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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kalaiyatha Kanavondru Kanden

From Nayakarin Magal · 1982

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Nayakarin Magal1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kandenI saw a dream that does not fade away
Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kandenI saw a dream that does not fade away
Endrum nilai maevum ninaivaalaeWith memories that remain forever cherished
Silaiyaagi nindrenI stood still like a statue
Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kandenI saw a dream that does not fade away
Female
Kalai pesi valai veesum vizhigalEyes that speak of art and cast a net
Inba kalai pesi valai veesum vizhigalEyes that speak of joyful art and cast a net
Yedhum vilai pesa mudiyathaSweet words whose price
Amudhamaana mozhigalNo value can ever measure
Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kandenI saw a dream that does not fade away
Endrum nilai maevum ninaivaalaeWith memories that remain forever cherished
Silaiyaagi nindrenI stood still like a statue
Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kandenI saw a dream that does not fade away
Female
Mai theetum vizhiyaalae mandraadinenI pleaded softly with my kohl-adorned eyes
Avar mei theendum sugam kaana poi pesinenI spoke white lies just to feel the bliss of his touch
Mai theetum vizhiyaalae mandraadinenI pleaded softly with my kohl-adorned eyes
Avar mei theendum sugam kaana poi pesinenI spoke white lies just to feel the bliss of his touch
Kaiyodu kai serthu karai yerinenHolding his hand in mine, I reached the shore safely
Kaiyodu kai serthu karai yerinenHolding his hand in mine, I reached the shore safely
Iru kannodu kann sera kalyanam nadanthaeraFor our eyes to meet eyes and our wedding to take place
Female
Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kandenI saw a dream that does not fade away
Endrum nilai maevum ninaivaalaeWith memories that remain forever cherished
Silaiyaagi nindrenI stood still like a statue
Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kandenI saw a dream that does not fade away
Female
Viral kattum jadhi kettu nadamaadinenI danced to the rhythm displayed by his fingers
Avar kural kettkkum viruppodu viraindhodinenI rushed eagerly to hear the sound of his voice
Viral kattum jadhi kettu…..Listening to the rhythm displayed by his fingers...
Female
Thiral konda bujathoda vilaiyaadinenI played along with his strong, well-built shoulders
Thiral konda bujathoda vilaiyaadinenI played along with his strong, well-built shoulders
Thann ninaivindri avarodu dhinam koodi uravaadiLosing consciousness of myself, uniting and intimacy with him every day
Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kandenI saw a dream that does not fade away

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kanden' expresses a woman's blissful recollection of an unforgettable, everlasting dream of love and togetherness. Mesmerized by the memory of her beloved, she stands frozen like a statue in sheer delight. She describes the magnetic charm of her lover's eyes, his priceless tender words, and the sweet playfulness between them.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaai (First-letter alliteration)

Kalaiyaadha kanavondru kanden

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across words creates melodic rhythm.

Contrast / Wordplay (Mei vs Poi)

Avar mei theendum sugam kaana poi pesinen

Poetic juxtaposition of 'mei' (body/truth) and 'poi' (lie) to describe playful courtship.

Metaphor

Kalai pesi valai veesum vizhigal

Describing captivating eyes as casting a net ('valai veesum vizhigal') to trap the lover.

Ethukai (Second-letter rhyme)

Kalaiyaadha / Silaiyaagi

The second letter 'lai' rhymes between 'Kalaiyaadha' and 'Silaiyaagi'.

Did you know?

Trivia

This track from 'Nayakarin Magal' (1982) features lyrics by legendary poet Kannadasan and music composed by the duo Shankar-Ganesh. Vani Jayaram's classical vocal rendition perfectly captured the intricate romantic nuances in Kannadasan's verses.

Keep listening

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