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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kangalukkenna Kaval

From Nil Kavani Kaathali · 1969

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nil Kavani Kaathali1969

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Hooo oooHooo ooo
Female
Kangalukkenna kaaval illaiyooIs there no guard for the eyes?
Pengalukkukkenna aaval illaiyooIs there no desire for women?
Kangalukkenna kaaval illaiyooIs there no guard for the eyes?
Pengalukkukkenna aaval illaiyooIs there no desire for women?
Chorus
………………………
Female
Kangalukkenna kaaval illaiyooIs there no guard for the eyes?
Pengalukkukkenna aaval illaiyooIs there no desire for women?
Kangalukkenna kaaval illaiyooIs there no guard for the eyes?
Pengalukkukkenna aaval illaiyooIs there no desire for women?
Chorus
………………………..
Female
Malaraaga maaravoo manadhodu paesavooShould I turn into a flower and speak with your heart?
Malaraaga maaravoo manadhodu paesavooShould I turn into a flower and speak with your heart?
Kulir neer alai pol un maarbilae vandhuLike a wave of cool water coming upon your chest,
Saaindhadhum paaindhadhum yaarooWho is it that leaned and surged forward?
Kulir neer alai pol un maarbilae vandhuLike a wave of cool water coming upon your chest,
Saaindhadhum paaindhadhum yaarooWho is it that leaned and surged forward?
Vanna poocharam pol oru mugamooIs that a face like a colorful garland of flowers?
Kaiyil vaangavum thaangavum sugamooIs it a pleasure to hold and support in hands?
Chorus
………………………..
Female
Mazhai megam koondhaloo silai meani oonjalooIs her hair a rain cloud, and her statue-like body a swing?
Mazhai megam koondhaloo silai meani oonjalooIs her hair a rain cloud, and her statue-like body a swing?
Madi mael oru naal pennaasaiyinaalOne day on the lap, due to a woman's desire,
Indru aadidum aadavan neeyooAre you the man dancing today?
Madi mael oru naal pennaasaiyinaalOne day on the lap, due to a woman's desire,
Indru aadidum aadavan neeyooAre you the man dancing today?
Undhan thottathil naan oru kuyilooAm I a cuckoo bird in your garden?
Illai tholgalil thaaviya kiliyooOr a parrot that leaped onto your shoulders?
Chorus
………………………..
Female
Kangalukkenna kaaval illaiyooIs there no guard for the eyes?
Pengalukkukkenna aaval illaiyooIs there no desire for women?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kangalukkenna Kaaval Illaiyoo from Nil Kavani Kaathali (1969) is a seductive, upbeat club song that explores themes of unrestrained longing, feminine allure, and romantic fascination. Sung dynamically by L. R. Eswari, the protagonist provocatively asks whether eyes need guards or if women's desires can ever be contained, challenging conventional boundaries with charm and confidence. Through vivid nature-based metaphors crafted by Vaali, the song portrays love as a playful wave crashing on a shore, a cuckoo singing in a garden, or a colorful flower garland held tenderly. Set to M. S. Vishwanathan's Western-influenced rhythms, the track captures the vibrant spirit of 1960s Tamil cinema dance numbers.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaal / Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kangalukkenna kaaval illaiyoo

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Ka' across 'Kangalukkenna' and 'kaaval'.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kangalukkenna kaaval illaiyoo / Pengalukkukkenna aaval illaiyoo

Matching second consonant 'ng' across consecutive lines ('Kangalukkenna' and 'Pengalukkukkenna').

Uvamaani (Simile)

Kulir neer alai pol un maarbilae vandhu

Comparing a loving touch to a cool water wave ('kulir neer alai pol').

Uvamaani (Simile)

Vanna poocharam pol oru mugamoo

Comparing a beautiful face to a garland of colorful flowers ('vanna poocharam pol').

Uruvagaimai (Metaphor)

Mazhai megam koondhaloo silai meani oonjaloo

Directly metaphorizing dense dark hair as rain clouds ('mazhai megam koondhal') and body as a sculpted statue ('silai meani').

Did you know?

Trivia

Nil Kavani Kaathali (1969) was a modern CID crime thriller directed by C. V. Rajendran, starring Jaishankar and Bharathi. The film's title literally translates to 'Stop, Look, Love', playing on the standard traffic sign 'Stop, Look, Listen'. This track stands out as one of L. R. Eswari's signature western-styled cabaret songs composed by M. S. Vishwanathan.

Keep listening

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