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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Enakkum Unakkum Nerukkam

From Kai Veesamma Kai Veesu · 1989

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. Janaki, Arun Mozhi
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kai Veesamma Kai Veesu1989

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Unakkum enakkum nerukkamThe closeness between you and me
Idhu iruthi varaikkum irukkumThis will last until the very end
Iruttil virithu padikkumSpread open and read in the dark
Idhu ilamai kadhaiyin surukkamThis is the summary of youth's story
Noolil aayiram pakkangalA thousand pages in this book
Yaavum aasaiyin arthangalAll of which hold the meanings of desire
Female
Unakkum enakkum nerukkamThe closeness between you and me
Idhu iruthi varaikkum irukkumThis will last until the very end
Iruttil virithu padikkumSpread open and read in the dark
Idhu ilamai kadhaiyin surukkamThis is the summary of youth's story
Male
Moodadha jannal ondru paarthuSeeing an unclosed window
Munnaera vandhaal enna kaathuWhat if the wind steps forward and comes in?
Female :Thaaladha vetkam vandha podhuFemale: When unbearable shyness set in
Thaatpaalai pottaal indha maadhuThis woman put up the door latch
Male
Irandu kanigal sumakkaBearing two fruits
Oru ilaya kodiyum nadakkaAs a tender vine walks
Izhuthu valaithu pidikka varavooShall I come to pull, bend, and hold you?
Female
Piditha pidiyil valikkaHurting under the tight grasp
Chinna kadhaiyum idhayam padikkaAs the heart reads this little story
Adutha kadhaiyum nadatha vidumoWill it let us play out the next story?
Male
Kaadhal thaen sindhuSpill the honey of love
Kaadhil naan vandhuI will come close to your ear
Odhum naal indru ooraadhoo vellam ondruThe day to chant is today, won't a flood surge?
Female
Unakkum enakkum nerukkamThe closeness between you and me
Idhu iruthi varaikkum irukkumThis will last until the very end
Iruttil virithu padikkumSpread open and read in the dark
Idhu ilamai kadhaiyin surukkamThis is the summary of youth's story
Noolil aayiram pakkangalA thousand pages in this book
Yaavum aasaiyin arthangalAll of which hold the meanings of desire
Male
Unakkum enakkum nerukkamThe closeness between you and me
Idhu iruthi varaikkum irukkumThis will last until the very end
Iruttil virithu padikkumSpread open and read in the dark
Idhu ilamai kadhaiyin surukkamThis is the summary of youth's story
Female
Mukkona pandhal ondru podaSetting up a triangular canopy
Mannadhi mannan vandhu aadaAs the king of kings comes to play
Male
Munnoru minnal engum odaAs a flash of lightning runs everywhere
Mundhaanai etti nindru vaadaThe pallu stands at a distance and wilts
Female
Kumudha vizhigal sivakkaAs lotus-like eyes turn red
Vanna kurunji idhazhgal velukkaAs colorful Kurinji petal lips turn pale
Kudikkum rasangal muzhukka tharavooShall I offer all the sweet juices to sip?
Male
Amudha surabhi irukkaWhen the inexhaustible vessel of nectar is present
Adhil adhiga alavu surakkaOverflowing in great abundance
Anaithum enakku edukka thadaiyoooIs there any barrier for me to take it all?
Female
Naanae thandhaalum neeyae kondaalumEven if I give it myself, even if you take it yourself
Nenjil ennaalum theeratha thaagam ennaWhat is this unquenchable thirst in the heart forever?
Male
Unakkum enakkum nerukkamThe closeness between you and me
Idhu iruthi varaikkum irukkumThis will last until the very end
Female :Iruttil virithu padikkumFemale: Spread open and read in the dark
Idhu ilamai kadhaiyin surukkamThis is the summary of youth's story
Male :Noolil aayiram pakkangalMale: A thousand pages in this book
Female :Yaavum aasaiyin arthangalFemale: All of which hold the meanings of desire
Male
Unakkum enakkum nerukkamThe closeness between you and me
Idhu iruthi varaikkum irukkumThis will last until the very end
Female :Iruttil virithu padikkumFemale: Spread open and read in the dark
Idhu ilamai kadhaiyin surukkamThis is the summary of youth's story

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Unakkum Enakkum Nerukkam' is a sensual and romantic duet that poetically frames youthful intimacy as an engrossing book read in the dark. The song explores the deep emotional and physical connection between two lovers, using evocative Tamil imagery to describe their longing, passion, and bashful playfulness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (Rhyming end words)

Unakkum enakkum nerukkam / Idhu iruthi varaikkum irukkum / Iruttil virithu padikkum / Idhu ilamai kadhaiyin surukkam

The stanza employs consistent end-rhyming suffixes (-kkam) across lines to create a rhythmic flow.

Metaphor (Urevagam)

Idhu ilamai kadhaiyin surukkam / Noolil aayiram pakkangal

Youth and romantic desire are metaphorically compared to a book containing thousands of pages of meaning.

Metaphor (Urevagam)

Amudha surabhi irukka

The beloved's affection and sensuality are compared to 'Amudha Surabhi', the mythical divine vessel that yields endless nectar.

Monai (Initial Assonance / Alliteration)

Kaadhal thaen sindhu / Kaadhil naan vandhu

The repetition of the initial 'Kaa' sound across consecutive lines adds melodic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics were penned by legendary Tamil lyricist Vaali for the 1989 film 'Kai Veesamma Kai Veesu'. Vaali was renowned for his ability to blend classical Tamil literary metaphors like 'Amudha Surabhi' into popular cinema songs seamlessly.

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