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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kadavul Ullame

From Anbulla Rajinikanth · 1984

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Latha Rajinikanth
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Anbulla Rajinikanth1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aaa aaaa aaaa aaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaaAaa aaaa aaaa aaa aaaa aaaa aaaa aaaa
Female
Kadavul ullamae oar karunai illamaeGod's heart is an abode of mercy
Chorus
Kadavul ullamae oar karunai illamaeGod's heart is an abode of mercy
Female
Thandhai illai thaaiyum illaiThere is no father, nor mother
Deivam andri yaarum illaiThere is no one except God
Chorus
Thandhai illai thaaiyum illaiThere is no father, nor mother
Deivam andri yaarum illaiThere is no one except God
Kadavul ullamae oar karunai illamaeGod's heart is an abode of mercy
Female
Chinna chinna pookal sindhiya velaiWhen tiny flowers were scattered
Anbu ennum noolil aakiya maalaiMade into a garland using the thread of love
Paadham sellum paadhai kaatidumThe one who shows the path for feet to tread
Thalaivaa en thalaivaaOh leader, my leader
Chorus
Oonamulla perai kaathidumThe one who protects those who are disabled
Iraivaa en iraivaaOh God, my God
Female
Jeevan yaavum ondru ingu yaarum sondhamaeAll living souls are one, everyone here is family
Chorus
Jeevan yaavum ondru ingu yaarum sondhamaeAll living souls are one, everyone here is family
Female
Idhudhaan iyarkai thandha paasa bandhamaeThis is the bond of affection given by nature
Chorus
{ Kadavul ullamae oar karunai illamae } (2)God's heart is an abode of mercy
Female
Kan izhandha pillai kaanum unmaiThe truth that a visually impaired child sees
Kan irukum pergal kandadhu illaiPeople with eyes have not seen
Oorukoru vaanam illaiyaeThere is no separate sky for each town
Iraiva un padaipilOh God, in your creation
Chorus
Aalukoru jaadhi illaiyaeThere is no separate caste for each person
Adhu pol uyir pirapilJust like that, in the birth of a soul
Female
Unnum unavum neerum dhinam thandha dheivamaeOh God who daily bestows food to eat and water
Chorus
Unnum unavum neerum dhinam thandha dheivamaeOh God who daily bestows food to eat and water
Female
Endrum umakae naam nandri solluvomWe shall forever express our gratitude to you
Chorus
{ Kadavul ullamae oar karunai illamae } (2)God's heart is an abode of mercy
Adaikalam koduthavan arulai paaduvomLet us sing the grace of the one who gave shelter
Thandhai illai thaaiyum illaiThere is no father, nor mother
Deivam andri yaarum illaiThere is no one except God
Chorus
Kadavul ullamae oar karunai illamaeGod's heart is an abode of mercy

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song 'Kadavul Ullamae' from the movie 'Anbulla Rajinikanth' (1984) is a deeply emotional hymn expressing faith, equality, and compassion. Sung from the perspective of orphaned and disabled children, it portrays God as the supreme guardian who fills the void of missing parents. The song emphasizes that all human beings are bound by love and that physical disabilities or social divisions like caste do not alter the inherent purity and divine oneness of life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Chinna chinna pookal sindhiya velai

The word 'Chinna chinna' is repeated consecutively to tenderly describe the smallness and vulnerability of young children.

Uruvagaim (Metaphor)

Anbu ennum noolil aakiya maalai

Love is conceptualized as a thread ('Anbu ennum nool') that strings scattered flowers together into a unified garland.

Irony / Spiritual Contrast

Kan izhandha pillai kaanum unmai / Kan irukum pergal kandadhu illai

Contrasts physical sight with spiritual wisdom, noting that a visually impaired child can perceive fundamental truths overlooked by those who have eyes.

Did you know?

Trivia

In the film 'Anbulla Rajinikanth' (1984), Superstar Rajinikanth played an extended cameo as himself visiting a home for orphaned children. The film's soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyricist Vaali capturing themes of human compassion and divine solace.

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