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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanavugaley

From Aanandha Raagam · 1982

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
K. J. Yesudass
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Aanandha Raagam1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kanavugalae kanavugalaeOh dreams, oh dreams
Kalainthu sellungalDisperse and fade away
En kanmaiyai paarthuLook at my beloved
Oru kelvi kelungalAsk her a question
Ennai maranthadhen..aeenn…Why did you forget me? Why...
Ennai maranthadhenWhy did you forget me?
Ennai maranthadhenWhy did you forget me?
Male
Kanavugalae kanavugalaeOh dreams, oh dreams
Kalainthu sellungalDisperse and fade away
Male
{Uravae pirivaagi{When relationship turns into separation
Vazhi maarum podhuAnd the path changes
Ulagil enakkendruIn this world, for me
Oru sondham yedhu} (2)What relationship is truly mine?} (2)
Male
NinaivizhandhenI lost my consciousness
Enai maranthen kaadhalinaalaeI forgot myself because of love
Madhi izhanthuLosing my intellect
Vazhi maranthu vaadugindrenaeForgetting my way, I am wilting away
Ennai maranthadhen..aeenn…Why did you forget me? Why...
Ennai maranthadhenWhy did you forget me?
Ennai maranthadhenWhy did you forget me?
Male
Kanavugalae kanavugalaeOh dreams, oh dreams
Kalainthu sellungalDisperse and fade away
Male
{Jeevan maranthaalum{Even if life departs/forgets
Vilagaatha nesamThe affection that never leaves
Kaalam pirinthaalumEven if time separates us
Maraiyatha sogam} (2)The sorrow that never fades} (2)
Male
Vidhi ezhuthumWritten by destiny
Sadhi idhuvo yaar arivaaraeIs this a cruel conspiracy? Who knows?
Vizhi irunthumThough I have eyes
Paarvai illai engu selvenaeI have no vision, where shall I go?
Ennai maranthadhen..aeenn…Why did you forget me? Why...
Ennai maranthadhenWhy did you forget me?
Ennai maranthadhenWhy did you forget me?
Male
Kanavugalae kanavugalaeOh dreams, oh dreams
Kalainthu sellungalDisperse and fade away
En kanmaiyai paarthuLook at my beloved
Oru kelvi kelungalAsk her a question
Ennai maranthadhen..aeenn…Why did you forget me? Why...
Ennai maranthadhenWhy did you forget me?
Ennai maranthadhenWhy did you forget me?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song 'Kanavugalae Kanavugalae' expresses deep heartache and anguish over heartbreak and abandonment. The protagonist addresses his dreams, asking them to disperse and directly question his beloved on why she forgot him and his boundless love. He laments how the divergence of paths leaves him utterly alone without a soul to call his own in this vast world, driving him to lose his mind, memory, and sense of direction.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Apostrophe

Kanavugalae kanavugalae / Kalainthu sellungal

Addressing non-human/abstract concepts (dreams) directly as if they could hear and carry a message.

Anaphora / Repetition

Ennai maranthadhen..aeenn… / Ennai maranthadhen

Repetition of the line 'Ennai maranthadhen' for emotional emphasis on betrayal and confusion.

Monorhyme / Second-letter Rhyming (Edhukai)

Vidhi ezhuthum / Sadhi idhuvo yaar arivaarae / Vizhi irunthum

Matching second consonants across lines ('Vidhi' / 'Sadhi' / 'Vizhi').

Paradox / Metaphor

Vizhi irunthum / Paarvai illai engu selvenae

Having eyes yet lacking vision metaphorically portrays utter helplessness and lack of direction in life.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kanavugalae Kanavugalae' from the 1982 film Aanandha Raagam features iconic music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with soulful vocals by K. J. Yesudas, and lyrics crafted by Gangai Amaran depicting profound heartbreak.

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