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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Varavendum Oru

From Kalaikoil · 1964

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Kalaikoil1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Varavendum oru poludhuA certain special moment must arrive,
Varamalae irundhaal suvai theriyaadhuWithout its arrival, one cannot truly know its sweetness.
Varavendum oru poludhuA certain special moment must arrive,
Varamalae irundhaal suvai theriyaadhuWithout its arrival, one cannot truly know its sweetness.
Female
Kelamal neeyum tharamale naanumWithout you asking, and without me giving,
Varamale irundhaa suvai theriyadhuIf that moment does not arrive, the sweetness remains unknown.
Seradha pennum paaradha kannumA woman who has not joined, and eyes that have not seen,
Orae naalil ore vidham malarndhennaWhat does it mean if they bloom in the same manner on a single day?
Female
Varavendum oru poludhuA certain special moment must arrive,
Varamalae irundhaal suvai theriyaadhuWithout its arrival, one cannot truly know its sweetness.
Female
Neer polae oodai nilavilae vaazhumLike a stream flowing gently under the soft moonlight,
Adhae inbam adhae sugam varum ingaeThat same joy and that same comfort shall arrive here.
Paadamal paada koodamal koodaTo sing without singing, to unite without physically joining,
Idho maadhu idho madhu manam engaeHere is the woman, here is the wine, where is the heart?
Female
Varavendum oru poludhuA certain special moment must arrive,
Varamalae irundhaal suvai theriyaadhuWithout its arrival, one cannot truly know its sweetness.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song captures the tantalizing dynamics and sweet anticipation of romantic love. The lyrics emphasize that love's true essence cannot be rushed or forced; a specific moment of natural convergence must take place for love's sweetness to be truly felt. Without the tension of longing and restraint, romance loses its deepest flavor. Kannadasan employs striking imagery and poetic paradoxes, such as singing without vocalizing and uniting without physical touch, to express profound emotional intimacy. Rendered with sensuous elegance by L. R. Eswari to Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy's evocative score, the song stands as a masterclass in Tamil romantic poetry.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Varavendum oru poludhu / Varamalae irundhaal suvai theriyaadhu

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Va' across adjacent lines ('Varavendum' and 'Varamalae').

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Seradha pennum paaradha kannum

Agreement of the second consonant 'ra' in 'Seradha' and 'Paaradha'.

Muran (Paradox / Antithesis)

Paadamal paada koodamal kooda

Contradictory phrasing 'paadamal paada' (to sing without singing) and 'koodamal kooda' (to unite without uniting) to express tacit emotional connection.

Upamai (Simile)

Neer polae oodai nilavilae vaazhum

Comparing serene romantic bliss to a cool stream flowing quietly under the moonlight ('Neer polae').

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1964 film 'Kalaikoil' directed by C. V. Sridhar, this song highlights singer L. R. Eswari's exceptional ability to deliver sensuous yet deeply poetic romantic compositions. The film's soundtrack by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy is celebrated as one of the finest musical collaborations in Tamil cinema history.

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