Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ragam Pudhu Ragam

From Kan Simittum Neram · 1988

Lyricist
Tamilmani
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
V. S. Narasimhan
Details
Kan Simittum Neram1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Raagam pudhu raagamA melody, a new melody
Yaarodu paada vandha raagamA melody that came to sing with whom?
Raagam pudhu raagamA melody, a new melody
Yaarodu paada vandha raagamA melody that came to sing with whom?
Vidhiyum suthiyum irandu… vandhathaeFate and circumstance, both have arrived...
Male
Raagam pudhu raagamA melody, a new melody
Male
{Thaenaagavum paalaagavumLike honey and like milk
Yen ingu maarugiraalWhy is she changing here?
Muzhu nilavu ilam piraiyaiThe full moon, to nurture the young crescent,
Valarthida theigiraal} (2)Wanes away itself
Male
Aruginilae thavar irundhumLike honey and like milk
Kaadhal engo thediduthaeWhy is she changing here?
Puliyin kadum kobamaeThe full moon, to nurture the young crescent,
Maanum ariyaaadhuWanes away itself
Vizhithaal uyirodu thaan vazhvadhaedhuEven when the fault is nearby,
Mirugam ezhudhum therpae vidukadhaiyaLove keeps searching somewhere else
Male
Raagam pudhu raagamEven the tiger's intense fury,
Yaarodu paada vandha raagamThe deer remains unaware of
Vidhiyum suthiyum irandu… vandhathaeIf one wakes up, how can life go on?
Male
Raagam pudhu raagam…(2)Is the verdict written by a beast a riddle?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the 1988 movie Kan Simittum Neram explores themes of fate, sacrifice, and tragic misunderstanding in relationships. The imagery of a full moon waning to nourish a nascent crescent moon symbolizes selfless sacrifice, while questions about changing temperaments underscore emotional turmoil. The lyrics further contrast innocence and impending danger using the metaphor of a deer oblivious to a tiger's fury, questioning how one can survive when caught in harsh, beastly circumstances dictated by fate.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Muzhu nilavu ilam piraiyai / Valarthida theigiraal

The full moon waning to grow a young crescent is used as a poignant metaphor for maternal or selfless sacrifice.

Contrast / Paradox

Puliyin kadum kobamae / Maanum ariyaaadhu

Contrasts innocence with hidden danger—the unaware deer next to a fierce tiger emphasizes ignorance of approaching doom.

Anaphora (Repetition)

Raagam pudhu raagam

The rhythmic repetition of 'Raagam pudhu raagam' creates a musical refrain echoing haunting uncertainty.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kan Simittum Neram (1988) is a Tamil thriller film starring Karthik, Ambika, and Sarath Babu. The movie's background score and songs were composed by the veteran music director K. V. Mahadevan.

Keep listening

More from Kan Simittum Neram