- Lyricist
- Panchu Arunachalam
- Singers
- K. J. Yesudass, Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Aanandha Raagam
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Mar 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Kadaloram Kadaloram' from the movie Aanandha Raagam (1982) celebrates the livelihood, philosophy, and devotion of the fishing community. The sea is revered not merely as a body of water, but as 'Kadalamma' (Mother Sea), a maternal goddess who nurtures, sustains, and protects the fishermen like her own children. The lyrics contrast farming with sea life—while farmers need land, seeds, canals, and labor-intensive cultivation, fishermen rely solely on Mother Sea's natural bounty. Furthermore, while earthly land is partitioned and owned by individuals, the ocean remains free and unclaimable by any human. The song highlights how hard labor at sea brings bountiful gold-like rewards, underscoring the deep bond of faith between fishermen and the boundless ocean.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification (Uruvagamm)
“Ammaa kadalammaa”
The ocean is personified as a benevolent mother ('Kadalamma') who sustains human lives, feeds her children, and bestows wealth without requiring land ownership.
Anaphora / Repetition (Adukku Thodar)
“Kadaloram kadaloram”
Words like 'Kadaloram' and 'Valai veesu' are repeated sequentially to emphasize rhythmic action and match the cadence of pulling nets and rolling waves.
Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Vayal illa vaaikkaal illa / Vithai podavilla”
Classic Tamil poetic device where the second consonant matches in consecutive lines ('Vayal' and 'Vithai').
Contrast / Anthesis
“Nilathukku sonthakkaaran pala peru undu / Kadalukku sontham pesa ulagathil yaaru”
Contrasts land ownership with the unclaimable, universal nature of the sea.
Did you know?
Trivia
Aanandha Raagam (1982) features a popular soundtrack composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Directed by P. Bharathiraja (credited as producer and director in early stages / script by Panchu Arunachalam), the film stars Sivakumar and Radha. The track 'Kadaloram Kadaloram' is an energetic folk song sung by Malaysia Vasudevan along with chorus, capturing authentic Tamil coastal folk melodies and rhythmic chants ('Yelelo').
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