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Lyrics & meaning

Kadhai Ondru Naan

From Magale Un Samathu · 1964

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
G. K. Venkatesh
Details
Magale Un Samathu1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a story?
Kadhal kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a love story?
Vanna vanna solai engumEverywhere in the colorful garden,
Paravaigal pesumthe birds speak of it.
Kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a story?
Vanna vanna solai engumEverywhere in the colorful garden,
Paravaigal pesumthe birds speak of it.
Kadhal kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a love story?
Female
Aalolam paadi konduSinging a gentle lullaby,
Azhagaana killai ondrua beautiful parrot
Marakkilai melae nindru paarthathaamstood atop a tree branch and watched,
Kadhal manavalan thannai thedi vegu neramsearching for her loving bridegroom for a long time.
Female
Aalolam paadi konduSinging a gentle lullaby,
Azhagaana killai ondrua beautiful parrot
Marakkilai melae nindru paarthathaamstood atop a tree branch and watched,
Kadhal manavalan thannai thedi vegu neramsearching for her loving bridegroom for a long time.
Female
Kannae en kanmani kalangadhae ponmaniOh my apple of the eye, do not grieve, my precious gold,
Nanae un jodiyallavaaAm I not your rightful partner?
En anbae endru thunai vandha vegam sollavaaMy beloved, shall I describe the speed with which love came as a companion?
Female
Kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a story?
Kadhal kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a love story?
Vanna vanna solai engumEverywhere in the colorful garden,
Paravaigal pesumthe birds speak of it.
Kadhal kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a love story?
Female
Ponnaana neram endruCalling it a golden time,
Pudhu paadam solli konduteaching new lessons of life,
Thirumana maalai kondu vandhadhaamit brought a wedding garland.
Angae urvaadum kaadhal jodi thirunaalamThere, it became a festive day for the playful loving pair.
Female
Ponnaana neram endruCalling it a golden time,
Pudhu paadam solli konduteaching new lessons of life,
Thirumana maalai kondu vandhadhaamit brought a wedding garland.
Angae urvaadum kaadhal jodi thirunaalamThere, it became a festive day for the playful loving pair.
Female
Vaaraai en annamae manamedai vannameCome, my swan, colorful like the wedding dais,
Maaradha inbam sollavaaShall I tell you of an unyielding joy?
En nenjil endrum manamedai neeyae allavaaIn my heart, aren't you forever the wedding platform?
Female
Kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a story?
Kadhal kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a love story?
Vanna vanna solai engumEverywhere in the colorful garden,
Paravaigal pesumthe birds speak of it.
Kadhal kadhai ondru naan sollavaaShall I tell you a love story?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song framed as a bedtime fable uses vivid imagery from nature to depict a romantic love story. The narrator asks if she should share a tale often whispered by birds across vibrant flower gardens. The story centers on a lonely parrot waiting on a tree branch for her mate, who eventually arrives with reassurances and brings a wedding garland, turning their union into a grand celebration.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Vaaraai en annamae manamedai vanname

The lover addresses his beloved using romantic metaphors such as 'annamae' (swan), 'killai' (parrot), 'kanmani' (apple of my eye), and 'ponmani' (precious jewel).

Adukku Thodar (Reduplication)

Vanna vanna solai engum

The word 'vanna' is repeated consecutively as 'vanna vanna' to emphasize the rich, multi-colored beauty of the garden.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kannae en kanmani kalangadhae ponmani

The second consonant sound 'nn' rhymes across consecutive lines ('Kannae' / 'Nanae').

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Ponnaana neram endru

Repetition of initial phonetic sounds like 'P' ('Ponnaana' and 'Pudhu') creates a rhythmic melodic effect.

Did you know?

Trivia

Magale Un Samathu (1964) featured music composed by G. K. Venkatesh, a veteran music director who famously hired Ilaiyaraaja as an assistant during his early career. The lyrical mastery of Kannadasan elevates this simple bird allegory into an enduring romantic classic.

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