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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Deepangal Pesum

From Devathai · 1997

Lyricist
Arivumathi
Singers
S. P. B. Charan, Sandhya, K. P. Mohan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Devathai1997

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Deepangal pesum ithu karthigai masamLamps speak, this is the month of Karthigai
Deepangal pesum ithu karthigai masamLamps speak, this is the month of Karthigai
Manigal polavae asainthu aaduthae deepamaeLike gems, the lamps sway and dance
Athu kalamkalamai kadhal kavithaigal paadumaeThey sing love poems across ages
Female
Muthu muthu vilakku muthathula irukkuPearl-like lamps sit in the courtyard
Muthu ponnu siricha vetkathulaWhen the precious girl smiled in shyness
Pakkthula nerupa aththa maga irukkaWith the cousin standing like fire nearby
Mutham onnu kodutha kuthamillaGiving a kiss is not a fault
Female
Deepangal pesum ithu karthigai masamLamps speak, this is the month of Karthigai
Manigal polavae asainthu aaduthae deepamaeLike gems, the lamps sway and dance
Athu kalamkalamai kadhal kavithaigal paadumaeThey sing love poems across ages
Chorus
Muthu muthu vilakku muthathula irukkuPearl-like lamps sit in the courtyard
Muthu ponnu siricha vetkathulaWhen the precious girl smiled in shyness
Pakkthula nerupa aththa maga irukkaWith the cousin standing like fire nearby
Mutham onnu kodutha kuthamillaGiving a kiss is not a fault
Female
{Mullai aathu thanni pola aasai azhaigal alaiyaLike the waters of Mullai river, waves of desire surge
kollai pona kanni nenju konjam kalaiya kalaiya} (2)The stolen heart of the maiden gently wavers and unfolds
Female
Ennodu thalatti vanthaadum poongattruThe gentle breeze rocks me with a lullaby and dances
Ponnana naal parthu kondaadum kai korthuObserving this golden day, it celebrates holding hands
Kuyilgal kodi kulavai podum naalum indruthaanoIs today the day ten million cuckoos sing joyous chorus?
Female
Deepangal pesum ithu karthigai masamLamps speak, this is the month of Karthigai
Manigal polavae asainthu aaduthae deepamaeLike gems, the lamps sway and dance
Athu kalamkalamai kadhal kavithaigal paadumaeThey sing love poems across ages
Female
Deepangal pesum ithu karthigai masamLamps speak, this is the month of Karthigai
Laalaa laa la la lala laaa laaa la la…Laalaa laa la la lala laaa laaa la la…
Male
Nerupilamal theeriyumilamal eriyum vaana vilakkuA sky lamp that burns without fire or wick
Irukkum pothu arugil vanthu vetkam konjam vilakkuWhile present, come closer and set aside a bit of shyness
Female
Kanavai kooda kavithaiyakki pulanbum ilaiya kaviyaeOh young poet who turns even dreams into poetry
kavithai ennum siragu kondu parakka vendum iniyaeFly with wings called poetry now, my sweet one
Male
Vennilavin munnalae vinmeengal oorkolamA procession of stars before the white moon
Female
Kannimaiyae odathae en kanavai thedathaeOh eyelids, do not run; do not search for my dream
Male
Arangam paadi arangam serum naalum indru thaanoIs today the day to sing on stage and reach the destination?
Male
Deepangal pesum ithu karthigai masamLamps speak, this is the month of Karthigai
Deepangal pesum ithu karthigai masamLamps speak, this is the month of Karthigai
Manigal polavae asainthu aaduthae deepamaeLike gems, the lamps sway and dance
Athu kalamkalamai kadhal kavithaigal paadumaeThey sing love poems across ages
Male
Deepangal pesum ithu karthigai masamLamps speak, this is the month of Karthigai
Chorus
{Muthu muthu vilakku muthathula irukkuPearl-like lamps sit in the courtyard
Muthu ponnu siricha vetkathulaWhen the precious girl smiled in shyness
Pakkthula nerupa aththa maga irukkaWith the cousin standing like fire nearby
Mutham onnu kodutha kuthamilla} (2)Giving a kiss is not a fault

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Deepangal Pesum' from the film Devathai is a romantic Tamil song set during the auspicious festival month of Karthigai. It blends festive imagery—glowing oil lamps, shimmering lights, and starry skies—with the tender emotions of youthful love and longing. The lyrics capture the beauty of bashfulness, affection between loved ones, and the poetic elevation of romantic feelings.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

kavithai ennum siragu kondu parakka vendum iniyae

Comparing poetic expression to wings ('kavithai ennum siragu') that allow the soul to fly.

Simile (Upamai)

Manigal polavae asainthu aaduthae deepamae

Comparing the swaying of the burning lamps to precious gems/beads ('Manigal polavae').

Alliteration (Emon / Mohnai)

Muthu muthu vilakku muthathula irukku

Repetition of the 'M' sound across words like 'Muthu', 'muthu', 'muthathula'.

Personification

Athu kalamkalamai kadhal kavithaigal paadumae

Attributing human traits like speaking and singing love poetry across ages to inanimate oil lamps.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie Devathai (1997) was directed by Nassar and featured music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with memorable lyrics penned by poet Arivumathi. The song highlights traditional Tamil culture, referencing the Karthigai Deepam festival.

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