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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaa Kalaba Mayile

From Kathavarayan · 1958

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Kathavarayan1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vaa kalaapa mayilaeCome, peacock with splendid plumage
Vaa kalaapa mayilaeCome, peacock with splendid plumage
Odi nee vaa kalaapa mayilaeCome running, peacock with splendid plumage
Odi nee vaa kalaapa mayilaeCome running, peacock with splendid plumage
Male
Vanthaen kaniyamutham thanthaenI came and offered sweet nectar of fruit
Magizhnthidavae vaaCome, so that we may rejoice
Vanthaen kaniyamutham thanthaenI came and offered sweet nectar of fruit
Magizhnthidavae vaaCome, so that we may rejoice
Male
Vaa kalaapa mayilaeCome, peacock with splendid plumage
Odi nee vaa kalaapa mayilaeCome running, peacock with splendid plumage
Male
Vaazhnaalil ini naan valam peravaeFor me to prosper in my life from now on
Vaazhnaalil ini naan valam peravaeFor me to prosper in my life from now on
Vanna tamizh kalaiyaeO colorful art of Tamil!
Thulli thulli vilaiyaada vaaCome bounding and playing!
Vanna tamizh kalaiyaeO colorful art of Tamil!
Thulli thulli vilaiyaada vaaCome bounding and playing!
Male
Nee vaa kannae vaa kalaaba mayilaeCome, my beloved, come peacock with splendid plumage
Odi nee vaa kalaapa mayilaeCome running, peacock with splendid plumage
Male
Aalaiyin karumpaanaenI became like sugarcane crushed in a sugarcane mill
Aazhiyin thurumpaanaenI became like a speck of dust tossed in the ocean
Aalaiyin karumpaanaenI became like sugarcane crushed in a sugarcane mill
Aazhiyin thurumpaanaenI became like a speck of dust tossed in the ocean
Kaalamellaam unthanAll through my life, in your...
Kaalamellaam unthanAll through my life, in your...
Kadhalil melinthaen...love, I have pined away and grown weak
Male
Vinnodu vilaiyaadum valarmathiyaeO growing moon playing in the sky!
Vinnodu vilaiyaadum valarmathiyaeO growing moon playing in the sky!
Enthan kannodu kaninthaadum kalai nithiyaeO treasure of art dancing delightfully in my eyes!
Kannodu kaninthaadum kalai nithiyaeO treasure of art dancing delightfully in my eyes!
Ennaalum maravaenae ezhil rathiyaeI will never forget you, beautiful Rathi!
Ennaalum maravaenae ezhil rathiyaeI will never forget you, beautiful Rathi!
Male
Minnalidai kodiyaeO slender creeper with a waist like lightning!
Annanadai azhagodu vaaCome with the elegant grace of a swan's gait!
Minnalidai kodiyaeO slender creeper with a waist like lightning!
Annanadai azhagodu vaaCome with the elegant grace of a swan's gait!
Vaaraayo ennai paarayo kali theeraayoWon't you come, look at me, and dispel my grief?
Kannae vaaraayo enthanDarling, won't you come to my...
Male
Aariyamaalaa aariyamaalaaAariyamaala! Aariyamaala!
Aariyamaalaa aariyamaalaaAariyamaala! Aariyamaala!
Aariyamaalaa aariyamaalaaAariyamaala! Aariyamaala!
Aariyamaalaa aariyamaalaaAariyamaala! Aariyamaala!
Male
Aariyamaalaa aariyamaalaaAariyamaala! Aariyamaala!
Aariyamaalaa aariyamaalaaAariyamaala! Aariyamaala!
Aariyamaalaa aariyamaalaaAariyamaala! Aariyamaala!
Aariyamaalaa aariyamaalaaAariyamaala! Aariyamaala!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from 'Kathavarayan' (1958) is a passionate and lyrical expression of deep romantic longing. The protagonist calls out to his beloved, Aariyamaala, addressing her with lavish poetic metaphors—comparing her beauty to a dancing peacock, a radiant moon in the night sky, and the refined grace of classical Tamil art. He describes how his longing for her has rendered him helpless and frail, feeling as crushed as sugarcane in a mill or as lost as a speck of dust in the vast ocean. He pleads for her presence to soothe his aching heart and fill his life with joy and prosperity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai / Metaphor & Simile

Aalaiyin karumpaanaen / Aazhiyin thurumpaanaen

Compares the protagonist's emotional state to crushed sugarcane in a mill ('Aalaiyin karumpaanaen') and dust in the ocean ('Aazhiyin thurumpaanaen') to emphasize intense yearning.

Monai & Etukai (Tamil Rhyme Schemes)

Vinnodu vilaiyaadum valarmathiyae / Kannodu kaninthaadum kalai nithiyae

Demonstrates internal and end-rhyming patterns with words like 'Vinnodu', 'Kannodu', and 'Ennaalum' creating a rhythmic flow.

Traditional Hyperbole & Imagery

Minnalidai kodiyae / Annanadai azhagodu vaa

Uses classical Sangam-style imagery describing the heroine's waist as lightning ('Minnalidai') and her walk like that of a swan ('Annanadai').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kathavarayan' (1958) starred Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri, portraying the legendary folk tale of Lord Kathavarayan and Aariyamaala. Composed by legendary maestro G. Ramanathan and sung by T. M. Soundararajan, this song showcases Ramanathan's mastery in blending classical Tamil poetic forms with accessible, rich melodies.

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