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Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Keladi Kanmani

From Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal · 1989

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal
Movie release year
1989
Lyrics added on
8 Feb 2017

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Hmmm..mmm ahaaa… ahaaa…
Keladi kanmani paadagan sangathi
Nee idhai ketpathaal nenjil orr nimmadhi
Aaahaaa… naal muzhuthum parvaiyil naan ezhuthum
Orr kadhaiyai unakkena naan koora…
Keladi kanmani paadagan sangathi
Ennaalum thaanae thaen virunthaavathu
Pirarkaaga naan paadum thirai paadal thaan
Innaalil thaanae naan isaithaen amma
Enakaaga naan paadum mudhal paadal thaan
Kaanal neeraal theeratha dhaagam
Gangai neeraal theernthathadi
Naan potta poo maalai manam serka villai
Nee thaanae enakaaga madal pootha mullai…
Keladi kanmani paadagan sangathi
Nee idhai ketpathaal nenjil orr nimmadhi
Neengaatha baaram en nenjodu thaan
Naan thedum sumai thaangi nee allava
Naan vaadum neram un maarbodu thaan
Nee ennai thaalattum thaai allava
Yetho yetho aanandha raagam
Unnaal thaanae undaanathu
Kaalpona paathaigal naan pona pothu
Kai serthu nee thaanae mei sertha maadhu…
Keladi kanmani paadagan sangathi
Nee idhai ketpathaal nenjil orr nimmadhi
Aaahaaa… naal muzhuthum parvaiyil naan ezhuthum
Orr kadhaiyai unakkena naan koora…
Keladi kanmani paadagan sangathi
Nee idhai ketpathaal nenjil orr nimmadhi
Mmm.. mmm, aha… aha…
Listen, my darling, to this singer's story.
Because you listen, my heart feels at peace.
Ahaha... A story I write with my eyes all day long,
As I tell it just for you...
Listen, my darling, to this singer's story.
Every day, what serves as a sweet feast
Is only the film song I sing for others.
Only today have I sung, my dear,
The very first song I sing for myself.
A thirst that a mirage could not quench
Has been quenched by the waters of the Ganga.
The flower garland I placed brought no union of hearts,
Yet aren't you the jasmine that bloomed just for me?
Listen, my darling, to this singer's story.
Because you listen, my heart feels at peace.
An endless burden weighs upon my heart;
Aren't you the resting stone I sought to bear my load?
When I am suffering, against your chest,
Aren't you the mother who sings me a lullaby?
A sweet, joyful melody
Was born only because of you.
When I wandered wherever my feet took me,
Holding my hand, weren't you the woman who embraced me with true love?
Listen, my darling, to this singer's story.
Because you listen, my heart feels at peace.
Ahaha... A story I write with my eyes all day long,
As I tell it just for you...
Listen, my darling, to this singer's story.
Because you listen, my heart feels at peace.
Chorus
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

Keladi Kanmani is a deeply emotional song from K. Balachander's 'Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal' (1989), composed by Ilaiyaraaja and penned by Vaali. The song represents the inner voice of a professional playback singer who has dedicated his life to entertaining others with cinema songs. For the first time, he finds a personal, true melody within his heart that belongs solely to him and his beloved companion, who acts as a source of relief and comfort.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

“Keladi kanmani paadagan sangathi”

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'K' in 'Keladi' and 'Kanmani' creating rhythmic harmony.

Metaphor (Urvagam)

“Kaanal neeraal theeratha dhaagam / Gangai neeraal theernthathadi”

Contrasting temporary, illusory satisfaction ('Kaanal neer' / mirage water) with true spiritual and emotional fulfillment ('Gangai neer' / Ganges water).

Personification / Maternal Imagery

“Naan thedum sumai thaangi nee allava / Nee ennai thaalattum thaai allava”

Addressing the beloved as a 'sumai thaangi' (rest-stone/load bearer) and a comforting mother ('thaai') who lulls him to sleep.

Did you know?

Trivia

This iconic song, composed by Ilaiyaraaja and sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam alongside K. S. Chithra, is legendary for SPB's continuous 'breathless' rendition in the charanam sections, which became a landmark feat in Indian playback singing.

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