it to my heart's content?
Female
Kann irandil nadagamoIs it a dramatic play in both eyes?
Kannan endra gnyabagamooOr is it the remembrance of Lord Krishna?
Kann irandil nadagamoIs it a dramatic play in both eyes?
Kannan endra gnyabagamooOr is it the remembrance of Lord Krishna?
Un manadhil azhagirundhaalIf there is beauty in your heart
Uruvathil vendaamoo hoiShould it not also reflect in your form?
Female
Kaalai neram oruvan vandhaanIn the morning time, someone came
Kattipidithaan hooo hoi mutham koduthaanHe hugged me and gave me a kiss

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet from 'Iravum Pagalum' (1965) uses nature metaphors to express playful flirtation between two lovers. The heroine starts with a teasing riddle, describing a lover who kissed her in the morning, only to reveal that the lover was the warm morning sun (Kadhiravan). The hero playfully responds with his own riddle about a maiden who embraced him in the evening, revealing her to be the soothing southern breeze (Thendral).

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification & Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Kaalai neram oruvan vandhaan ... Mmm kadhiravan

The morning sun (Kadhiravan) and the evening breeze (Thendral) are personified as romantic partners who hug, kiss, and embrace the lovers.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kodiyai valaikkava kaniyai parikkava / Madiyai niraikkava

Rhyming of the second letter 'di' in consecutive phrases: Kodiyai / Kaniyai / Madiyai.

Anaaphora / Repetition (Ettugai)

Maalai neram oruthi vandhaal / Maiyal koduthaal kaiyil anaithaal

Repetition of opening phrases across verses to establish rhythm and playful banter.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Iravum Pagalum' (1965) marked the silver screen debut of actor Jaishankar, who later became legendary in Tamil cinema as the 'South Indian James Bond'. The music was scored by T. R. Pappa, featuring lyrics written by Aalangudi Somu.

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