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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kadhal Enbathu

From E · 2006

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singer
Hariharan
Music director
Srikanth Deva
Details
E2006

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aaeiii….Heyyy...
Male
Kaadhal enbadhu bodhi maramLove is a Bodhi tree
Kaayam pattaal gnyanam varumWisdom comes when you get hurt
Kaadhal enbadhu paalai vanamLove is a desert
Aaanal angum nilavu varumBut even there, the moon shines
Male
Idhu kannalae pesi…Speaking through the eyes...
Ohhhh….ho….Ohhhh... ho...
Male
Idhu kannalae pesiSpeaking through the eyes
Iru idhayamTwo hearts
Dhinam aadi paarkira dhaayamadaPlay the game of dice every day, my friend
Kannadi pola kaadhal dhaanLove is like glass
Kayil edukayil gavanamadaBe careful when holding it in your hands, my friend
Male
Kaadhal enbadhu bodhi maramLove is a Bodhi tree
Kaayam pattaal gnyanam varumWisdom comes when you get hurt
Kaadhal enbadhu paalai vanamLove is a desert
Aaanal angum nilavu varumBut even there, the moon shines
Male
Parikaamal kaatilIn the forest, unpicked
Udhirkindra pookkalFlowers that fall
Virumbaadha kaadhalUnwanted love
Idhu thaanadaThat is what this is, my friend
Male
Ohh…Ohh...
Kaayathin melaeOver a wound
Irai thedum eekalFlies searching for prey
Porundhadha kaamamInappropriate lust
Adhu thaanadaThat is what it is, my friend
Male
Kaatrodu pogumBlown away with the wind
Sarugaagha vazhkaiLife like a dry leaf
Povathu evvidamWhere is it going?
Puriyumaa..Do you understand?
Male
Nilayatrathu vaazhvhu thaanLife is indeed transient
Kaadhalaal nigazhkaalathai vaazhada…Live in the present through love, my friend...
Male
Kaadhal enbadhu bodhi maramLove is a Bodhi tree
Kaayam pattaal gnyanam varumWisdom comes when you get hurt
Kaadhal enbadhu paalai vanamLove is a desert
Aaanal angum nilavu varumBut even there, the moon shines
Male
Varalaaru ellaamAll of history
Rathathin vaasamSmells of blood
Yuthangal ellaamAll the wars
Edhanaalada….Why did they happen?
Male
Ohhh…Ohhh...
Bhoomikku ullaeDeep inside the earth
PudhaiyundadhellamEverything that is buried
Pallandu kaadhalIs the multi-year pain
Vali thaanadaOf love, my friend
Male
Thanneerai ketkumIt asks for water
Kaayangal kootumIt increases the wounds
Aayinum kaadhalumEven so, will love
Saagumaa…Ever die...?
Male
Unnodu nee modhidumThe battlefield where you clash
PorkalamWith yourself
Adhuthaanappa ..kaadhalum ..That too is love, my friend...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the movie 'E' (2006) offers a deeply philosophical meditation on love, pain, and human existence. It compares love to a Bodhi tree under which enlightenment is attained through suffering and heartbreak. Though love is likened to a harsh desert, it still holds moments of serene beauty like moonlight. The song cautions that love is fragile like glass and must be handled with utmost care, contrasting genuine love with temporary physical lust.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Urvagam)

Kaadhal enbadhu bodhi maram

Compares love directly to a Bodhi tree (tree of enlightenment) to convey that love brings wisdom through pain.

Metaphor (Urvagam)

Kaadhal enbadhu paalai vanam

Compares love to a desert (paalai vanam), depicting its harsh and lonely nature.

Simile (Uvamai)

Kannadi pola kaadhal dhaan

Uses 'pola' (like) to compare love to delicate glass that can easily break if handled carelessly.

Initial Rhyme (Monai)

Kaadhal enbadhu bodhi maram / Kaayam pattaal gnyanam varum

Repetition of the initial consonant/vowel sound 'Kaa' across consecutive lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is featured in the 2006 Tamil action drama film 'E', directed by S. P. Jananathan and starring Jiiva and Nayanthara. The musical score for the film was composed by Srikanth Deva.

Keep listening

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