Pon Maalai Pozhudu Lyrics Translated

One of Ilayraja's most popular pieces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hymujdC0mlw

Pon maaalaip pozhuthu
Idhu oru pon maalaip pozhudhu
Vaanamagal naanugiraal vaeru udai poonugiraal
(Idhu oru)

Golden evening time
This is a golden evening time
The Sky-girl is getting shy, she is changing her clothes
(This is a)

Aayiram nirangal jaalamidum
Raaththiri vaasalil kolamidum
Vaanam iravukkup paalamidum
Paadum paravaigal thaalamidum
Poomarangal saamarangal veesaadhoa
(Idhu oru)

A thousand colours make magic
In front of the house of Night draw kolams(patterns)
The sky lets out a bridge for the night
The singing birds keep beat
Won't the flowering trees, sap-trees wave with the wind?
(This is a)

Vaanam enakkoru bhodhi maram
Naalum enakkadhu saedhi tharum
Oru naal ulagam needhi perum
Thirunaal nigazhum thaedhi varum
Kaelvigalaal vaelvigalai naan seyvaen
(Idhu oru)

The sky is a tree of enlightenment for me
The day will give me news
One day the world will obtain justice
That auspicious day will happen, come looking to happen
I will make sacrifices of questions
(This is a)

Athisaya Raagam Lyrics Translated

This raagam, called Mahati, has only 4 notes. In Karnatic music, all raagams have either 5, 6 or 7 notes. But Balamurali Krishna invented this one and was critisised for his non-traditional innovation. The fact that such a lovely song could be made from it goes to show that while it is limited, it is still a viable Raagam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhNinKGkztM

Athisaya raagam aanandha raagam azhagiya raagam apporva raagam
Athisaya raagam aanandha raagam azhagiya raagam apporva raagam
Vasantha kalathil mazhai tharum megam
Antha mazhai neer aruntha manathinil moham
Isai yenum amuthinil avalaoru baagam
Indira logathu chakkaravaakam

Magnificent raagam, blissful raagam, beautiful raagam, rare and wonderful raagam.
Magnificent raagam, blissful raagam, beautiful raagam, rare and wonderful raagam.
The cloud which gives rain in the spring time
As (I) drink of the rain water, my heart feels amorous
In nectar of music, she is a part
In Indiras world (heavenly kingdom), the musical scale

Pinniya koonthal karunira naagam
Penmayin ilakkanam avalathu dhegam
Dhevargal valarthidum kaaviya yaagam
Antha dhevathai kidaithal athu yen yogam

Her braided hair is a black serpent
Feminine elegance is her body (Her body is according to the grammar 'ilakkanam' of what femininity should look like)
The gods nurture this poetic sacrifice
That goddess, if I get, it would be my fortune

Oru puram paarthaal mithilayin mythili
Marupuram paarthaal kaviri maadhavi
(Innuma purila?)
Mugam mattum paarthaal nilavin yethiroli
Muzhuvathum paarthaal aval oru bhairavi

If you see one town, it is Mithilay (in the province of Behar) and Sita's birth place
The next city/tower you see is Kaveri river's Madhavi
(Don't you understand yet?)
If you see only the face it is the reflection of the moon
If you see it all, she is a Bhairavi.

Explaination of the last verse:
The song is straightforward until the very last verse. There, the Raagam itself changes. He says, at first sight she may seem as virtuous as Sita (from Ramayanam), if you examine more closely she seems to be like Madhavi (from Silapathigaaram who tempts away a married man with her dance). If you take her at face value, she is as beautiful as the reflection of the moon (yethir oli literally translates to an echo though) but if you see her for what she is, she is Bhairavi: a fierce and frightful form of the goddess Durga, similar to Kali. Bhairavi is also the name of the raagam from which Mahati is derived. It is a line loaded with layers of meaning.

Also, to understand the concept of a Raagam better, please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragam

Thakita Thadimi (Salangai Oli) Lyrics Translated

I recommend this beautiful movie to everyone. In this song, the uber-talented dancer has become an alcoholic and he sings and dances referring to the past he shares with the widow who is watching him. He says he blames no one for where life took him, possibly implying that he doesn't care about anything any more.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czxlVgjlbTY


Thakita thadhimi thakita thadhimi thandhaanaa
Idhaya oliyin jadhiyil enadhu thillaanaa
Irudhayam adikkadi irandadhu enbaenaa
En kadhai ezhudhida marukkudhu en paenaa
Surudhiyum layamum onru saera

(Dance syllables)
The heart's sounds' rhythm is my dance song.
Will I speak about my heart often dies?
My pen, it refuses to write my story
Melody and rhythm are coming together

(Thakita)

Ulaga vaazhkkai nadanam nee oppukkonda payanam
Adhu mudiyumboadhu thodangum nee thodangumboadhu mudiyum
Manidhan dhinamum alaiyil alaiyum thulineer
Theriyum therindhum manamae kalangaadhiru nee
Thaalamingu thappavillai yaar meedhum thappu illai
Kaalgal poana paadhai endhan ellai

The worldly life is a drama, a journey you accepted to take
When it ends, it continues, when you continue, it ends (?)
Man is a drop of water roaming daily in the waves
Even when that is known, mind, don't get mixed up
No beat has been missed, the fault is no one's
The path my feet took was not mine!

