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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaatril Enthan Geetham

From Johnny · 1980

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Johnny1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aaaaaa ….. aaaaaa ….. aaaa … aaaa … aaaaaaAaaaaa... vocalizing melody...
Female
{ Kaatril enthan geetham kaanaatha ondrai thedudhae } (2)My song in the wind searches for something unseen.
Alai polae ninaivagaWith memories rising like waves,
Silendru veesum malai neraIn the cool evening time when the breeze blows,
Female
Kaatril enthan geetham kaanaatha ondrai thedudhaeMy song in the wind searches for something unseen.
Female
Engengum inbam athu kolam podaEverywhere, joy draws decorative patterns,
Ennula veenai oru raagam thedaThe veena within me seeks a melody,
Anbula nenjai kaanaathoWill it not find a loving heart?
Aanantha raagam paadaathoWill it not sing a joyful tune?
Kangal yengumEyes yearn constantly,
Nenjil thaabam melum yetrumHeightening the passionate longing in the heart,
Female
Kaatril enthan geetham kaanaatha ondrai thedudhaeMy song in the wind searches for something unseen.
Female
Nilendru sonnal manam nindral pothumIf asked to stay still, it is enough if the mind settles,
Neengatha nenjil alai ointhaal pothumIt is enough if the waves in the unceasing heart calm down,
Mounathin raagam kelaathoWill it not hear the melody of silence?
Mounathin thaalam podaathoWill it not keep time to the rhythm of silence?
Vaazhum kaalamThroughout all the days of living,
Yavum engae nenjam thedumWhere will the heart search for everything?
Female
Kaatril enthan geetham kaanaatha ondrai thedudhaeMy song in the wind searches for something unseen.
Alai polae ninaivagaWith memories rising like waves,
Silendru veesum malai neraIn the cool evening time when the breeze blows,
Female
Kaatril enthan geetham kaanaatha ondrai thedudhaeMy song in the wind searches for something unseen.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Kaatril Enthan Geetham' is an evocative and melancholic reflection of inner longing and emotional search. The singer compares her inner soul to a melody carried by the evening wind, seeking a mysterious, unseen love or fulfillment. As memories roll in like waves during the cool twilight, her heart yearns for a loving companion and peace. Through metaphors of silent ragas and inner instruments, the protagonist captures the delicate balance between silent yearning and the hope of finding true emotional warmth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Alai polae ninaivaga

Comparing thoughts and memories rising in the mind to ocean waves using 'polae'.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Ennula veenai oru raagam theda

Comparing the inner heart/mind to a musical instrument (veena) capable of creating ragas.

Personification

Mounathin raagam kelaatho / Mounathin thaalam podaatho

Attributing musical quality (ragam and thalam) to silence ('Mounam').

Alliteration (Monai)

Kaatril enthan geetham kaanaatha ondrai thedudhae

Repetition of the 'K' sound at the beginning of words in the line.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although the prompt context lists music as unknown, this classic song from Johnny (1980) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and sung by S. Janaki. It features a masterclass orchestration of violins and flute that simulates the sound of wind, perfectly aligning with Gangai Amaran's evocative lyrics.

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