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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kalai Nera Male

From Amman Kovil Kizhakale · 1986

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Amman Kovil Kizhakale1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aaahaaa…aaaahaa..aaaaaa..aaaaaMelodic vocalization
Aaahaaa..ahaaaa….aaaa aaa aaa……Melodic vocalization
Aaa…aaa…aaa…aaa….Melodic vocalization
Male
Kaalai naera poonguyilThe flower-cuckoo of the morning time
Kavidhai paada pogudhuIs going to sing a poem
Kalaindhu pogum megangalThe scattering clouds
Gavanamaaga ketkudhuAre listening attentively
Ketta paadal kaattrilae… kelviyaaga pogumo…Will the song heard in the wind turn into a question?
Engae un raagam swaram…aaaahaaaaa…..Where are your melody and musical notes?
Male
Kaalai naera poonguyilThe flower-cuckoo of the morning time
Kavidhai paada pogudhuIs going to sing a poem
Male
Medai podum pournamiThe full moon sets up a stage
Aadi paadum orr nadhiA river dances and sings
Medai podum pournamiThe full moon sets up a stage
Aadi paadum orr nadhiA river dances and sings
Male
Vella oliyinil megalaiIn the white light, the clouds glow like a girdle
Mella mayangudhu en nilaiMy state slowly becomes enchanted
Pudhiya megam kavidhai paadumA new cloud will sing poetry
Pudhiya megam kavidhai paadumA new cloud will sing poetry
Male
Bhoopaalam paadaamalEven without singing the morning melody Bhoopaalam
Endhan kaalaiMy morning
Thondrum ennaalum…mmm……..Appears every single day
Male
Kaalai naera poonguyilThe flower-cuckoo of the morning time
Kavidhai paada pogudhuIs going to sing a poem
Kalaindhu pogum megangalThe scattering clouds
Gavanamaaga ketkudhuAre listening attentively
Male
Ilamai ennum moganamYouth is a captivating melody
Inaindhu paadum en manamMy heart joins in to sing along
Ilamai ennum moganamYouth is a captivating melody
Inaindhu paadum en manamMy heart joins in to sing along
Male
Pattu virithadhu pulveli…The grassy lawn has spread out like silk
Pattu theriththadhu vinnoli..The celestial light sparkled like silk
Dhinamum paadum yenadhu paadalMy song that is sung every day
Dhinamum paadum yenadhu paadalMy song that is sung every day
Male
Kaattrodum aattrodumWith the wind and with the river
Indrum endrumToday and forever
Ketkkum endrendrum…..Will be heard endlessly
Male
Kaalai naera poonguyilThe flower-cuckoo of the morning time
Kavidhai paada pogudhuIs going to sing a poem
Kalaindhu pogum megangalThe scattering clouds
Gavanamaaga ketkudhuAre listening attentively
Male
Kaalai naera poonguyilThe flower-cuckoo of the morning time
Kavidhai paada pogumm….Is going to sing a poem

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kaalai Naera Poonguyil from Amman Kovil Kizhakale is a classic composition celebrating the eternal bond between music and nature. The protagonist compares the dawn to a stage where nature itself participates in a musical performance—cuckoo birds sing poetry, drifting clouds listen attentively, rivers dance, and the morning sun shines brightly. The lyricist captures a sense of wonder and introspective peace through these natural elements. Even without a formal morning raga like Bhoopaalam, the arrival of each day feels poetic and vibrant, with youth described as the enchanting Mohana raga. The song emphasizes how art, when aligned with nature, transcends time to echo forever in the wind and flowing streams.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification

Kalaindhu pogum megangal Gavanamaaga ketkudhu

The drifting clouds are personified as attentive listeners hanging on every note of the morning bird's song.

Metaphor

Ilamai ennum moganam

Youth is directly metaphorized as 'Moganam' (Raga Mohanam), highlighting its pleasant and appealing nature.

Visual Imagery / Simile

Pattu virithadhu pulveli... Pattu theriththadhu vinnoli

The green grass is visually compared to spreading silk, while celestial light sparkles like shimmering fabric.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kaalai naera poonguyil / Kavidhai paada pogudhu

Repetition of the 'Ka' sound at the beginning of words in adjacent lines creates melodic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Amman Kovil Kizhakale (1986) was a major commercial success starring Vijayakanth and Radha. Maestro Ilaiyaraaja's soundtrack won wide acclaim, and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam's vocal performance in this track is renowned for its effortless breath control, intricate swara passages, and gentle emotive delivery.

Keep listening

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