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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaaviyama Nenjin

From Paavai Vilakku · 1960

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
P. Susheela, C. S. Jayaraman
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Paavai Vilakku1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaaviyama …kaaviyamaIs it an epic... is it an epic?
Nenjin oviyama…nenjin oviyamaIs it a painting in the heart... a painting in the heart?
Adhan jeeviyama…adhan jeeviyamaIs it its very soul... its very soul?
Deiveega kaadhal chinnamaaIs it a symbol of divine love?
Deiveega kaadhal chinnamaaIs it a symbol of divine love?
Female
Kaaviyama nenjin oviyama…An epic, a painting in the heart...
Adhan jeeviyama…deiveega kaadhal chinnamaaIts soul... a symbol of divine love!
Kaaviyama nenjin oviyama…An epic, a painting in the heart...
Adhan jeeviyama…deiveega kaadhal chinnamaaIts soul... a symbol of divine love!
KaaviyamaAn epic!
Male
Kaaviyama nenjin oviyama…An epic, a painting in the heart...
Adhan jeeviyama…deiveega kaadhal chinnamaaIts soul... a symbol of divine love!
Kaaviyama nenjin oviyama…An epic, a painting in the heart...
Adhan jeeviyama…deiveega kaadhal chinnamaaIts soul... a symbol of divine love!
KaaviyamaAn epic!
Female
Moghalaya saamraajhya deepamaeOh lamp of the Mughal empire!
Moghalaya saamraajhya deepamaeOh lamp of the Mughal empire!
SirithamogathoduWith a smiling face,
Ninaivil konjum roobamaeOh form that fondles sweetly in memories!
Moghalaya saamraajhya deepamaeOh lamp of the Mughal empire!
SirithamogathoduWith a smiling face,
Ninaivil konjum roobamaeOh form that fondles sweetly in memories!
Female
Endrum inbamae pongum vaanamaeOh sky where joy overflows forever!
Ennai sondham konda deivamaeOh deity who has claimed me as your own!
Endrum inbamae pongum vaanamaeOh sky where joy overflows forever!
Ennai sondham konda deivamaeOh deity who has claimed me as your own!
Male
Anbin amudhamae azhagin sigaramaeOh nectar of love, peak of beauty!
Aasai vadivamae ulagin adhisayamaeOh embodiment of desire, wonder of the world!
Anbin amudhamae azhagin sigaramaeOh nectar of love, peak of beauty!
Aasai vadivamae ulagin adhisayamaeOh embodiment of desire, wonder of the world!
Female
Enaalum azhiyaadha nilaiyilaeIn an imperishable state for all times,
Kaadhal ondraethaan aalum indha ulagilaeLove alone rules over this world!
Enaalum azhiyaadha nilaiyilaeIn an imperishable state for all times,
Kaadhal ondraethaan aalum indha ulagilaeLove alone rules over this world!
Male
Kann munnae thondrum andha kanavilaeIn that dream appearing before the eyes,
Kann munnae thondrum andha kanavilaeIn that dream appearing before the eyes,
Ullam kalandhadudhe aanandha unarvilaeThe hearts blended together in blissful emotion!
Ullam kalandhadudhe aanandha unarvilaeThe hearts blended together in blissful emotion!
Female
Kaniyil ooridam suvaiyai meeridumSurpassing the sweetness stored in a fruit,
Inimai tharuvadhu unmai kaadhalaeTrue love brings eternal sweetness!
Kaniyil ooridam suvaiyai meeridumSurpassing the sweetness stored in a fruit,
Inimai tharuvadhu unmai kaadhalaeTrue love brings eternal sweetness!
Male
Kaalam maarinum dhegam azhiyinumEven if times change, even if the body perishes,
Kadhaiyil kavidhaiyil kalandhae vaazhuvomWe shall live on, intertwined in story and poetry!
Kaalam maarinum dhegam azhiyinumEven if times change, even if the body perishes,
Kadhaiyil kavidhaiyil kalandhae vaazhuvomWe shall live on, intertwined in story and poetry!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic track from 'Paavai Vilakku' (1960) celebrates true, eternal love that transcends physical life and time itself. The lovers describe each other using vivid metaphors—a timeless epic, a heart's painting, the light of the Mughal empire, and the summit of beauty. They praise love as the ultimate immortal force that rules the world, far exceeding any temporal sweetness. The song concludes with a powerful pledge that even if time passes and mortal bodies perish, their love will live forever in stories and poetry. Music composer K. V. Mahadevan crafted a melodious composition elevated by the soulful renditions of C. S. Jayaraman and P. Susheela, set to lyrical poetic lines by A. Maruthakasi.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagom)

Moghalaya saamraajhya deepamae

'Nenjin oviyam' (painting in the heart) and 'Moghalaya saamraajhya deepam' (lamp of the Mughal empire) metaphorically elevate the beloved to artistic and imperial splendor.

Emoni / Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Anbin amudhamae azhagin sigaramae

Rhyming end words like 'sigaramae', 'adhisayamae', and 'vadivamae' create a pleasing lyrical rhythm.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Kaniyil ooridam suvaiyai meeridum

Describing the beloved as surpassing the sweetness of fruit ('Kaniyil ooridam suvaiyai meeridum') emphasizes the unmatched joy of true love.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Paavai Vilakku' (1960) was based on the famous novel by Akilan, starring Sivaji Ganesan and Sowcar Janaki. The song showcases the iconic classical vocal style of C. S. Jayaraman paired with P. Susheela under K. V. Mahadevan's memorable music direction.

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