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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vasantha Kaala Kolangal

From Thyagam · 1978

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Thyagam1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Vasantha kaala kolangalSpringtime decorative patterns
Vaanil vizhundha kodugalLines drawn across the sky
Kalaindhidum kanavugalDreams that fade and dissolve
Kanneer sindhum ninaivugalMemories that shed tears
Female
Vasantha kaala kolangalSpringtime decorative patterns
Vaanil vizhundha kodugalLines drawn across the sky
Kalaindhidum kanavugalDreams that fade and dissolve
Kanneer sindhum ninaivugalMemories that shed tears
Female
Vasantha kaala kolangalSpringtime decorative patterns
Female
Alaiyil aadum kaagidham…A piece of paper floating on the waves...
M… mm…mm…mm….mm…M… mm…mm…mm….mm…
Female
Alaiyil aadum kaagidhamA piece of paper floating on the waves
Adhilum enna kaaviyamWhat grand epic can be written on it?
Nilaiyillaadha manidhargalFickle and inconstant human beings
Avarkkum enna uravugalWhat real relationships can they truly hold?
Ullam endrum ondruThe mind is always singular
Adhil irandum undallavoYet doesn't it harbor two conflicting thoughts?
Kalaindhidum kanavugalDreams that fade and dissolve
Kanneer sindhum ninaivugalMemories that shed tears
Female
Vasantha kaala kolangalSpringtime decorative patterns
Vaanil vizhundha kodugalLines drawn across the sky
Kalaindhidum kanavugalDreams that fade and dissolve
Kanneer sindhum ninaivugalMemories that shed tears
Female
Thaeril yaerum munnamaeBefore ascending the ceremonial chariot
Dhaevan ullam therindhadhuThe divine mind and intent became known
Nalla vaelai thiruvulamFortunately, by divine will
Nadakkavillai thirumanamThe marriage did not take place
Nandri nandri dhaevaaThank you, thank you, O Lord
Unnai marakka mudiyumaaCan I ever forget you?
Kalaindhidum kanavugalDreams that fade and dissolve
Kanneer sindhum ninaivugalMemories that shed tears
Female
Vasantha kaala kolangalSpringtime decorative patterns
Vaanil vizhundha kodugalLines drawn across the sky
Kalaindhidum kanavugalDreams that fade and dissolve
Kanneer sindhum ninaivugalMemories that shed tears
Female
Vasantha kaala kolangalSpringtime decorative patterns

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic Kannadasan lyric meditates on the impermanence of human joy, relationships, and expectations. The song uses vivid metaphors—such as kolam art made in spring or lines drawn across the sky—to illustrate how happiness and grand dreams can instantly vanish. It portrays human life as fragile as a piece of paper tossed on ocean waves, pointing out the fickle dual nature of the human mind.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Vasantha kaala kolangal / Alaiyil aadum kaagidham

Comparing fleeting happiness and temporal human lives to temporary spring decorations (kolams), fading clouds in the sky, and paper tossing on ocean waves.

Alliteration (Monaai)

Kalaindhidum kanavugal / Kanneer sindhum ninaivugal

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in 'Kalaindhidum' and 'Kanneer' creating a rhythmic melancholic flow.

Rhetorical Question

Adhilum enna kaaviyam / Unnai marakka mudiyumaa

Using questions to highlight the impossibility of finding permanence in unstable human bonds or forgetting divine grace.

Did you know?

Trivia

From the 1978 movie 'Thyagam' starring Sivaji Ganesan and Sujatha. Although credited here as unknown, the soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, and this poignant solo was sung by S. Janaki.

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