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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paadum Kural

From Nadodi · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Nadodi
Movie release year
1966
Lyrics added on
3 Jun 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Naayaganin kovililae
Naal muzhudhum kaathirundhen…
Kaathirundha kangalukkae
Kaathirundha kangalukkae
Avan kaatchi thara vendum ammaa
Kaatchi thara vendum ammaa
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Thaedum vizhi ingae
Dheivathin nizhal engae
Thaedum vizhi ingae
Dheivathin nizhal engae engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Dheebathil aadidum oli ingae
Dheebathai yettriya neruppengae
Dheebathil aadidum oli ingae
Dheebathai yettriya neruppengae
Aabathu neengiya malaringae
Aabathil udhaviya thunai engae
Aabathil udhaviya thunai engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Thaedum vizhi ingae
Dheivathin nizhal engae
Thaedum vizhi ingae
Dheivathin nizhal engae engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Nallavar sila naal maraindhiruppaar
Naal varum podhae veli varuvaar
Nallavar sila naal maraindhiruppaar
Naal varum podhae veli varuvaar
Varuvaar enbadhai naan ariven
Varugindra naalai yaar arivaar
Varugindra naalai yaar arivaar
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Thaedum vizhi ingae
Dheivathin nizhal engae
Thaedum vizhi ingae
Dheivathin nizhal engae engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
Paadum kural ingae
Paadiyavan engae
In the temple of my lord,
I waited all day long.
Before these eyes that waited,
Before these eyes that waited,
He must appear, oh mother.
He must appear, oh mother.
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The searching eyes are here,
Where is the shadow of that god?
The searching eyes are here,
Where, oh where is the shadow of that god?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The dancing light in the lamp is here,
Where is the flame that lit the lamp?
The dancing light in the lamp is here,
Where is the flame that lit the lamp?
Here is the flower that was saved from danger,
Where is the companion who helped in danger?
Where is the companion who helped in danger?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The searching eyes are here,
Where is the shadow of that god?
The searching eyes are here,
Where, oh where is the shadow of that god?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
Good people may stay hidden for some days,
When the day comes, they will appear.
Good people may stay hidden for some days,
When the day comes, they will appear.
I know that he will come,
But who knows the day he will arrive?
But who knows the day he will arrive?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The searching eyes are here,
Where is the shadow of that god?
The searching eyes are here,
Where, oh where is the shadow of that god?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
The singing voice is here,
Where is the one who sang?
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic song expresses a deep longing for a lost savior and loved one. The protagonist searches for her benefactor—the one who sang, saved her from danger, and lit the light in her life—likening him to a divine presence or 'the shadow of God'. She remains in devotion and hopeful waiting, confident that noble souls may temporarily go into hiding, but will inevitably return when the right time comes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

“Paadum kural ingae / Paadiyavan engae”

Rhyming of the second letter in consecutive lines: 'Paadum' and 'Paadiyavan', or 'Dheebathil' and 'Aabathu'.

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

“Dheebathai yettriya neruppengae”

Comparing the hero to 'Dheivathin nizhal' (shadow of God) and 'Dheebathai yettriya neruppu' (the fire that lit the lamp).

Anaphora (Repetition for emphasis)

“Paadum kural ingae / Paadiyavan engae”

Repetition of interrogative endings 'ingae' (here) and 'engae' (where) across multiple couplets to contrast presence with absence.

Did you know?

Trivia

From the 1966 M. G. Ramachandran starrer 'Nadodi', this song features iconic lyrics penned by Kannadasan, highlighting themes of hope, patience, and unwavering faith in righteousness prevailing.

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