- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- Uma Ramanan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Naalai Unathu Naal
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Alai Alaiyaai Pala Aasaigalae' is a vibrant, reflective track expressing the exuberance, beauty, and transient nature of youth. The protagonist compares herself to a flower that blossoms during the night and might fade by dawn, acknowledging that time and youth are fleeting gifts. Through poetic imagery of nature, she embraces her youthful charm and urges the listener to cherish these precious moments before time slips away.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Sevaazhai pol irandu kaal nadakka”
Compares her legs to red plantain trees ('Sevaazhai pol') and eyes to red carp fish ('Semmeenai pol') to highlight beauty.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Ammaadi naanum oru thenaruvi”
Directly identifies herself with a stream of honey ('thenaruvi') and the flower species ('poovin jaadhi').
Anaphora / Reduplication (Adukku Thodar)
“Alai alaiyaai pala aasaigalae”
The repetition of 'Alai alaiyaai' emphasizes the continuous, wave-like surging of youthful desires.
Rhyme / Monai & Edhugai
“Iravinil pookkal pookkalaam”
The lines 'Iravinil', 'Vidinthathum', 'Idaiyinil', and 'Ilamaiyum' showcase harmonious initial letter and second letter rhyming patterns across the stanzas.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Naalai Unathu Naal' (1984) is an Indian Tamil-language drama directed by A. Jagannathan, starring Vijayakanth, Nalini, and Major Sundarrajan. The song features lyrics written by the celebrated lyricist Vaali, who vividly captures the transience of youth through delicate floral metaphors.
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