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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaavinil Koovum Kokilam

From Mayakkari · 1951

Lyricist
Kambadasan
Singers
R. Balasaraswathy, Nageswara Rao
Music director
P. Aadhinarayana Rao
Details
Mayakkari1951

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aa haa haa haa aa haa haa haaAa haa haa haa aa haa haa haa
Kaavinil koovum kokilam thaanaeIs it the cuckoo singing in the grove?
Kaavinil koovum kokilam thaanaeIs it the cuckoo singing in the grove?
Female
Kannena theriyum pannadhu thaanaeIs it a melody precious like one's own eyes?
Kannena theriyum pannadhu thaanaeIs it a melody precious like one's own eyes?
Thavazhgindraayoo maamalar thaanaeAre you gently drifting like a grand flower?
Thavazhgindraayoo maamalar thaanaeAre you gently drifting like a grand flower?
Male
Poonkodi oonjalai edhirkondaalWhen welcoming the floral creeper swing,
Poongodi oonjalai rdhirkondaalWhen welcoming the floral creeper swing,
Poorikumaam iyal unarvandrooIs it not a natural feeling that overflows with joy?
Poorikumaam iyal unarvandrooIs it not a natural feeling that overflows with joy?
Female
Ivvanathil idhu yaavarukkooIn this forest, for whom is all this meant?
Ivvanathil idhu yaavarukkooIn this forest, for whom is all this meant?
Male :Yengura devargal aadidavooMale: Is it for the longing celestials to dance?
Yengura devargal aadidavooIs it for the longing celestials to dance?
Both :Idhu yengura devargal aadidavooBoth: Is this for the longing celestials to dance?
Idhu yengura devargal aadidavooIs this for the longing celestials to dance?
Female
Poovum kangalaal jaadai seiyudhaeEven the flower gestures with its eyes,
Poovum kangalaal jaadai seiyudhaeEven the flower gestures with its eyes,
Poongodi oonjal namakkenavaeSaying the floral creeper swing is for us,
Poongodi oonjal namakkenavaeSaying the floral creeper swing is for us,
Male :Neeyum naanum aadidavaeMale: For you and me to swing together,
Neeyum naanum aadidavaeFor you and me to swing together,
Female
Poovidhazhal vizhuvadhu rudhuvallavooIs not the falling of flower petals a seasonal bloom?
Indha poovidhazhal vizhuvadhu rudhuvallavooIs not the falling of these flower petals a seasonal bloom?
Both :Poovidhazhal vizhuvadhu rudhuvallavooBoth: Is not the falling of flower petals a seasonal bloom?
Indha poovidhazhal vizhuvadhu rudhuvallavooIs not the falling of these flower petals a seasonal bloom?
Female
Nesamae vadikkum thaen malarooIs it a nectar flower oozing true affection?
Nesamae vadikkum thaen malarooIs it a nectar flower oozing true affection?
Nesamae vadikkum thaen malarooIs it a nectar flower oozing true affection?
Nesamae vadikkum thaen malarooIs it a nectar flower oozing true affection?
Male
Aasaigal korum arunkaniyooIs it a rare, precious fruit desired by deep longings?
Aasaigal korum arunkaniyooIs it a rare, precious fruit desired by deep longings?
Aasaigal korumDesired by deep longings...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic duet from Mayakkari (1951) uses rich, pastoral imagery to express the enchantment of love. The lovers marvel at the natural world around them, comparing their blossoming affection to a sweet cuckoo song echoing through a grove, a melody as precious as sight, and delicate flowers swaying in the breeze.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani (Simile)

Kannena theriyum pannadhu thaanae

Compares the beloved song or melody to 'eyes' (Kannena theriyum pannadhu), highlighting how precious and vital it is.

Uruvagarm / Personification

Poovum kangalaal jaadai seiyudhae

Personifies nature by describing flowers making subtle gestures with eyes towards the lovers.

Mona (Initial Alliteration)

Poongodi oonjal namakkenavae

Repetition of the initial 'P' consonant sound in words like 'Poongodi', 'Poorikumaam', and 'Poovum'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Mayakkari (1951) was a bilingual Tamil-Telugu film (titled Mayalamari in Telugu), starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Anjali Devi. The music was composed by P. Adinarayana Rao, who was married to Anjali Devi and co-founded Pratibha Films.

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