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Mella Pesungal album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Kelatho Kaadhal Nenjin

From Mella Pesungal · 1983

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
John K
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Mella Pesungal
Movie release year
1983
Lyrics added on
19 Feb 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Engengum poonthoottam
En nenjil poraattam
Nee ennai paarthu orr vaarthai pesu
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Naan olai kirukkum bodhu
Undaana vaedham
Nee ennai paarkkum bodhu
Engaeyo pogum
Naalaigalai naan nambinen
Nandhanaar pol naan vembinen
Aagaayam boomi engum
Un poomugam
Kan moodi thoongum bothum
Un gnyabagam
Boopaalam kelaathoo
Oru kaadhal gangai
Ezhai vayalil paayaadhoo
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Engengum poonthoottam
En nenjil poraattam
Nee ennai paarthu orr vaarthai pesu
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Andraadam kaadhal kolla
Peraasai undu
Endraalum ezhai nenjil
Porattam indru
Kodaigalin monsoon idhu
Mounangalo polladhadhu
Sollaamal kaadhal engae
Thaanai varum
Sellaadha kaditham ingae
Oor aayiram
Sollaamal theraathu
Nee satham indri yutham
Seithaal pothaathu
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Engengum poonthoottam
En nenjil poraattam
Nee ennai paarthu orr vaarthai pesu
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Kelaathoo kaadhal nenjin osai
Kelaathoo
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
Everywhere there is a flower garden,
but in my heart, there is a struggle.
Look at me and speak just one word.
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
When I write a letter to you,
the rush of courage I feel,
when you look at me,
disappears somewhere.
I placed my trust in the days to come,
and I yearned like Nandanar (a devotee who waited with longing).
Everywhere across the earth and sky,
is your flower-like face.
Even when I close my eyes in sleep,
it is your memory.
Won't the morning melody be heard?
Will a river of love
not flow into this poor man's field?
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
Everywhere there is a flower garden,
but in my heart, there is a struggle.
Look at me and speak just one word.
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
To be in love every single day,
I have a deep desire.
Even so, in this poor heart,
there is a struggle today.
This is like a summer monsoon,
and this silence is cruel.
Without being spoken, where does love
ever come on its own?
Unsent letters here
are a thousand.
Nothing will be solved without speaking,
fighting a battle without love
is just not enough.
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
Everywhere there is a flower garden,
but in my heart, there is a struggle.
Look at me and speak just one word.
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
Won't you hear?
Won't you hear the sound of a loving heart?
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

Kelaathoo Kaadhal Nenjin Osai from Mella Pesungal (1983) is a poignant lyrical expression of unrequited love and silent longing. The protagonist wrestles with internal turmoil while the surrounding world blooms like a flower garden. The song captures the anxiety of waiting for a single word from the beloved to validate the unspoken affection residing within.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (உருவகம்)

“Engengum poonthoottam / En nenjil poraattam”

Compares the surrounding beauty to a flower garden while contrasting it with internal conflict.

Cultural Allusion (தொன்மக் குறிப்பு)

“Nandhanaar pol naan vembinen”

Refers to Saint Nandanar to emphasize intense yearning, devotion, and suffering.

Oxymoron (முரண்)

“Nee satham indri yutham / Seithaal pothaathu”

Juxtaposes silence with warfare through the concept of a 'silent war' (satham indri yutham).

Did you know?

Trivia

The soundtrack for Mella Pesungal (1983) was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics written by Gangai Amaran. The song features a distinct melancholic mood built upon classical Indian raga influences.

Keep listening

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Ethanai Naal1961
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Ithu Kuzhanthai Paadum1980
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