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Lyrics & meaning

Odam kadalodum

From Kanmani Raja · 1974

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Kanmani Raja1974

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
…………….
Female
Odam kadalodumThe boat floats along with the sea,
Adhu sollum kadhai ennaWhat is the story it tells?
Alaigal karai yaerumThe waves rise up to reach the shore,
Adhu thedum thunai ennaWhat companion is it searching for?
Female
Odam kadalodumThe boat floats along with the sea,
Adhu sollum kadhai ennaWhat is the story it tells?
Alaigal karai yaerumThe waves rise up to reach the shore,
Adhu thedum thunai ennaWhat companion is it searching for?
Male
Yaedho athu yaedhoSomething, oh it is something,
Adhai naanum ninaikkindrenI too am thinking about it.
Yaeno athu yaenoWhy is it, oh why is it?
Adhai naanum rasikkindraenI too am enjoying it.
Male
Yaedho athu yaedhoSomething, oh it is something,
Adhai naanum ninaikkindrenI too am thinking about it.
Yaeno athu yaenoWhy is it, oh why is it?
Adhai naanum rasikkindraenI too am enjoying it.
Male
Megangal modhuvathaalWhen the clouds collide,
Minnal varuvathulightning appears;
Edhanaalae……edhanaalaeWhy is that... oh why is that?
Female :Thegangal kooduvathaalFemale: When bodies unite,
Inbam varumae adhu polaebliss arrives, just like that!
Female
Odam kadalodumThe boat floats along with the sea,
Adhu sollum kadhai ennaWhat is the story it tells?
Alaigal karai yaerumThe waves rise up to reach the shore,
Adhu thedum thunai ennaWhat companion is it searching for?
Male
Naadigalil pudhu vellamIn my pulse, a new flood
Oduthal polae therigindrathuseems to be flowing.
Naadigalil pudhu vellamIn my pulse, a new flood
Oduthal polae therigindrathuseems to be flowing.
Female
Nallathuthaan theriyattumaeIt is good, let it be known;
Ulagam medhuvaai purigindrathuthe world is slowly being understood.
Nallathuthaan theriyattumaeIt is good, let it be known;
Ulagam medhuvaai purigindrathuthe world is slowly being understood.
Female
Haa haa haa haaHaa haa haa haa
Haaha haa haa haaHaaha haa haa haa
Male
Pagalinilae varuvathillaiIt does not come during the day,
Iravinil yaedho varuggindrathaesomething comes during the night!
Pagalinilae varuvathillaiIt does not come during the day,
Iravinil yaedho varuggindrathaesomething comes during the night!
Female
Iravu enum neramellaamAll the time called night
Ivarukendrae varugindrathaecomes especially for him.
Iravu enum neramellaamAll the time called night
Ivarukendrae varugindrathaecomes especially for him.
Female
Odam kadalodumThe boat floats along with the sea,
Adhu sollum kadhai ennaWhat is the story it tells?
Alaigal karai yaerumThe waves rise up to reach the shore,
Adhu thedum thunai ennaWhat companion is it searching for?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Odam Kadalodum is a romantic duet from the film Kanmani Raja (1974), featuring lyrics by Kannadasan and music by M. S. Viswanathan. The song uses poetic imagery from nature—such as boats gliding on the ocean, waves yearning for the shore, and clashing clouds giving birth to lightning—to describe the blossoming of love, desire, and physical intimacy between lovers. As the song progresses, the lovers speak of a new surge of passion flowing through their pulse and how nighttime brings a unique joy meant specifically for their union.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Naadigalil pudhu vellam Oduthal polae therigindrathu

Compares the sudden rush of romantic emotions in the bloodstream to a newly overflowing river flood.

Analogy

Megangal modhuvathaal Minnal varuvathu... Thegangal kooduvathaal Inbam varumae

Draws a parallel between natural phenomena (clouds colliding to create lightning) and human experience (bodies coming together to produce joy).

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Megangal modhuvathaal / Minnal varuvathu

Repetition of the initial sound 'Me'/'Mi' in consecutive lines.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Adhu sollum kadhai enna / Adhu thedum thunai enna

The matching end word 'enna' at the end of both lines creates rhythm and musicality.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by M. S. Viswanathan for Kanmani Raja (1974), this song showcases Kannadasan's signature skill in intertwining natural metaphors with intimate romance. Sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and P. Suseela, the track is remembered for its smooth melodic arrangement and sensual lyrical undertones.

Keep listening

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