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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vangaala Kadale

From Manathil Urudhi Vendum · 1987

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Manathil Urudhi Vendum1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalaeOh Bay of Bengal sea, why has your desire not left me?
Enga akkaalin magalae nee mukkaalum kedalaeOh my elder sister's daughter, you haven't spoiled even three-quarters!
Enna mamaannuthaan konjidanum maanaeYou must affectionally call me 'uncle', my dear deer-like girl.
Oru maamaangamaa kaaththirukken naanaeI have been waiting eagerly for a whole twelve-year period.
Male
Vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalaeOh Bay of Bengal sea, why has your desire not left me?
Enga akkaalin magalae nee mukkaalum kedalaeOh my elder sister's daughter, you haven't spoiled even three-quarters!
Enna mamaannuthaan konjidanum maanaeYou must affectionally call me 'uncle', my dear deer-like girl.
Oru maamaangamaa kaaththirukken naanaeI have been waiting eagerly for a whole twelve-year period.
Male
Vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalaeOh Bay of Bengal sea, why has your desire not left me?
Enga akkaalin magalae nee mukkaalum kedalaeOh my elder sister's daughter, you haven't spoiled even three-quarters!
Enna mamaannuthaan konjidanum maanaeYou must affectionally call me 'uncle', my dear deer-like girl.
Oru maamaangamaa kaaththirukken naanaeI have been waiting eagerly for a whole twelve-year period.
Male
Adi vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalaeOh Bay of Bengal sea, why has your desire not left me?
Enga akkaalin magalae….ae….aehae ae….Oh my elder sister's daughter... ae... aehae ae...
Male
Pottaanae paanam ponmaalai neramLove's arrow was shot during the golden evening time.
Aaththaadi raavum pagalum thookkam varalaeOh my, I cannot sleep both day and night!
Paalodu thenum eppothum venumMilk mixed with honey is desired at all times.
Ammaadi naanum kettu neethaan tharalaeOh my dear, I asked for it, and only you must give it to me.
Male
Kalloorum paalae unnaala thaanaeOh sweet milk overflowing with intoxicating nectar, it is all because of you!
Unnaama naanae thindaaduraenWithout eating, I am struggling helplessly.
Adi soraethu neeraethu un nyaapagamOh, what food or what water matters when thoughts of you linger?
Ini thaangaathu thoongaathu en vaalibamHenceforth, my youth cannot bear this urge nor sleep!
Adi soraethu neeraethu un nyaapagamOh, what food or what water matters when thoughts of you linger?
Ini thaangaathu thoongaathu en vaalibamHenceforth, my youth cannot bear this urge nor sleep!
Male
Vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalaeOh Bay of Bengal sea, why has your desire not left me?
Enga akkaalin magalae nee mukkaalum kedalaeOh my elder sister's daughter, you haven't spoiled even three-quarters!
Enna mamaannuthaan konjidanum maanaeYou must affectionally call me 'uncle', my dear deer-like girl.
Oru maamaangamaa kaaththirukken naanaeI have been waiting eagerly for a whole twelve-year period.
Male
Adi vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalaeOh Bay of Bengal sea, why has your desire not left me?
Enga akkaalin magalae….ae….aehae ae….Oh my elder sister's daughter... ae... aehae ae...
Male
Vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalaeOh Bay of Bengal sea, why has your desire not left me?
Enga akkaalin magalae nee mukkaalum kedalaeOh my elder sister's daughter, you haven't spoiled even three-quarters!
Enna mamaannuthaan konjidanum maanaeYou must affectionally call me 'uncle', my dear deer-like girl.
Oru maamaangamaa kaaththirukken naanaeI have been waiting eagerly for a whole twelve-year period.
Male
Adi vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalaeOh Bay of Bengal sea, why has your desire not left me?
Adi akkaalin magalae….ae….aehae ae….Oh elder sister's daughter... ae... aehae ae...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from the film 'Manathil Urudhi Vendum' (1987) expresses the playful and yearning love of a man towards his maternal niece (a traditional cross-cousin/niece relationship in South Indian culture). He addresses her affectionately, comparing his endless love and longing to the vast Bay of Bengal sea.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter rhyme)

Vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalae / Enga akkaalin magalae...

Matching second consonants in consecutive lines (e.g., 'Va-ngaala' and 'E-nga', or 'Ma-naikku' / 'Ma-amaangamaa').

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Vangaala kadalae enna unnaasa vidalae / Enga akkaalin magalae nee mukkaalum kedalae

Lines ending with rhyming syllables like 'vidalae', 'kedalae', 'maane', 'naane'.

Hyperbole (Uruvagamaana Migaivurai)

Oru maamaangamaa kaaththirukken naanae

Comparing long waiting time to 'Maamaangam' (a 12-year cycle) and desire to the vastness of the Bay of Bengal sea.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Manathil Urudhi Vendum' was directed by K. Balachander. This track features an energetic folk-pop rhythm arrangement by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with vocals by K. J. Yesudas, showcasing his versatile range in upbeat Tamil folk tracks.

Keep listening

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