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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Kathal Samrajyam

From Nandha En Nila · 1977

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
K. J. Yesudas, T. K. Kala
Music director
V. Dakshinamurthy
Details
Nandha En Nila1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oru kaadhal saamraajyamWhen she painted a kingdom of love
Kannil varaindhalIn her eyes,
Kanavennum modi soodiAdorning herself with the style of dreams,
Kannam sivandhaalHer cheeks blushed red.
Female
Urangaadha ullamA heart that stays awake,
Naan ariyaadha paruvamA youthful age that I am unaware of,
Nilavin mayakkathil neendhum mugamA face swimming in the moon's intoxication,
Nee arugil irundhaale deiva sugamIf you are near me, it is divine bliss.
Male
Idaiyodu vilaiyaadaTo play around the waist,
Idam thaedi vandhenI came searching for a spot,
Idhazhodu thaen paayaFor honey to flow from the lips,
Naan aadugindrenI am dancing.
Male
Idaiyodu vilaiyaadaTo play around the waist,
Idam thaedi vandhenI came searching for a spot,
Idhazhodu thaen paayaFor honey to flow from the lips,
Naan aadugindrenI am dancing.
Female
Pagalaana iravoduWith the night that turned into day,
Azhagaana malaroduWith the beautiful flower,
Manadhodu isai paadiSinging music along with the heart,
Vizhiyodu aadu…aadu…Dance with the eyes... dance...
Female
Thaniyaana kaniyoduWith the lonely fruit,
Thunaiyaaga vandhenI came as a companion,
Suvai thaedi imai moodiSeeking taste and closing my eyes,
Sugam kaana vandhenI came to experience divine bliss.
Female
Thaniyaana kaniyoduWith the lonely fruit,
Thunaiyaaga vandhenI came as a companion,
Suvai thaedi imai moodiSeeking taste and closing my eyes,
Sugam kaana vandhenI came to experience divine bliss.
Male
Nizhalodu uravaadaTo bond with the shadow,
Ninaivodu nadamaadaTo dance with memories,
Thodum bothu sudugindraWhich burns when touched,
Nadhi neeril aaduDance in the river water.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Oru Kaadhal Saamraajyam' from the 1977 movie Nandha En Nila is a deeply romantic and sensual duet that explores the enchanting realm of love and intimate desire. The song paints a imagery-filled portrait of lovers lost in each other's presence, describing love as a divine kingdom where nights transform into bright days and proximity brings heavenly bliss ('deiva sugam'). Through metaphors involving sweet honeyed lips, moonlit intoxication, and burning river water, the lyrical narrative captures the intense physical and emotional passion between the lovers. Sung with classical grace by K. J. Yesudas and T. K. Kala, the track balances poetic subtlety with romantic fervor, creating a timeless atmosphere of intimacy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Pagalaana iravodu / Azhagaana malarodu / Manadhodu isai paadi / Vizhiyodu aadu…

The repetitive ending suffix '-odu' across sequential lines creates a harmonious lyrical rhythm.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Idaiyodu vilaiyaada / Idam thaedi vandhen / Idhazhodu thaen paaya

Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'I' across consecutive lines.

Muran (Oxymoron / Contrast)

Thodum bothu sudugindra / Nadhi neeril aadu

Contrasts the naturally cool river water ('Nadhi neer') with the burning heat of romantic passion ('sudugindra').

Metaphor

Thaniyaana kaniyodu / Thunaiyaaga vandhen

The beloved is metaphorically referred to as a 'lonely fruit' ('thaniyaana kani') waiting to be savored.

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Trivia

Composed by veteran music director V. Dakshinamurthy, known predominantly for his seminal work in Malayalam cinema, this song stands out as one of his memorable Tamil compositions. Lyricist Pulamaipithan uses classical and poetic Tamil imagery to convey sensuality tastefully. Sung by K. J. Yesudas along with T. K. Kala, it remains a celebrated vintage duet from late 1970s Tamil cinema.

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