Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Nallavanukku Nallavan album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Chittukku Chella Chittukku

From Nallavanukku Nallavan · 1984

Lyricist
Na. Kamarasan
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilaiyaraja
Movie name
Nallavanukku Nallavan
Movie release year
1984
Lyrics added on
30 Dec 2016

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathu
Rathathil vandha sondhangal andha uravu murindhadhu
Thanthaiyum illai annaiyum illai
Kanava verum ninaivaa
Nenjilae varum bandhamae
Thodarkadhaiya..Sirukadhaiya
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathu
Rathathil vandha sondhangal andha uravu murindhadhu
Naam podum medaigalo naadaga medai
Naam pogum odangalo kaagitha odam
Paasam enbadha vesham enbadha
Kaalam seidha kolam
Paasam enbadha vesham enbadha
Kaalam seidha kolam
Koodi vaazha kooduthedi odi vandha jeevan
Aadipaada kaadu thedum yaar seidha paavam
Thaai ennum poomaalai tharai melae vaaduthae
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathu
Rathathil vandha sondhangal andha uravu murindhadhu
Thanthaiyum illai annaiyum illai
Kanava verum ninaivaa
Nenjilae varum bandhamae
Thodarkadhaiya..Sirukadhaiya
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathu
Kaalangal maari varum kaatchigal inghae
Nyayangal aarudhalai kooruvadhengae
Manjal kungumam maarbil sandhanam
Soodum kanni paavai
Manjal kungumam maarbil sandhanam
Soodum kanni paavai
Paasa deepam kayyil yendhi vaazha vantha velai
Kangalaada penmai paada inbam kanda mangai
Naam vaadi nindraalum nalamodu vaazhgavae
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathu
Rathathil vandha sondhangal andha uravu murindhadhu
Thanthaiyum illai annaiyum illai
Kanava verum ninaivaa
Nenjilae varum bandhamae
Thodarkadhaiya..Sirukadhaiya
Chittukku chella chittuku oru siragu mulaithathu
For the little bird, the darling little bird, wings have grown.
The ties of blood relations, that bond has broken.
There is no father, there is no mother.
Is it a dream, or just a memory?
The bond that blossoms in the heart,
Is it a never-ending tale, or just a short story?
For the little bird, the darling little bird, wings have grown.
The ties of blood relations, that bond has broken.
The stages we build are only for a drama.
The boats we sail are only made of paper.
Is it true love, or is it just a disguise?
Such is the cruel design of time.
Is it true love, or is it just a disguise?
Such is the cruel design of time.
A soul that came running in search of a nest to live together,
Now wanders into the wilderness to sing and dance—whose sin is this?
The flower garland called a mother is withering on the ground.
For the little bird, the darling little bird, wings have grown.
The ties of blood relations, that bond has broken.
There is no father, there is no mother.
Is it a dream, or just a memory?
The bond that blossoms in the heart,
Is it a never-ending tale, or just a short story?
For the little bird, the darling little bird, wings have grown.
Times keep changing the scenes of life around us.
Where can justice be found to give comfort?
With turmeric, kumkum (sacred red powder), and sandalwood,
Adorning this young woman,
With turmeric, kumkum (sacred red powder), and sandalwood,
Adorning this young woman,
Holding the lamp of love in her hand as she came to build a life,
With dancing eyes and womanhood rejoicing in happiness,
Even if we wither away in pain, may she live well and prosper!
For the little bird, the darling little bird, wings have grown.
The ties of blood relations, that bond has broken.
There is no father, there is no mother.
Is it a dream, or just a memory?
The bond that blossoms in the heart,
Is it a never-ending tale, or just a short story?
For the little bird, the darling little bird, wings have grown.
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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.

Keep listening

Songs with a similar feeling

From the same album

More songs from Nallavanukku Nallavan

View album

Spot an issue?

Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.