- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
- Music director
- R. Govarthanam
- Movie name
- Porsilai
- Movie release year
- 1969
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Sept 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This romantic duet explores the ecstasy and wordlessness of true love. The singer expresses that even the rich Tamil language lacks adequate words to capture the lover's beauty. Nature metaphors—a rose without a saree, uninhibited fruits on a branch, and wind striking river waters—are woven throughout to portray natural, uninhibited passion and intimacy. The song captures the longing, tender kisses, and joyous union of two lovers whose romance feels as wild and boundless as nature itself. Written by Kannadasan and set to tune by R. Govarthanam, it remains a celebrated romantic classic.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Alliteration)
“Sediyil aadum oru roja / Adhu saelai kattavillai... Aatru neerai kaatru moadhum / Aasai pennai kaadhal moadhum Methodical repetition of initial consonant/vowel sounds across words or lines. Example: 'Aatru' and 'Aasai' share initial vowel sounds.”
Edukku (Rhyme)
“Aatru neerai kaatru moadhum / Aasai pennai kaadhal moadhum”
Repetition of second letter consonants across lines, e.g., 'Sediyil' and 'Kilaiyil', or 'Aatru' and 'Aasai'.
Uvamaani / Metaphor
“Nenjil nee sindhum muttham / En ninaivin mutthirai”
Comparing love's impact on a woman to wind stirring river water, and kisses to an indelible seal on memory.
Personification
“Kilaiyil aadi varum kanigal / Avai naanam kollavillai…!”
Attributing human feelings like shyness or modesty to roses and fruits on trees.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Porsilai' (1969) features music by R. Govarthanam, a talented composer who worked extensively with major Tamil film music directors of the era. Lyricist Kannadasan famously highlights the boundless nature of poetic expression by paradoxically stating that Tamil lacks the words to describe true beauty.
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