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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kalaiyae En Vazhkaiyin Female

From Meenda Sorgam · 1960

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
T. Chalapathi Rao
Details
Meenda Sorgam1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kalaiyae en vaazhkkaiyinOh Art, of my life
Dhisai maatrinaaiYou changed the direction
Nee illaiyael naanillaiyaeWithout you, I do not exist
Aaa….aaa…aaa….aaa….aaa…aa……Aaa....aaa...aaa....aaa....aaa...aa......
Female
Kalaiyae en vaazhkkaiyinOh Art, of my life
Dhisai maatrinaaiYou changed the direction
Female
Maalaiyilum adhi kaalaiyilumIn the evening and in the early morning
Malar maevum silai maeniyilumIn the idol-like body adorned with flowers
Aadidum azhagae arppudha ulagilOh dancing beauty, in this wonderful world
Nee illaiyael naanillaiyaeWithout you, I do not exist
Aaa….aaa…aaa….aaa….aaa…aa……Aaa....aaa...aaa....aaa....aaa...aa......
Female
Kalaiyae en vaazhkkaiyinOh Art, of my life
Dhisai maatrinaaiYou changed the direction
Female
Koyil kanden angu dheivamillaiI saw a temple, but there was no deity there
Female
Koyil kanden angu dheivamillaiI saw a temple, but there was no deity there
Odi vandhen…I came running...
Female
Odi vandhen ingae nee irundhaaiI came running, and you were here
Baavamum raagamum thaalamum neeyaeYou are the expression, the melody, and the rhythm
Baavamum raagamum thaalamum neeyaeYou are the expression, the melody, and the rhythm
Nee illaiyael naanillaiyaeWithout you, I do not exist
Female
Nee illaiyael naanillaiyae ….Without you, I do not exist...
Female
Nee illaiyael ……Without you...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

In this soulful song written by Kannadasan for the 1960 movie Meenda Sorgam, the protagonist addresses Art ('Kalai') as their ultimate purpose and guiding light. The song expresses how art completely transformed the course of the artist's life, remaining present across all moments—from early morning to evening—and manifesting through the rhythmic, sculpted beauty of classical dance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification / Apostrophe

Kalaiyae en vaazhkkaiyin Dhisai maatrinaai

Art ('Kalai') is addressed directly as a divine entity and guiding person capable of changing the singer's life direction.

Anaphora / Refrain

Nee illaiyael naanillaiyae

The line 'Nee illaiyael naanillaiyae' is repeated regularly to reinforce total devotion and dependence on art.

Antithesis / Paradox

Koyil kanden angu dheivamillai ... Odi vandhen ingae nee irundhaai

Contrasts the empty physical temple lacking a deity with finding true spiritual presence within art.

Enumeration (Triad)

Baavamum raagamum thaalamum neeyae

Groupings of the three foundational elements of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam (Bhava, Raga, Tala) to define the essence of Art.

Did you know?

Trivia

Meenda Sorgam (1960) was directed by C. V. Sridhar and features music composed by T. Chalapathi Rao. The lyrics by Kannadasan serve as a deep homage to classical Indian dance and music, celebrating art as a form of higher worship.

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