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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaalam Neram Kaninthu Varum

From En Selvame · 1985

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
En Selvame1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaalam neram kaninthu varumWhen the time and hour come together,
Kadhal thaenaagumLove will turn into sweet honey.
Kaalam neram kaninthu varumWhen the time and hour come together,
Kadhal thaenaagumLove will turn into sweet honey.
Female
Iru vizhiyum oru mozhiyilTwo pairs of eyes in a silent language,
Kalanthu nal uravaadum….ho….hoWill mingle and forge a beautiful bond....ho....ho
Female
Kaalam neram kaninthu varumWhen the time and hour come together,
Kadhal thaenaagumLove will turn into sweet honey.
Male
Paalinaalae moodi vaiththaEnveloped in pure milk,
Palingu pondra godhaiLike a pristine crystal maiden.
Female :Paarththu paarththu aasai konduFemale: Looking again and again with desire,
Pazhaga sollum poojaiA devotional worship that asks to get acquainted.
Male
Paniyil aadum pookkal kondaLike flowers swaying in the cool mist,
Paavai maeniyilOn the young maiden's body,
Female :Paruva kaala kolam podumFemale: Creating artistic patterns of youth,
Jaalam ennavoWhat kind of magic is this?
Male :Maalai inba maalaiMale: Evening, oh sweet pleasurable evening,
Konjum velai vanthathaeThe caressing moment has finally arrived.
Female
Kaalam neram kaninthu varumWhen the time and hour come together,
Kadhal thaenaagumLove will turn into sweet honey.
Male
Iru vizhiyum oru mozhiyilTwo pairs of eyes in a silent language,
Kalanthu nal uravaadum….ho….hoWill mingle and forge a beautiful bond....ho....ho
Male
Kaalam neram kaninthu varumWhen the time and hour come together,
Kadhal thaenaagumLove will turn into sweet honey.
Female
Pesi pesi enna laabamWhat is the use of just endlessly talking?
Yaekkam endru theerumWhen will this deep yearning come to an end?
Male :Maalai soodi manam kaanumMale: Wearing the wedding garland and uniting in marriage,
Naalum endru saerumWhen will that blessed day come?
Female
Enni enni yaekkam konduThinking and worrying continuously in longing,
Vaadum pothilaeWhile wilting away in separation,
Male :Thottu thottu jaadai solliMale: Softly touching and hinting with gestures,
Aadum jodiyaeThe dancing romantic couple.
Female :Koodum inbam naadumFemale: Seeking the ultimate happiness of union,
Antha velai vanthathaeThat awaited time has finally arrived.
Female
Kaalam neram kaninthu varumWhen the time and hour come together,
Female :Lala lala laaFemale: Lala lala laa
Male :Kadhal thaenaagumMale: Love will turn into sweet honey.
Female :Thananana naaFemale: Thananana naa
Female
Iru vizhiyum oru mozhiyilTwo pairs of eyes in a silent language,
Kalanthu nal uravaadum….ho….hoWill mingle and forge a beautiful bond....ho....ho

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Kaalam Neram Kaninthu Varum' from 'En Selvame' (1985) is a romantic duet expressing the sweet anticipation of love and union between two lovers. The lyrics reflect the mood of romantic longing where the couple eagerly awaits the right time for their love to mature into marriage. They describe how unspoken emotions pass between their eyes and how patience ultimately brings the sweet fruit of togetherness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvagam)

Kadhal thaenaagum

Compares love directly to honey ('Kadhal thaenaagum'), emphasizing its sweetness once ripe.

Simile (Uvamai)

Palingu pondra godhai

Compares the maiden's radiance and purity to a crystal using the explicit comparison word 'pondra'.

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for emphasis)

Pesi pesi enna laabam

Repetition of words like 'Paarththu paarththu', 'Pesi pesi', 'Enni enni', and 'Thottu thottu' enhances the rhythmic and emotional intensity.

Imagery (Kaatchi Uvamai)

Paniyil aadum pookkal konda

Evokes vivid visual imagery of dew-laden flowers swaying gently to describe youthful beauty.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by Panchu Arunachalam, 'En Selvame' (1985) features classic 1980s Tamil cinema lyricism emphasizing destiny, timing, and romantic longing through nature-inspired imagery.

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