(Thakita)

Pazhaiya kaalam marandhu nee parandhadhenna piridhu
Iravudhoarum azhudhu en irandu kannum pazhudhu
Idhu oru ragasiya naadagamae
Alaigalil pongidum oadam naanae
Baavamingu paavamillai vaazhkkaiyoadu koabamillai
Kaadhal ennaik kaadhalikka villai

(Thakita)

You forgot the old times and flew separate to me
All night, I cried and my two eyes became wiser
This is a secret drama
I am the boat which rise with the waves
Feelings are not sinful here, I have no anger with life
Just that love didn't love me!

Kanne Kalaimaane Lyrics Translated

In this song, Kamal's character is singing to Sridevi's character. The story of Moondraam Pirai is about a troubled young man who finds a mentally ill girl about to be sold for the first time in a brothal. He rescues her from there and makes it his purpose in life to take care of her until he finds a way to cure her. The end however is a surprising twist and must be one of the most intensely tragic scenes ever screened. Here is the link to the song:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WwWrzInpvc

Kannae kalaimaanae kanni mayilenak kandaen unai naanae
Andhip pagal unai naan paarkkiraen
Aandavanai idhaiththaan kaetkiraen
Raariraaroa oaraariroa
Rariraaroa oaraariroa

(Kanne Kalaimaane)

Dear beautiful deer, I found you like a young peacock
I see you in the mornings and evenings (implying all day)
I'm asking god for this
(lullaby syllables)
(lullaby syllables)


Oomai enraal oru vagai amaidhi
Aezhai enraal adhil oru amaidhi
Neeyoa kilippaedu pan paadum aanandak kuyil paedu
Aeno dheyvam sadhi seydhadhu paedhai poala vidhi seydhadhu

(Kanne Kalaimaane)

If you were a mute, it is peaceful in a way
If you were poor, there is a peace in that too
You are a parrot's little one or a cuckoo's little one singing about the earth
For some reason, god has deceived you, fate has made you mentally ill


Kaadhal kondaen kanavinai valarththaen
Kanmani unai naan karuththinnil niraiththaen
Unakkae uyiraanaen ennaalum enai nee maravaadhae
Neeyillaamal edhu nimmadhi needhaanae en sannidhi
(Kanne Kalaimaane)

I felt love, I have dreamed and nurtured the love
Sweet one, I have filled my thoughts with you
I became your life, don't ever forget me
Without you, what is peace? You are my sacred sanctuary

What is a Golusu? Gopuram? and a Kolam?

In my most recent translation of the Tamil song ‘Ennavalay adi Ennavalay’, I found some references to words which are impossible to directly translate into English. I thought it was better to explain them in more detail in a separate post than add them as footnotes.

*1 Kolusu/Golusu is an anklet which usually has small bells attached so they make jingling noises as one walks. It is worn by women of all ages and sometimes very young boy-infants especially during festive occasions. Here is a picture taken from this website (http://flickriver.com/photos/rathan/tags/golusu/) which seemed to have the most clear picture of what South Indian Golusu-s look like.

Keep in mind that this is different from a Salangai, which is a thicker, heavier, louder anklet which is made of larger bells of similar shape/construction concept and is used by dancers and theatrical performers of various traditional forms. This type can be worn be men and women during performances. Here is a picture of it.

*2 Gopuram is an architectural structure on top of a Temple and sometimes on top of entrances to different levels of the temple depending on how big the Temple is. It is a pyramid-like structure with unique sculptures of various demi-gods and other mythical creatures at each level. The hierarchy of the symbols at each step, and how it varies depending on which part of the Temple it is located in, are too complex to explain here but here are some examples. Needless to say, it is considered beautiful and it is compared to her hair in the song ‘Ennavalay adi Ennavalay’ perhaps because they are both beautiful and many times there are gaps between the intricate sculptures just as there is in her hair.

