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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanavilaavadhu Unnudan

From Vishwa Thulasi · 2004

Lyricist
Isaignani Ilayaraja
Singers
Karthik, Sushma Shrestha
Music directors
M. S. Vishwanathan, Ilayaraja
Details
Vishwa Thulasi2004

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kanavilaavadhu unnudanAt least in a dream, with you,
Kalandhu kooda vendumI must unite and merge.
Male
Ninaivilae unai innumaaIn my waking thoughts, must I still
Ninaindhu vaada vendumThink of you and wither away?
Aarvamodu aadi thirindhaThose days spent dancing around with fervor,
Andha naatkalThose unforgettable days—
Female
Theerndhadhillai dhaagam theerkkaHave not ended; to quench this thirst,
Yengum pookkalThe flowers yearn everywhere.
Male
Yekkam theerkka idhayam varudumCaressing the heart to soothe the longing,
Ilamai kaalamaeO golden time of youth!
Female
Naanum serndhu vaazha serndhu poduFor me to live together, draw together
Pudhiya kolamae…A fresh new pattern of life...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song captures a poignant expression of romantic longing and grief caused by separation. The speaker desperately seeks reunion with their beloved, wishing that if a real-life togetherness is impossible, it should at least happen within dreams rather than suffering endless heartache in memories.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moni / Initial Rhyme (Monnai)

Kanavilaavadhu unnudan / Kalandhu kooda vendum

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in 'Kanavilaavadhu' and 'Kalandhu' across lines 1 and 2 creates rhythmic harmony.

Metaphor

Pudhiya kolamae…

Comparing starting a new chapter of life with a beloved to drawing a 'pudhiya kolam' (a new traditional rice-flour pattern).

Personification

Yengum pookkal / Yekkam theerkka idhayam varudum

Attributing human emotions like yearning ('Yekkam') and action ('dhaagam theerkka') to flowers and youthful time.

Did you know?

Trivia

Vishwa Thulasi (2004) featured a rare and historic collaboration where legendary music directors M. S. Viswanathan and Ilaiyaraaja worked together on the soundtrack, with Ilaiyaraaja also penning lyrics for select tracks.

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