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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paadum Kural

From Nadodi · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nadodi1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Naayaganin kovililaeIn the temple of my lord,
Naal muzhudhum kaathirundhen…I waited all day long...
Kaathirundha kangalukkaeFor the very eyes that waited,
Kaathirundha kangalukkaeFor the very eyes that waited,
Avan kaatchi thara vendum ammaaHe must grant his vision, O Mother!
Kaatchi thara vendum ammaaHe must grant his vision, O Mother!
Female
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Female
Thaedum vizhi ingaeThe searching eyes are here,
Dheivathin nizhal engaeWhere is the shadow of God?
Thaedum vizhi ingaeThe searching eyes are here,
Dheivathin nizhal engae engaeWhere is the shadow of God, where?
Female
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Female
Dheebathil aadidum oli ingaeThe dancing light in the lamp is here,
Dheebathai yettriya neruppengaeWhere is the fire that lit the lamp?
Female
Dheebathil aadidum oli ingaeThe dancing light in the lamp is here,
Dheebathai yettriya neruppengaeWhere is the fire that lit the lamp?
Aabathu neengiya malaringaeThe flower freed from danger is here,
Aabathil udhaviya thunai engaeWhere is the companion who helped in times of danger?
Aabathil udhaviya thunai engaeWhere is the companion who helped in times of danger?
Female
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Female
Thaedum vizhi ingaeThe searching eyes are here,
Dheivathin nizhal engaeWhere is the shadow of God?
Thaedum vizhi ingaeThe searching eyes are here,
Dheivathin nizhal engae engaeWhere is the shadow of God, where?
Female
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Female
Nallavar sila naal maraindhiruppaarGood people may remain hidden for a few days,
Naal varum podhae veli varuvaarThey will emerge when the right day comes.
Nallavar sila naal maraindhiruppaarGood people may remain hidden for a few days,
Naal varum podhae veli varuvaarThey will emerge when the right day comes.
Varuvaar enbadhai naan arivenI know that he will return,
Varugindra naalai yaar arivaarWho knows which day that will be?
Varugindra naalai yaar arivaarWho knows which day that will be?
Female
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Female
Thaedum vizhi ingaeThe searching eyes are here,
Dheivathin nizhal engaeWhere is the shadow of God?
Thaedum vizhi ingaeThe searching eyes are here,
Dheivathin nizhal engae engaeWhere is the shadow of God, where?
Female
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?
Paadum kural ingaeThe singing voice is here,
Paadiyavan engaeWhere is the singer?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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