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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kadhal Nila Theinthatho

From Aayiram Pookkal Malarattum · 1986

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
V. S. Narasimhan
Details
Aayiram Pookkal Malarattum1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oooohoo….oo….ooh….oooooo….Oooohoo...oo...ooh...oooooo...
Kadhal nila thaeinthathoHas the moon of love waned?
Poomaalai nee soodum aelai kaainthathoHas the flower garland you wear withered, poor soul?
Male
Oooohoo….oo….ooh….oooooo….Oooohoo...oo...ooh...oooooo...
Aagaayamae maegamae oorkolamO sky, O clouds in procession,
Naan konda sogam koorungalPlease tell of the sorrow I bear.
Idhaithaanoo devan ninaiththaanIs this what God intended?
Male
Kadhal nila thaeinthathoHas the moon of love waned?
Poomaalai nee soodum aelai kaainthathoHas the flower garland you wear withered, poor soul?
Male
Neerkolamae Kadhalthaan vaerallaLove is nothing other than a temporary pattern on water.
Yaar maalai yaar tholil yaarthaan sollaWho can tell whose garland belongs on whose shoulders?
Aasaikalae maayamthaan meiyallaDesires are merely illusions, not reality.
Kan kaanum kaanal neer gangaiyallaThe mirage seen by the eyes is not the holy river Ganges.
Male
Nedunthooramae pogalam neela maegamThe blue cloud may travel a long distance.
Neerandriyae vaadalaam solai poovumThe garden flower may wither without water.
Idhaiththaano devan ninaiththaan….Is this what God intended?
Male
Kadhal nila thaeinthathoHas the moon of love waned?
Poomaalai nee soodum aelai kaainthatho….Has the flower garland you wear withered, poor soul?
Male
Poopookalaam yavumae kaaikkaathuNot all flowers that bloom turn into fruit.
Mann potta vidhai ellaam mulaikkaathuNot all seeds planted in the earth sprout.
Nee ketkalaam yaavumae kidaikkaathuNot everything you ask for will be received.
Idhaithaanae vaazhvil nam vidhi enbathuIs this what is called our fate in life?
Male
Un veenaiyil ketkalaam soga geethamA mournful song may be heard from your veena.
Un paadalil seralaam veru raagamA different ragam may join your song.
Idhaiththaanao devan ninaiththaan….Is this what God intended?
Male
Kadhal nila thaeinthathoHas the moon of love waned?
Poomaalai nee soodum aelai kaainthathoHas the flower garland you wear withered, poor soul?
Idhaiththaanao devan ninaiththaan….Is this what God intended?
Male
Kadhal nila thaeinthathoHas the moon of love waned?
Poomaalai nee soodum aelai kaainthatho….Has the flower garland you wear withered, poor soul?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song expresses heartbreak, sorrow, and philosophical reflection upon unrequited or lost love. The protagonist laments how a love that once bloomed like a full moon or a fresh garland has waned and withered away, questioning whether this tragic outcome was ordained by divine fate. Nature, clouds, and the sky are invoked to carry the burdens of his grief. Using deep philosophical metaphors, the lyricist compares love to ephemeral patterns on water, mirages mistaken for real rivers, and unsprouted seeds. Ultimately, the song serves as a melancholic acceptance of life's painful realities and fate, recognizing that life does not always yield the sweet music or outcomes one hopes for.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Kadhal nila thaeinthatho

Love is metaphorically presented as a waning moon ('Kadhal nila thaeinthatho'), capturing the gradual loss of affection and joy.

Analogy / Metaphor

Neerkolamae Kadhalthaan vaeralla

Love is directly equated to fragile patterns/bubbles on water ('Neerkolam'), signifying its temporary and impermanent nature.

Imagery and Contrast

Kan kaanum kaanal neer gangaiyalla

Contrasts a mirage ('kaanal neer') with the sacred Ganges ('gangai') to illustrate the delusion of false hope versus reality.

Ethukai (Second-letter rhyme)

Mann potta vidhai ellaam mulaikkaathu / Nee ketkalaam yaavumae kidaikkaathu

The second letter consonant 'n' rhyming across lines ('Mann' / 'Nee'), creating a rhythmic melancholic flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

The soundtrack of 'Aayiram Pookkal Malarattum' (1986) was composed by V. S. Narasimhan, a classical violinist and composer known for his lush string arrangements. This emotional track was beautifully rendered by K. J. Yesudas, with lyrics penned by Vaali.

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