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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thedum Kan Paarvai

From Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu · 1986

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thedum kan paarvai thavikka thudikkaThe searching eyes writhe and throb in pain
Thedum kan paarvai thavikka thudikkaThe searching eyes writhe and throb in pain
Sonna vaarthai kaatril ponathoDid the promised words fade away into the wind?
Verum maayamaanadho..oohHas it turned into mere illusion?
Female
Thedum penn paavai varuvaal thoduvaalThe maiden you seek will come and touch you
Thedum penn paavai varuvaal thoduvaalThe maiden you seek will come and touch you
Konja neram neeyum kaathiruJust wait for a little while longer
Varum paadhai paarthiru…Keep watching the path she will arrive on
Male
Thedum kan paarvai thavikka.. thudikka..The searching eyes writhe and throb
Male
Kaana vendum seekiram en kaadhal oviyamI must soon see my portrait of love
Vaaraamalae ennaavatho en aasai kaaviyamWhat will happen to my epic of desire if she does not come?
Female
Vaazhum kaalam aayiram nam sondham allavaIs not our bond destined for a thousand lifetimes?
Kannaalanae nal vaazhthugal en paattil sollavaOh beloved man, shall I convey good wishes in my song?
Male
Kanivaai malarae uyir vaadum podhu oodalennaOh sweet flower, why harbor resentment when the soul is languishing?
Paavam allava..Is it not a pity?
Female
Thedum penn paavai varuvaal thoduvaal..The maiden you seek will come and touch you
Male
Thedi thedi paarkiren en kaalgal ointhathaeI search again and again until my legs grow tired
Kaanaamalae ivvelaiyil en aaval theerumoo..Without seeing her right now, will my longing ever be satisfied?
Female
Kaatril aadum deepamo un kaadhal ullamaeIs your loving heart like a lamp flickering in the wind?
Nee kaanalaam innaalilae en meni vannameOn this day, you shall behold the radiance of my form
Male
Pirinthom .. inaivomWe separated... we shall unite
Female :Ini neeyum naanum vaazha vendumFemale: From now on, you and I must live together
Vaasal thedi vaa ..Come seeking my doorstep
Male
Thedum kan paarvai thavikka thudikkaThe searching eyes writhe and throb
Female :Thedum penn paavai varuvaal thoduvaalFemale: The maiden you seek will come and touch you
Male :Sonna vaarthai kaatril poghumooMale: Will the promised words vanish into the wind?
Female :Verum maayam aghumoo…Female: Will it become a mere illusion?
Male
Thedum kan paarvai thavikka..Female :ThudikkaThe searching eyes writhe... Female: throb

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song expresses deep emotional yearning, anxious anticipation, and reassuring love between two lovers. The male protagonist grieves in despair, wondering if the promises made to him were illusions or lost to the wind, while his searching eyes ache to see his beloved. In response, the female voice reassures him to remain patient, promising her arrival and ultimate reunion. Throughout the track, the lyrical dialogue captures the fragility of hope and the intensity of romantic devotion. Metaphors of flickering lamps, portraits, and lifetime bonds highlight the deep pain of temporary separation and the sweet relief of imminent togetherness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Thedum kan paarvai thavikka thudikka

Repetition of the 'Th' consonant sound across words 'Thedum', 'thavikka', and 'thudikka' creates a rhythmic cadence expressing restlessness.

Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagamaai)

Kaana vendum seekiram en kaadhal oviyam

The beloved is poetically described as a 'portrait of love' (kaadhal oviyam) and 'epic of desire' (aasai kaaviyam).

Simile / Visual Imagery

Kaatril aadum deepamo un kaadhal ullamae

The uncertainty and vulnerability of the lover's heart is compared to a flickering lamp exposed to the wind.

Anaphora / Repetition (Adukku Thodar)

Thedi thedi paarkiren en kaalgal ointhathae

Repetition of 'Thedi thedi' emphasizes the intense and exhaustive nature of searching for the lover.

Did you know?

Trivia

The soundtrack of 'Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu' (1986) is historically famous for bringing together two musical stalwarts of Tamil cinema: veteran legend M. S. Viswanathan (MSV) composed the melodies, while Maestro Ilaiyaraaja arranged and orchestrated the tracks. This song was rendered by K. J. Yesudas and S. Janaki, featuring lyrics by Vaali.

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