*3 Kolangal is the plural form of the word Kolam. This is a geometric and symmetrical pattern women draw in front of their houses early every morning, around sunrise or before, as soon as they are done with their baths (and perhaps Tulasi prayers). Traditionally no one enters or exits the house before this is done because it is considered inauspicious. The patterns are infinite in variability and can be more complex and bigger, the more important a day it is. It is usually drawn using a special technique using two fingers and white powder. Earlier the powder was pulverised rice powder which are said to be eaten by ants, but the powders used today may be of a different substance. The pattern stays coherant all day because it takes up moisture from the washed ground (like wet chalk on a blackboard). In more rural or residential areas of the South, women draw another one at sunset at the time when lamps are lit after washing the morning Kolam off. Perhaps they are a display of the creativity and accuracy of the women in the household. Here are some simple ones. And a more complex one. There are plenty more when one googles images of ‘kolam’ but beware, a coloured one is called a Rangoli and is more common in North India and at very special occasions in the South. These two are also disctinct from a Tibetan Mandala constructed by monks as a form of meditation although they share many similarities in construct.

Ennavale Adi Ennavale Lyrics Translated

Back to more recent times. I remember this and another song's effects and graphics very well from when I watched the movie Kadhalan. Patta Rap, Mukkala Mukkabala and other songs from this movie also became very popular but this must be the most melodious of the collection. AR Rahman must've had a lot of fun trying out different styles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_vMpqTSXxM


Ennavalae Adi Ennavalae Enthan Ithayathai Tholaithu Vittaen

Dear girl, hey dear girl, I’ve lost my heart.

Entha Idam Athu Tholaintha Idam Antha Idathaiyum Maranthu Vittaen

Where did I lose it? It’s a lost place, and I’ve forgotten that place too.

Unthan Kaalgolusil*1 Athu Tholainthadhenru Unthan Kaaladi Thaedi Vanthaen

I thought it might be lost in your anklets so I came following your foot steps.

Kaathalenraal Perum Avasthaiyenru Unai Kandathum Kandu Kondaen

As soon as I saw you I realised what a huge trouble love is,

Enthan Kazhuthu Varai Indru Kaathal Vanthu Iru Kanvizhi Thirungi Ninraen

Today, love has filled me up to my neck, and I stand with my eyes open in astonishment.

Ennavalae Adi Ennavalae Enthan Ithayathai Tholaithu Vittaen

Dear girl, hey dear girl, I’ve lost my heart.

Vaaimozhiyum Enthan Thaimozhiyum Inru Vasapadavillaiyadi

Spoken language and my Mother tongue are unusable.

Vayitrukkum Thondaikkum Uruvamilla Oru Urundayum Uruluthadi

There seems to be a shapeless lump rolling between my stomach and my throat.

Kaathirunthaal Ethir Paarthirunthaal Oru Nimishamum Varushamadi

If I wait, if I anticipate and expect, a single minute becomes a year.

Kangalellaam Enai Paarppathupoal Oru Kalakkamum Thoanruthadi

I feel unsettled as though all eyes are watching me.

Ithu Sorgamaa Naragamaa Solladi Ullapadi

Is this (feeling) heaven? or hell? Tell me honestly.

Naan Vaazhvathum Vidaikondu Poavathum Un Vaarthaiyil Ullathadi.

Whether I live or die is in your words.

Ennavalae Adi Ennavalae Enthan Ithayathai Tholaithu Vittaen

Dear girl, hey dear girl, I’ve lost my heart.

Kokilamae Nee Kural Koduthaal Unai Kumbittu Kannadippaen

Hey cuckoo, if you give voice (sing), I will worship and then wink at you.

Gopuramae Unai Saaithukkondu Unthan Koonthalil Meen Pidippaen

Hey Gopuram*2, I will lean you over and catch fish with your hair.

Vennilavae Unai Thoongavaikka Unthan Viralukku Sodukeduppaen

Hey moon, to make you sleep I will massage your fingers.

Varudavarum Poongaatraiyellaam Konjam Vadikatti Anuppivaippaen

I will filter even the most fragrant flower like breeze and send it over to you.

En Kaathalin Thaevaiyai Kaadukkul Oathivaippaen

I will whisper my prayer of love and need for you in your ear.

Un Kaaladi Ezhuthiya Kolangal Puthu Kavithaigal Enruraippaen.

I will recite the patterns under your feet (Kolangal*3) as though they were new poetry.

Ennavalae Adi Ennavalae Enthan Ithayathai Tholaithu Vittaen

Dear girl, hey dear girl, I’ve lost my heart.

Entha Idam Athu Tholaintha Idam Antha Idathaiyum Maranthu Vittaen

Where did I lose it? It’s a lost place, and I’ve forgotten that place too.

Unthan Kaalgolusil Athu Tholainthadhenru Unthan Kaaladi Thaedi Vanthaen

I thought it might be lost in your anklets so I came following your foot steps.

Kaathalenraal Perum Avasthaiyenru Unai Kandathum Kandu Kondaen

As soon as I saw you I realised what a huge trouble love is,

Enthan Kazhuthu Varai Indru Kaathal Vanthu Iru Kanvizhi Pithungi Ninraen

Today, love has filled me up to my neck, and I stand with my eyes open in astonishment.

