- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kadhal Oviyam
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Sept 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Poovil Vandu Koodum Kandu from the film Kadhal Oviyam (1982) is a deeply romantic and poetic ode to music, nature, and divine devotion. Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vairamuthu, the song illustrates a musician's supreme connection with the universe, where melody is not merely an art form but the breath of life itself. Nature reacts intimately to this sound: flowers close their eyes in ecstasy, bees assemble to sing, clouds turn into bridges for his song, and even flowing rivers pause their course to listen. The lyrics express the transcendent power of music capable of overcoming any physical hardship. The singer feels so immersed in music that he identifies himself as the sound itself, claiming that his song gains divine grace from the Goddess and conquers all elements—even fire itself would be consumed by his musical fire. The song stands as a masterclass in blending classical Carnatic nuances with rich romantic imagery.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification (மாந்தருருவகப்படுத்துதல்)
“Poovinam maanaadu podum / Vandugal sangeedham paadum”
Attributing human traits like holding a conference ('maanaadu podum') to flowers and singing classical music ('sangeedham paadum') to bees.
Hyperbole (உயர்வு நவிற்சி அணி)
“Theeyil nindra pothum / Andha theeyae vendhu pogum”
An intentional exaggeration depicting the supreme power of music, asserting that even fire would get burned away if the singer stands in it.
Metaphor (உருவக அணி)
“Vaanam en vidhaanam / Indha bhoomi sannidhaanam”
Metaphorically portraying the open sky as a grand ceiling/canopy ('vidhaanam') and the earth as a temple sanctum sanctorum ('sannidhaanam').
Second Letter Rhyme / Etukai (எதுகை)
“Vaanam en vidhaanam / Indha bhoomi sannidhaanam”
The second consonant sound 'na' matches across adjacent lines ('Vaanam' / 'Sannidhaanam').
Did you know?
Trivia
Kadhal Oviyam (1982), directed by P. Bharathiraja, centers around a blind musician played by Kannan. The soundtrack, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, is celebrated for its heavy classical Carnatic roots, with 'Poovil Vandu Koodum' prominently based on the ragam Mohanam.
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