- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Parisu
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Feb 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Kaalam Enum Nadhiyinilae is a deeply philosophical and melancholic track penned by Kannadasan. The lyrics use the extended metaphor of a boat navigating a river to symbolize love floating on the passage of time. The song reflects on how love, which was once believed to be a stable vessel bringing one across life's journey, turned out to be an unpredictable illusion or drama.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Kaalam enum nadhiyinilae..ey / Kaadhalenum padagu vitten…en..”
Compares time to a flowing river ('Kaalam enum nadhi') and love to a boat ('Kaadhalenum padagu').
Sol Aniyingal / Pun (Wordplay)
“Odam endru ninaiththirunthen / Odum endru ninaithathillai”
Plays on the homophonic roots of 'Odam' (a stationary/floating boat) and 'Odum' (running/drifting away).
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Naadum endrae naadi nindren / Naadagam endru ennavillai”
Repetition of the 'Naa' sound at the start of consecutive lines ('Naadum', 'Naadagam').
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Idhayam endra koottinilae / Iruvarukku idamillai”
Compares the human heart to a bird's nest ('Idhayam endra koodu').
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the legendary poet Kannadasan for the 1963 film Parisu, this song stands as one of his quintessential philosophical compositions reflecting on heartbreak, destiny, and moral values. The line 'Oruvanukkae oruthi' reflects a traditional Tamil cultural ideal of absolute fidelity.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Parisu
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.