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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thedum En Kadhal

From Oru Malarin Payanam · 1985

Lyricist
Mu. Metha
Singers
T. L. Thiagarajan, Vani Jairam
Music director
Chandrabose
Details
Oru Malarin Payanam1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thaedum en kadhal kann paavaiMy searching apple of love's eye,
Soodum en maarbil pon maalaiA golden garland adorning my chest,
Kaadhoram en geethaanjaliA song offering whispered near the ear,
Pani thaangum malarmedai kani thaangumoWill a flower bed that holds dew bear the weight of fruit?
Ithu melaadai kodiyaettrum arasaangamoIs this an empire raising its flag using an upper garment?
Female
Thaedum en kadhal kann paavaiMy searching apple of love's eye,
Soodum un maarbil pon maalaiA golden garland adorning your chest,
Kaadhoram un geethaanjaliA song offering whispered near your ear,
Pani thaangum malarmedai kani thaangumoWill a flower bed that holds dew bear the weight of fruit?
Ithu melaadai kodiyaettrum arasaangamoIs this an empire raising its flag using an upper garment?
Male
Thaedum en kadhal kann paavaiMy searching apple of love's eye,
Female
Kovil ingu dhevanHere is the temple, and here is the god,
Engal iravum yaengum naeramA time when our night yearns with longing,
Male :Kovil ingu dhevanMale: Here is the temple, and here is the god,
Engal iravum yaengum naeramA time when our night yearns with longing,
Female
Manathin vaasam vizhigalaagumThe fragrance of the heart becomes the vision of the eyes,
Idhayam kadhal padhiyam podumThe heart plants the roots of deep love,
Male :Paadam ketkum paruvamae…Male: Oh youthful age that learns life's lessons...
Female
Thaedum en kadhal kann paavaiMy searching apple of love's eye,
Soodum un maarbil pon maalaiA golden garland adorning your chest,
Kaadhoram un geethaanjaliA song offering whispered near your ear,
Pani thaangum malarmedai kani thaangumoWill a flower bed that holds dew bear the weight of fruit?
Ithu melaadai kodiyaettrum arasaangamoIs this an empire raising its flag using an upper garment?
Male
Thaedum en kadhal kann paavaiMy searching apple of love's eye,
Male
Mogam vanthu modhumPassion comes rushing and strikes,
Vellam karaigal meeri pogumThe flood overflows past its riverbanks,
Female :Mogam vanthu modhumFemale: Passion comes rushing and strikes,
Vellam karaigal meeri pogumThe flood overflows past its riverbanks,
Male
Kadalil saerum nadhiyin padhamThe step of the river merging into the ocean,
Manathil soodum unathu vaedhamYour sacred scriptures cherished within the mind,
Female :Thegam nogum ninaivilae….Female: In memories that leave the body aching...
Male
Thaedum en kadhal kann paavaiMy searching apple of love's eye,
Soodum en maarbil pon maalaiA golden garland adorning my chest,
Kaadhoram en geethaanjaliA song offering whispered near my ear,
Pani thaangum malarmedai kani thaangumoWill a flower bed that holds dew bear the weight of fruit?
Ithu melaadai kodiyaettrum arasaangamoIs this an empire raising its flag using an upper garment?
Female
Thaedum en kadhal kann paavaiMy searching apple of love's eye,
Soodum un maarbil pon maalaiA golden garland adorning your chest

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Thaedum En Kadhal Kann Paavai' from the film 'Oru Malarin Payanam' (1985) is a poetic romantic duet that captures the intimacy, physical longing, and emotional unity of two lovers. Written by the distinguished poet Mu. Metha, the lyrics employ vivid visual metaphors comparing love to a temple, a river merging into the sea, and a delicate bed of flowers bearing dew.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Thaedum en kadhal / Soodum en maarbil

The second consonant sound matches across opening lines ('d' in Thaedum and Soodum).

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Soodum en maarbil pon maalai

Comparing the lover's chest to a golden garland and love to sacred scripture ('vaedham').

Rhetorical Question & Imagery

Pani thaangum malarmedai kani thaangumo

Asking whether a soft flower bed suited for dew can sustain heavy fruit visually captures delicate romantic passion.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song's lyrics were penned by renowned modern Tamil poet Mu. Metha, famous for his surreal and highly evocative romantic imagery ('Vaanambadi' poet tradition) in 1980s Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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