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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chittukku Chella Chittukku

From Nallavanukku Nallavan · 1984

Lyricist
Na. Kamarasan
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilaiyaraja
Details
Nallavanukku Nallavan1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathuFor the darling little sparrow, a wing has sprouted.
Rathathil vandha sondhangal andha uravu murindhadhuThe relations bound by blood are now broken.
Thanthaiyum illai annaiyum illaiThere is no father, nor is there a mother.
Kanava verum ninaivaaIs it a dream, or merely a memory?
Nenjilae varum bandhamaeThe bond that arises in the heart,
Thodarkadhaiya..SirukadhaiyaIs it a continuous serial story... or a short story?
Male
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathuFor the darling little sparrow, a wing has sprouted.
Rathathil vandha sondhangal andha uravu murindhadhuThe relations bound by blood are now broken.
Male
Naam podum medaigalo naadaga medaiThe stages we step on are drama stages.
Naam pogum odangalo kaagitha odamThe boats we travel in are paper boats.
Paasam enbadha vesham enbadhaIs it true affection or just a disguise?
Kaalam seidha kolamIt is the pattern drawn by time.
Paasam enbadha vesham enbadhaIs it true affection or just a disguise?
Kaalam seidha kolamIt is the pattern drawn by time.
Koodi vaazha kooduthedi odi vandha jeevanThe soul that came running searching for a nest to live together,
Aadipaada kaadu thedum yaar seidha paavamSearches for a forest to dance and sing; whose sin is this?
Thaai ennum poomaalai tharai melae vaaduthaeThe flower garland called mother is wilting on the ground.
Male
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathuFor the darling little sparrow, a wing has sprouted.
Rathathil vandha sondhangal andha uravu murindhadhuThe relations bound by blood are now broken.
Thanthaiyum illai annaiyum illaiThere is no father, nor is there a mother.
Kanava verum ninaivaaIs it a dream, or merely a memory?
Nenjilae varum bandhamaeThe bond that arises in the heart,
Thodarkadhaiya..SirukadhaiyaIs it a continuous serial story... or a short story?
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathuFor the darling little sparrow, a wing has sprouted.
Male
Kaalangal maari varum kaatchigal inghaeHere, as times change, scenes change too.
Nyayangal aarudhalai kooruvadhengaeWhere does justice speak words of solace?
Manjal kungumam maarbil sandhanamTurmeric, vermilion, and sandalwood on her chest,
Soodum kanni paavaiThe young maiden who adorns them.
Manjal kungumam maarbil sandhanamTurmeric, vermilion, and sandalwood on her chest,
Soodum kanni paavaiThe young maiden who adorns them.
Paasa deepam kayyil yendhi vaazha vantha velaiAs she arrived to live, holding the lamp of affection in her hand,
Kangalaada penmai paada inbam kanda mangaiA woman who found joy with dancing eyes and singing womanhood.
Naam vaadi nindraalum nalamodu vaazhgavaeEven if we wither away, may she live in wellness!
Male
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathuFor the darling little sparrow, a wing has sprouted.
Rathathil vandha sondhangal andha uravu murindhadhuThe relations bound by blood are now broken.
Thanthaiyum illai annaiyum illaiThere is no father, nor is there a mother.
Kanava verum ninaivaaIs it a dream, or merely a memory?
Nenjilae varum bandhamaeThe bond that arises in the heart,
Thodarkadhaiya..SirukadhaiyaIs it a continuous serial story... or a short story?
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathuFor the darling little sparrow, a wing has sprouted.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song from the 1984 film 'Nallavanukku Nallavan' reflects on the transience and tragedy of human relationships. Comparing life to a drama stage and fragile paper boats, the lyrics express grief over broken blood ties and the loss of parental protection. Despite the heartbreaks and cruel games of destiny, the narrator selflessly prays for the prosperity and happiness of the loved ones, symbolizing unconditional love amidst emotional suffering.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvakam)

Naam pogum odangalo kaagitha odam

Life's fragile journey is metaphorically compared to traveling in paper boats.

Metaphor (Uruvakam)

Thaai ennum poomaalai tharai melae vaaduthae

A mother is poetically visualized as a delicate flower garland wilting on the ground.

Rhetorical Question

Thodarkadhaiya..Sirukadhaiya

Questions whether emotional bonds are meant to last long (serial story) or end abruptly (short story).

Monai (Alliteration)

Naam podum medaigalo naadaga medai

Repetition of the initial 'Na' sound across words creates melodic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed with unknown credits in the prompt context, 'Nallavanukku Nallavan' features a iconic score composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with vocals for this song performed by K. J. Yesudas. Lyricist Na. Kamarajan was renowned for introducing modern surrealist and deeply emotional imagery into Tamil film music.

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