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Isaimozhi
Bandham album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Kattil Bandham Kadhal Bandham

From Bandham · 1985

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Sankar Ganesh
Movie name
Bandham
Movie release year
1985
Lyrics added on
12 Sept 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kattil bandham kaadhal bandham
Pottum poovum soodum varai
Kattil bandham kaadhal bandham
Pottum poovum soodum varai
Adhu pona pinaalum boomiyil vaazhvaal
Pillai bandham ullavarai
Pillai bandham ullavarai
Bandham paasa bandham
Bandham paasa bandham
Sondham veror idam ponaalum
Bandham enbathu pogathu
Sondham veror idam ponaalum
Bandham enbathu pogathu
Adhu vanjam vaithu vaazhnthaal kooda
Nenjil irunthu neengaathu
Nenjil irunthu neengaathu
Bandham paasa bandham
Bandham paasa bandham
The bond of marriage, the bond of love,
Lasts as long as she wears her bindi and flowers.
The bond of marriage, the bond of love,
Lasts as long as she wears her bindi and flowers.
Even after that is gone, she will live on this earth,
As long as the bond with her child remains.
As long as the bond with her child remains.
This bond, a bond of affection,
This bond, a bond of affection.
Even if kin move away to another place,
The bond itself will never fade.
Even if kin move away to another place,
The bond itself will never fade.
Even if they live holding grudges,
It will never leave the heart.
It will never leave the heart.
This bond, a bond of affection,
This bond, a bond of affection.
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song reflects on the enduring nature of human relationships and maternal love. It contrasts conjugal life—traditionally symbolized by wearing flowers and a bindi—with the immortal strength of a mother's connection to her child, which keeps her anchored to life even after losing her spouse. Furthermore, the lyrics emphasize that true affection and emotional ties transcend physical distance and personal grievances, remaining deeply rooted in the heart regardless of circumstance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Symbolism and Metaphor

Pottum poovum soodum varai

'Pottum poovum' (bindi and flowers) is used as a cultural symbol representing active married life and traditional marital bond.

Refrain / Repetition

Bandham paasa bandham

The phrase 'Bandham paasa bandham' is repeated regularly to reinforce the central thematic focus on emotional attachment.

Emonai / Rhyme Scheme

Sondham veror idam ponaalum / Bandham enbathu pogathu

Use of 'Sondham' and 'Bandham' creates a harmonious Tamil rhythmic flow (Iyaibu/Rhyme) across neighboring lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

Bandham (1985) is a family drama film starring Sivaji Ganesan and Nadhiya. The film's musical score was composed by legendary music director M. S. Viswanathan, featuring lyrics crafted by poet Vaali.

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