Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaaveri Gangaikku

From Idhayaththil Oru Idam · 1980

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singer
P. Jayachandran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Idhayaththil Oru Idam1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaavaeri gangaikku melaeAbove the Kaveri and Ganges rivers
Kanniyar sangeetham polaeLike the music of young maidens
Raagangal maarum paadalgal maarumRagas may change, songs may change
Paadidum naan ondru thaanBut I, who sings, remain the same one
Male
Kaavaeri gangaikku melaeAbove the Kaveri and Ganges rivers
Kanniyar sangeetham polaeLike the music of young maidens
Female
Raaraa raaraa raaraaRaaraa raaraa raaraa
Raaraa raaraa raaraaRaaraa raaraa raaraa
Raaraaraa raaraaraaRaaraaraa raaraaraa
Raaraaraa raaraaraaRaaraaraa raaraaraa
Male
Naalukku naal ondruDay by day, a new one
Aanandha kolangalDesigns of pure happiness
Naalaikku verondruTomorrow brings another
Nadamaadum paarungalLook at them dancing
Kaalangal konjam thaanTime is brief
Vaazh naal konja thaanThe days of life are short
Yaar thottamo yaar pushpamoWhosoever garden or flower it may be
Naan sooduvenI shall adorn it
Male
Pen endra sittukkalWomen are like tiny sparrows
Poo mullai mottukkalBuds of jasmine flowers
Kannan leelaigal…Playful acts of Lord Krishna...
Male
Kaavaeri gangaikku melaeAbove the Kaveri and Ganges rivers
Kanniyar sangeetham polaeLike the music of young maidens
Male
Manjathil pala kodiOn the bed, in millions
Malar kondu podungalScatter flowers upon it
Kalaiyaadha selaigalNeat and draped sarees
Azhagaaga vaarungalDrape them beautifully
Yaarukku yaar sondhamWho belongs to whom?
Naalellaam aanandhamEvery day is joy
Poo vaasamae pon megalaiFragrance of flowers, golden girdles
EnnennavaoAnd so many wonderful things
Male
Raakkaala thottangalNighttime gardens
Ketkaamal vaarungalCome without asking
Odattum kaalangal…Let time run away...
Female
Raaraaraa rararara rararara raaRaaraaraa rararara rararara raa
Raaraaraa rararara rararara raaRaaraaraa rararara rararara raa
Male
Yenammaa raajaathiWhy, my queenly lady
Yen indha vetkam thaanWhy this sudden shyness?
Irubadhu vayadhaanaalOnce you turn twenty years old
Eppodhum sorgam thaanIt is always absolute heaven
Aadaigal maatrungalChange your attire
Jaadaigal maatrungalChange your gestures
Thaenaatrilae paal ootruvomWe shall pour milk into a river of honey
NeeraaduvomAnd bathe together in it
Male
Pen endrum aan endrumThe divine creator who created
Undaakkum dheivathaiBoth woman and man
Ennaalum vaazhthungal…Praise Him every single day...
Male
Kaavaeri gangaikku melaeAbove the Kaveri and Ganges rivers
Kanniyar sangeetham polaeLike the music of young maidens
Raagangal maarum paadalgal maarumRagas may change, songs may change
Paadidum naan ondru thaanBut I, who sings, remain the same one
Male
Kaavaeri gangaikku melaeAbove the Kaveri and Ganges rivers
Kanniyar sangeetham polaeLike the music of young maidens

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kaavaeri Gangaikku Melae is a vibrant and philosophical track that celebrates the exuberance of youth, romance, and the transient nature of time. The lyrics compare life to an ever-flowing stream where ragas and melodies continually evolve, yet the singer's inner soul remains constant. The song urges the listener to embrace joy without hesitation, cherish beauty, and live fully while time permits.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Kanniyar sangeetham polae

Compares the ambient beauty and romance to the sweet song of young maidens using the word 'polae' (like/as).

Initial Rhyme (Moonaai)

Kaavaeri gangaikku melae

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in adjacent words, creating rhythmic harmony.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Thaenaatrilae paal ootruvom

Uses 'pouring milk into a river of honey' as an exaggerated metaphor for supreme sweetness and romantic bliss.

Did you know?

Trivia

Idhayaththil Oru Idam (1980) features music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with memorable performances that capture the late 70s and early 80s Tamil film song aesthetic.

Keep listening

More from Idhayaththil Oru Idam