Ennavalae Adi Ennavalae Enthan Ithayathai Tholaithu Vittaen

Dear girl, hey dear girl, I’ve lost my heart.

*The three stars will be dealt with in the following post.

Vinnodum Mugilodum Lyrics Translated

If anyone were to remake this song with rock instruments, I think it would hit the rock charts world wide even if no one understood it. It's got the structure and tune that would catch on and become what Germans call an Ohrwurm (literally meaning Ear worm but implying a tune stuck in one's head).

This song is from Pudhayal (meaning Treasure) released in 1957.

Something to note about Tamil lyrics; they often refer to themselves or others as other nouns, like moon, wind, river etc. This happens in the very first verse of this song but as they use no separate words to indicate that they are calling the other person these words, it is to be assumed.

They also tend to have lines which have no seeming subject or direction (or is placed so late in the sentence) so the implications need to be inferred because a literal translation would make little sense. If you look up Sippi Irukkudu, you will see areas where I have had to add the subject in brackets as you/she/I which may as well have been the hypothetical 'one': (If [one] was to see you, the poet's heart would love).

Another thing to keep in mind is that the lyrical construction is often the opposite of the English translation because the subject and the word that indicates the use of a simile or metaphor tend to come in the end of the sentence. So often what you will see in translations is a struggle to keep to the exact text by using impossible English sentence construction or a simpler method (which I am getting used to now) which reverses the sentence in English keeping the sentence meaning but compromising on a word to word reliable comparison.

Now that I have explained so much, it is time for you to enjoy the song with it's meanings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH0R37fyyYU


F: ViNNodum mugilodum viLayaadum veNNilavey
ViNNodum mugilodum viLayaadum veNNilavey
KaNNodu konjum kalai azhaghey, isaiamudhey
Isaiamudhey
ViNNodum mugilodum viLayaadum veNNilavey

The moon which plays with the sky and clouds
The moon which plays with the sky and clouds
The artful beauty who loves through the eyes
The musical nectar, the musical nectar
The moon which plays with the sky and clouds


M: Alaipaayum kadal oram iLam maangaL polae
Alaipaayum kadal oram iLam maangaL polae
ViLayaadi
F: Isaipaadi
Both: Vizhiyaale uravaadi inbam kaaNalaam

M: ViNNodum mugilodum viLayaadum veNNilavey
F: KaNNodu konjum kalai azhaghey, isaiamudhey
Isaiamudhey
Both: ViNNodum mugilodum viLayaadum veNNilavey


Like the young deers on the sea shore where the waves crash
Like the young deers on the sea shore where the waves crash
(We can) play
Sing music
With our eyes, grow closer and find joy.

The moon which plays with the sky and clouds
The artful beauty who loves through the eyes
The musical nectar, the musical nectar
The moon which plays with the sky and clouds


M: Thaedaadha selva sugam thaanaaga vandhadhu pol
Oadodi vandha sorga boghamey
Oadodi vandha sorga boghamey
F: KaNaadha inba nilai
Kandaadum nenjinelae
Aanandha bodhai ootum yogamey vaazviley
F: ViLayaadi
M: Isai paadi
Both: Vizhiyaale uravadi inbam kaaNalaam

ViNNodum mugilOdum viLayaadum veNNilavey

Like a wealth of happiness which came without searching for it
A heavenly gratification came rushing (to me)
A heavenly gratification came rushing (to me)
An joyful state like never seen before
Is seen and dancing in (my) heart
The union which drives intoxicated bliss of life
(We can) play
Sing music
With our eyes, grow closer and find joy

The moon which plays with the sky and clouds


M: Sangeetha thendrelile sadhiraadum poongodiyae
Sandhosham kaaNa uLLam naadudhae
Sandhosham kaaNa uLLam naadudhae
F: Mangaadha thangam idhu
Maaraadha vairam idhu
Ondraagi inba geetham paadudey vaazviley
ViLayaadi
M: Isai paadi
Both: Vizhiyaale uravadi inbam kaanalaam

In the musical breeze, you dancing flowered creeper
(My) heart desires to enjoy the pleasure
(My) heart desires to enjoy the pleasure
Undullable gold is this,
Unchangable diamond this is,
(We) can become one and sing our happy song together
(We can) play
Sing music
With our eyes, grow closer and find joy


F: Aha ahhaa ahha ahahah

Both: ViNNodum mugilodum viLayaadum veNNilavey
KaNNodu konjum kalai azhaghey, isaiamudhey
Isaiamudhey
viNNodum mugilodum viLayaadum veNNilavey

The moon which plays with the sky and clouds
The artful beauty who loves through the eyes
The musical nectar, the musical nectar
The moon which plays with the sky and clouds