- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Alaigal Oivathillai
- Movie release year
- 1981
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Dec 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song depicts the intense longing and devotional anguish of a beloved calling out to her 'Kanna' (Lord/lover). She yearns for a single glimpse ('dharisanam') and his compassion ('karisanam'), expressing that her pain of separation burns like a fire in her eyes while her heart holds pure love like a flower prepared for worship. She sheds continuous tears, waiting devotedly until her soul completely melts in love.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhyme / Monai (Phonetic Harmony)
“En mel karisanam kidayathaa ..kanna”
The pairing of 'Dharisanam' (blessed sight/vision) and 'Karisanam' (compassion/care) creates an effortless internal rhyming structure that underscores her dual pleas.
Juxtaposition / Metaphor
“Un poojaikku nenjukkul poo valarthen”
The lyricist contrasts 'Thee' (fire in the eyes, signifying pain/desire) with 'Poo' (flower in the heart, signifying soft devotion and worship).
Emotional Imagery
“Ival manam dhinam dhinam karaigira varayilum”
Describing tears flowing from the eyes causing the heart to dissolve ('karaigira') creates a vivid visual of grief turning into spiritual surrender.
Did you know?
Trivia
Alaigal Oivathillai (1981) was a pathbreaking blockbuster directed by P. Bharathiraja, marking the screen debuts of actors Karthik and Radha. The soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics by Vairamuthu, won critical acclaim and multiple awards, cementing their classic early 80s collaboration.
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