- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- G. K. Venkatesh
- Movie name
- Sabatham
- Movie release year
- 1971
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Feb 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song expresses the enchanting feelings of love, sensory sensation, and wonder experienced by the protagonist. As water touches his skin, he wonders if it is the cool breeze, delicate flowers, or dew droplets, feeling a strange contrast of physical coolness across his body alongside an inner fire of passionate longing within his heart. He muses on whether a divine nymph descended from a chariot to join him in the water, questioning who this noble and beautiful maiden could be who leaves him feeling light and floating in bliss.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Emonai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Thoduvadhenna thendralo malargalo / Udalengum kuliraavadhenna”
The second consonant sound 'da' matches across adjacent lines ('Thoduvadhenna' and 'Udalengum').
Rhetorical Question (Iyaarkai Vinavaal)
“Thoduvadhenna thendralo malargalo”
The lyricist uses poetic inquiry comparing touch to natural elements like breeze, blossoms, dew, and fruits to convey sensory confusion and romantic bliss.
Oxymoron / Paradox
“Udalengum kuliraavadhenna / En manamengum nerupaavadhenna”
Juxtaposition of physical sensation ('kuliraavadhenna' - body cooling) with internal emotion ('nerupaavadhenna' - heart burning) to capture the dual nature of romantic awakening.
Hyperbole & Imagery
“Kamadhaenu paal karandhaalo / Adhil kanni mangai thaen kalandhaalo”
Comparing the maiden to a goddess descending on a chariot and referencing Kamadhenu's milk mixed with honey to heighten her beauty and pure charm.
Did you know?
Trivia
Sabatham (1971) featured music composed by G. K. Venkatesh, with lyrics written by Kannadasan. This song, sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, is well remembered for its lush melodic arrangement and evocative water imagery.
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