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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kazhani Engum Kathiradum

From Thirumanam · 1958

Lyricist
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
Singers
A. L. Raghavan, Jikki
Music directors
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, T. G. Lingappa
Details
Thirumanam1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
……………….....
Female
Kazhani engum kadhiraadumAcross the paddy fields, the crops sway in the breeze
Azhagu mangai sathiraadumLike a beautiful maiden dancing with grace
Kalaiyaana nilai kaanavaa….nee vaaShall we behold this artistic sight? Come, my love...
Kalaiyaana nilai kaanavaa…Shall we behold this artistic sight?
Male
Kalaiyaththilae kanji konduCarrying rice gruel in a mud pot
Karaiyilae varum pennai konduWith the young woman coming along the field embankment
Aaa….aa….aaa…aa….Aaa... aa... aaa... aa...
Angae kalaiyathilae kanji konduThere, carrying rice gruel in a mud pot
Karaiyilae varum pennai kanduSeeing the young woman coming along the bank
Kalappai thanai maranthu uzhavanForgetting his plow, the farmer
Kalangugindraanae nindru mayangukindranaeStands mesmerized and spellbound in wonder
Aaa….aa….aaa…aa….Aaa... aa... aaa... aa...
Female
Aval sirippum ilanthudippumHer lovely smile and youthful energy
Aval sirippum ilanthudippumHer lovely smile and youthful energy
Oru nodikkul avanai izhukkuthaeDraws him towards her in a split second
Female
Kazhani engum kadhiraadumAcross the paddy fields, the crops sway
Azhagu mangai sathiradumLike a beautiful maiden dancing
Kalaiyaana nilai kanavaa….nee vaaShall we behold this artistic sight? Come...
Female
Aadi varum nadhiyoramBy the banks of the flowing river
Aanum pennum vegu naeramA man and a woman spend a long time
Aadi varum nadhiyoramBy the banks of the flowing river
Aanum pennum vegu naeramA man and a woman spend a long time
Female
Azhukku neenga thuni thuvaikkumWashing clothes to remove the dirt
Vegaththinaalae avargal naesaththinaalaeThrough their swift rhythmic labor and mutual affection
Male
Aasaikalai thoondividumIt ignites deep desires within
Anaigalaiyum thaandividumOvercoming all boundaries and dams
Ariya periya ragasiyaththai arinthidalaameShall we discover this great, profound secret?
Naam arinthidalaamaeShall we discover it together?
Male
Enthan mayilae….My gentle peacock...
Female :Mazhai mugizhaeFemale: Rain-bearing cloud...
Male :Ilangkuyilae….Male: Sweet young cuckoo...
Female :Athan kuralaeFemale: The voice that responds...
Both :Ezhil kuzhungumBoth: Brimming with beauty
Ulagai unarnthiduvom…Let us feel and experience this world...
Female
Kazhani engum kadhiraadumAcross the paddy fields, the crops sway
Azhagu mangai sathiraadumLike a beautiful maiden dancing
Kalaiyana nilai kaanuvom…We shall behold this artistic sight...
Naamum kalaiyaana nilai kaanuvomWe too shall behold this artistic sight!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kazhani engum kadhiraadum is a picturesque romantic duet penned by Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram for the film Thirumanam (1958). Set against vivid rural backdrops, the song captures the innate beauty of village life, labor, and budding romance. It paints charming pictures of rural scenes: a farmer spellbound by a maiden carrying rice porridge along field paths, and lovers washing clothes by a riverbank where shared work rekindles mutual affection. The lovers invite each other to cherish nature's beauty and experience the profound joy of togetherness, blending themes of hard work, nature, and romantic devotion seamlessly.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor & Personification

Kazhani engum kadhiraadum / Azhagu mangai sathiraadum

Compares the swaying crops in the paddy field to a beautiful maiden performing a graceful dance (sathir).

Etuakai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kazhani engum kadhiraadum / Azhagu mangai sathiraadum

The second consonant sound 'zha' (ழ) rhymes in Kazhani and Azhagu.

Imagery

Kalaiyaththilae kanji kondu / Karaiyilae varum pennai kandu

Evokes vivid visual imagery of traditional agrarian Tamil life, showing a woman carrying Kanji in a mud clay pot to her husband in the field.

Moonaal (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kazhani engum kadhiraadum

Repetition of the initial sound 'Ka' across consecutive words creating a rhythmic cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the renowned poet Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram for the 1958 movie Thirumanam, starring Gemini Ganesan and Savitri. The music was composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, with iconic vocals rendered by T. M. Soundararajan and P. Leela.

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