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IsaimozhiLyrics · Translation · Meaning

Lyrics & meaning

Kaatru Varum

From Naanum Manithan Thaan · 1964

Lyricist: Panchu Arunachalam
Singers: P. B. Sreenivas, S. Janaki
Music director: G. K. Venkatesh
Movie name: Naanum Manithan Thaan
Movie release year: 1964
Lyrics added on: 13 Jan 2024

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics

↻ English translation

Humming

Kaatru varum kaalam ondru

Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru

Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru

Kaadhal varum paruvam ondru

Kaadhal varum paruvam ondru

Adhil kanindhu varum uravum ondru

Kaatru varum kaalam ondru

Male :Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru

Vaanil varum nilavu ondru

Adhu valarndhu varum sugamum ondru

Kann irandil kaatchi ondru

Kadavul avan aatchi ondru

Kaatru varum kaalam ondru

Male :Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru

Aasaiyudan nerungi vandhu

Anaithidavae thudithathondru

Male :Androru naal arugil nindru

Azhagudanae sirithathondru

Kaatru varum kaalam ondru

Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru

Anbu karam thandhu nammai

Anaithida or anna undu

Nammai anaithida or anna undu

Female :Karunai thandhu thangai ennai

Kaathida nee kanna undu

Kaatru varum kaalam ondru

Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru

Kaadhal varum paruvam ondru

Adhil kanindhu varum uravum ondru

Kaatru varum kaalam ondru

Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru

[Humming]

There is a season when the gentle breeze arrives,

There is a time when river springs flow,

There is a time when river springs flow.

There is an age when love arrives,

There is an age when love arrives,

And a sweet bond that ripens from it.

There is a season when the gentle breeze arrives,

Male: There is a time when river springs flow.

There is one moon that rises in the sky,

Bringing a growing joy as it waxes.

In two eyes, the vision is one,

And God's rule over all is one.

There is a season when the gentle breeze arrives,

Male: There is a time when river springs flow.

Drawing close with deep longing,

A heart that yearned to embrace was one.

Male: Standing close by that day,

Smiling with such grace was one.

There is a season when the gentle breeze arrives,

There is a time when river springs flow.

Giving a loving hand,

There is an elder brother to embrace us,

To embrace us, there is an elder brother.

Female: Showering kindness to protect me, your sister,

There is you, my dear Kanna.

There is a season when the gentle breeze arrives,

There is a time when river springs flow.

There is an age when love arrives,

And a sweet bond that ripens from it.

There is a season when the gentle breeze arrives,

There is a time when river springs flow.

Female

Male

Female

Female

Male

Female

Female

Female

Male

Male

Male

Female

Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

Kaatru Varum Kaalam Ondru from the 1964 film Naanum Manithan Thaan uses poetic metaphors of natural cycles—such as the seasonal breeze, flowing springs, and the waxing moon—to portray the natural evolution of human emotions, love, and life stages. Written by Panchu Arunachalam and set to music by G. K. Venkatesh, the lyrics weave love and familial affection into a calm, universal harmony. Toward the latter half, the song highlights the protective, selfless bond between an elder brother and sister, comparing the brother's loving guardianship to Lord Krishna. The gentle rendition by P. B. Sreenivas and S. Janaki brings out both romantic warmth and affectionate filial devotion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme / Epistrophe)

“Kaatru varum kaalam ondru / Nadhi oottru varum neram ondru”

The repetitive use of the word 'ondru' at the end of consecutive lines creates a poetic rhythm and emphasizes unity across natural occurrences.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

“Vaanil varum nilavu ondru / Adhu valarndhu varum sugamum ondru”

The rising moon in the sky is used as a metaphor for the gradual growth of inner joy and love.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

“Kann irandil kaatchi ondru / Kadavul avan aatchi ondru”

Matching initial consonant sounds ('Ka') in 'Kann' and 'Kadavul' create rhythmic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

This track showcases an early collaboration involving veteran composer G. K. Venkatesh and lyricist Panchu Arunachalam. G. K. Venkatesh is historically prominent not only for his memorable classical compositions in Tamil and Kannada cinema, but also for having Maestro Ilaiyaraaja as his assistant and guitarist during this era.

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