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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kavi Paadum

From Bhagya Devathai · 1959

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
Ghantasala, K. Jamunarani
Music director
Master Venu
Details
Bhagya Devathai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kavipaadum kangalinaalaeThrough the eyes that sing poetry,
Kadhai pesum ponnidhazh melaeUpon the golden lips that speak stories,
Kavipaadum kangalinaalaeThrough the eyes that sing poetry,
Kadhai pesum ponnidhazh melaeUpon the golden lips that speak stories,
Male
Deiveega kadhal inbam kaanuthaeDivine love's joy is revealed.
Unnaalae kili naanuthae thannaalaeBecause of you, this parrot shies away naturally.
Female
Kalai veesum kaaviyam neeyaeYou are an epic radiating artistry,
Oli veesum oviyam naanaeI am a painting radiating light.
Kalai veesum kaaviyam neeyaeYou are an epic radiating artistry,
Oli veesum oviyam naanaeI am a painting radiating light.
Male
Deiveega kadhal inbam kaanuthaeDivine love's joy is revealed.
Unnaalae kili naanuthae thannaalae….Because of you, this parrot shies away naturally...
Male
Madhuvai yaendhi magizhnthaadum malaraeOh flower dancing joyfully holding nectar,
Pudhu nilai kandaen punnagaiyaalaeI found a new state of bliss through your smile,
Pudhu nilai kandaen punnagaiyaalaeI found a new state of bliss through your smile,
Manakkoyil unakkaaga maasilaa deepamaeIn the temple of the mind, a flawless lamp shines for you.
Male
Kavipaadum kangalinaalaeThrough the eyes that sing poetry,
Kadhai pesum ponnidhazh melaeUpon the golden lips that speak stories,
Kavipaadum kangalinaalaeThrough the eyes that sing poetry,
Kadhai pesum ponnidhazh melaeUpon the golden lips that speak stories,
Female
Kadalil ellai kandaalum kaanalaamOne might find the boundary of the ocean,
Kadhalin ellai kaana mudiyumaaBut can one ever find the boundary of love?
Kadhalin ellai kaana mudiyumaaBut can one ever find the boundary of love?
Kalai koyil unakkaagaThe temple of art is dedicated to you,
Kankanda deivamae….Oh visible deity...
Female
Kalai veesum kaaviyam neeyaeYou are an epic radiating artistry,
Oli veesum oviyam naanaeI am a painting radiating light.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic duet from the 1959 film 'Bhagya Devathai' celebrates the transcendent beauty of divine love. The lovers exchange expressive compliments, equating each other to classic works of art—an epic poem radiating creativity and a luminous painting. Through vivid Tamil imagery, the song portrays love as a sacred experience that illuminates the temple of the human mind like an unblemished lamp. The lyrics underscore the infinite nature of affection, declaring that while the boundless ocean may have limits, true love knows no end.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor

Kalai veesum kaaviyam neeyae / Oli veesum oviyam naanae

Compares the beloved directly to an epic ('kaaviyam') and a glowing painting ('oviyam'), elevating their beauty to high art.

Rhetorical Question & Hyperbole

Kadalil ellai kandaalum kaanalaam / Kadhalin ellai kaana mudiyumaa

Uses a comparative rhetorical hyperbole stating that even if the ocean's vast boundaries could be measured, love's depth remains immeasurable.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Pudhu nilai kandaen punnagaiyaalae

Repetition of initial consonant sounds 'K' and 'P' in words like 'Kalai', 'kaaviyam', 'Pudhu', 'punnagaiyaalae' creating a lyrical cadence.

Metaphor (Manakkoyil)

Manakkoyil unakkaaga maasilaa deepamae

Compares the heart or mind to a temple ('manakkoyil') where devotion shines as an eternal lamp ('maasilaa deepam').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Bhagya Devathai' (1959) was a Tamil drama directed by Tapi Chanakya with iconic music composed by Master Venu. Lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, renowned for his rich classical vocabulary, penned this song featuring legendary playback singers Ghantasala and K. Jamuna Rani.

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