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Lyrics & meaning

Kaavalum Illaamal

From Kadhal Paduthumpadu · 1966

Lyricist
Mayavanathan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Kadhal Paduthumpadu1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaavalum illaamal veliyum illaamalWithout protection and without a fence,
Dharmam kalanguthammaRighteousness stands confused, oh mother.
Paadhai puriyaamal poga mudiyaamalWithout understanding the path and unable to move forward,
Kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.
Kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.
Male
Kaavalum illaamal veliyum illaamalWithout protection and without a fence,
Dharmam kalanguthammaRighteousness stands confused, oh mother.
Paadhai puriyaamal poga mudiyaamalWithout understanding the path and unable to move forward,
Kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.
Kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.
Male
Aadavum paadavum aasaiyai sumandha penA woman who carried the desire to dance and sing,
Vaazhavum thudikuthummaIs now desperate just to survive, oh mother.
Indha paaviyin kooda piranthadharkaagaJust because she was born alongside this sinner,
Ulagae verukkudhammaThe world despises her, oh mother.
Avalai ulagai verukkudhammaThe world despises her, oh mother.
Male
Kaavalum illaamal veliyum illaamalWithout protection and without a fence,
Dharmam kalanguthammaRighteousness stands confused, oh mother.
Paadhai puriyaamal poga mudiyaamalWithout understanding the path and unable to move forward,
Kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.
Kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.
Male
Thoranam illamal vasanam illamalWithout festive arches and without grand announcements,
Thunbam nulaiyuthammaSorrow enters silently, oh mother.
Ingu karanam illamal yaarukkum sollamalHere, without any reason and without telling anyone,
Inbam vilagudhammaJoy departs away, oh mother.
Inbam vilagudhammaJoy departs away, oh mother.
Male
Kaavalum illaamal veliyum illaamalWithout protection and without a fence,
Dharmam kalanguthammaRighteousness stands confused, oh mother.
Paadhai puriyaamal poga mudiyaamalWithout understanding the path and unable to move forward,
Kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.
Kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.
En kaalgal thayangudhammaMy feet are hesitating, oh mother.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful track expresses deep grief and moral dilemma faced by a protagonist grappling with misfortune and societal rejection. The song portrays life as an unprotected field where righteousness (Dharmam) loses its way due to lack of support. The speaker laments how an innocent sister or loved one suffers social contempt merely due to her association with him, turning simple human desires for happiness into a struggle for basic survival. The lyrics evoke a poignant feeling of helplessness as joy unceremoniously vanishes while suffering arrives unannounced.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (Rhyming refrain)

Dharmam kalanguthamma

The line-ending suffix 'amma' is repeatedly used across stanzas to create a melancholic rhythmic tone resembling a mournful plea.

Metaphor

Kaavalum illaamal veliyum illaamal

Comparing a life lacking moral backing or social safety to a plot of land without a guard or boundary fence ('Kaavalum illaamal veliyum illaamal').

Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Thoranam illamal vasanam illamal / Thunbam nulaiyuthamma

Repetition of the 'Th' consonant sound in 'Thoranam' and 'Thunbam' to highlight the contrast between celebration and grief.

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Trivia

Composed by T. R. Pappa with lyrics by Mayavanathan, 'Kadhal Paduthumpadu' (1966) features T. M. Soundararajan lending his emotionally rich vocal texture to express intense pathos and existential crisis.

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