Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaathoduthaan Dhaan

From Velli Vizha · 1972

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
V. Kumar
Details
Velli Vizha1972

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
: {Kathoduthaan naan paaduvenI will sing only into your ears
Manadhoduthaan naan pesuvenI will speak only to your heart
Vizhiyoduthaan vilaiyaduvenI will play only with your eyes
Un madi meedhuthaan kanmooduven} (2)I will close my eyes only on your lap
Kathoduthaan naan paaduvenI will sing only into your ears
Female
{Valarndhaalum naan innumEven if I grow up, I am still
Siru pillaithaanJust a little child
Naan arindhaalum adhukoodaEven if I know things, that too
Nee solliththaan} (2)Is only after you teach me
Female
Unakettra thunaiyaagaTo be a suitable companion for you
Enai maattravaaShall I transform myself?
Unakettra thunaiyaagaTo be a suitable companion for you
Enai maattravaaShall I transform myself?
Kula vilakkaaga naan vaazhaFor me to live as the light of the family
Valikaatta vaaWill you come to guide the way?
Female
Kathoduthaan naan paaduvenI will sing only into your ears
Manadhoduthaan naan pesuvenI will speak only to your heart
Vizhiyoduthaan vilaiyaduvenI will play only with your eyes
Un madi meedhuthaan kanmooduvenI will close my eyes only on your lap
Kathoduthaan naan paaduvenI will sing only into your ears
Female
{PaloottaTo feed milk
Oru pillai alaikkindrathuOne child calls out
Naan padum paattaiFor the song I sing
Oru pillai rasikindradhu} (2)Another child listens with delight
Female
Enakkaaga iru nenjamFor my sake, two hearts
ThudikkindradhuAre beating
Enakkaaga iru nenjamFor my sake, two hearts
ThudikkindradhuAre beating
Idhil yaar kettuListening to this, who
En paattai mudikkindradhuIs ending my song?
Female
Kathoduthaan naan paaduvenI will sing only into your ears
Manadhoduthaan naan pesuvenI will speak only to your heart
Vizhiyoduthaan vilaiyaduvenI will play only with your eyes
Un madi meedhuthaan kanmooduvenI will close my eyes only on your lap

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This iconic song captures deep romantic devotion, intimacy, and the tender bond between lovers. The protagonist expresses intimate affection through soft whispers, heart-to-heart talks, playful glances, and finding ultimate comfort resting on her beloved's lap. She views herself with childlike innocence before her partner, seeking his guidance to evolve into an ideal life partner and the family's guiding light (Kula Vilakku). In the second verse, the lyrics beautifully blend romantic love with maternal affection, balancing her care between a child needing nourishment and a loving partner enjoying her song. Surrounded by love from two beating hearts, she expresses profound contentment in her cherished place within her family.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Kathoduthaan naan paaduven / Manadhoduthaan naan pesuven

The lines end with identical rhyming suffixes ('paaduven', 'pesuven', 'vilaiyaduven', 'kanmooduven'), creating a soothing, musical cadence.

Uvamaani (Metaphor)

Kula vilakkaaga naan vaazha

'Kula vilakku' (light of the family) is used as a poetic metaphor representing a woman who brings prosperity, moral light, and happiness to the household.

Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)

Kathoduthaan... Manadhoduthaan... Vizhiyoduthaan...

The suffix '-oduthaan' (only with) is repeated sequentially to emphasize exclusivity and deep devotion in love.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kaathoduthaan Naan Paaduven' is an evergreen classic from the 1972 film 'Velli Vizha', directed by K. Balachander. Composed by V. Kumar with lyrics by Vaali, the song was rendered by L.R. Eswari, showcasing her versatility in delivering a soft, romantic lullaby-style melody distinct from her usual high-energy cabaret tracks.

Keep listening

More from Velli Vizha