- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, Vani Jairam
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Nenjukku Neethi(1979)
- Movie release year
- 1979
- Lyrics added on
- 31 Dec 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic duet from 'Nenjukku Neethi' (1979) uses rich literary Tamil metaphors to portray the deep, intertwined bond between two lovers. The lover addresses his beloved as both the daughter of the ancient Chola royal dynasty and the embodiment of the Tamil language itself. The couple equates their oneness to essential classical pairings: a fish that cannot survive without water, and the Tamil language which gains purpose through its underlying meaning ('Porul'). Through references to literary lore—such as Kamban's lineage, handloom weaving, and classical music—the lyricist Vaali weaves a tapestry of romantic devotion. The song contrasts material wealth, such as palaces and fine clothes, with the supreme bliss of intimate companionship and artistic expression, culminating in a celebration of love as an enduring epic.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Tamil neeyirukka porul naanirukka”
Equates the beloved directly to the Tamil language and the lover to its underlying meaning, symbolizing inseparable unity.
Analogy / Simile (Uwamai)
“Kulir neerillaathu meenum illaiyae / Ingu neeyillaathu naanum illaiyae”
Compares the absolute necessity of the beloved's presence to a fish requiring cool water to survive.
Personification / Visual Imagery
“Thoorigai ezhuthaatha oviyam uyirkondu”
Describes a painting coming to life without a paintbrush to depict the maiden's natural beauty.
Hyperbole (Athichayokthi)
“Itta adi noga edutha adi koppalikka”
Exaggerates the delicate nature of the maiden whose tender feet blister with every step taken.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Nenjukku Neethi' (1979) featured music by the legendary duo Shankar Ganesh and lyrics by Vaali. Vaali masterfully incorporated classical Sangam-style Tamil tropes into cinema lyrics, making references to the three genres of Tamil ('Moovagai Tamil': Muthamizh - Iyal, Isai, Nadagam) and historical figures like Kamban.
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