- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- Sunitha Sarathy, Shankar Mahadevan
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Aaytha Ezhuthu
- Movie release year
- 2004
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Aug 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Hey Goodbye Nanba' from the movie 'Aaytha Ezhuthu' captures the conflicting emotions of intense physical attraction, confusion, and the painful attempt to break emotional ties. The protagonists navigate a complex relationship where boundaries between friendship, passion, and strangerhood blur. They question their connection ('Neeyaaro naanyaaro') while acknowledging the irresistible pull they feel, comparing physical touch to a potent, bittersweet poison. Narratively, the lyrics express regret over ever letting their paths cross ('Antha chaalayil nee vanthu seraamal...'), as the attachment has led to loss of self-control. Despite saying goodbye and trying to walk away, the deep emotional imprint left by sly glances and cheek dimples makes true detachment nearly impossible.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Kannilae kalmisham / Pothumae silmisham”
The second consonant sound 'l-m' in 'kalmisham' and 'silmisham' rhymes across consecutive lines, creating musical harmony.
Monai (First Letter Alliteration)
“Kannthondri kannkaano kanniro”
Repetition of the 'Ka' sound at the beginning of words in the line creates a pleasing rhythmic and alliterative effect.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Sparisamo thuli visham”
Physical touch is metaphorically described as a drop of poison ('thuli visham'), representing its dangerous yet intoxicating nature.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Neeyaaro naanyaaro”
The repeating end suffix '-aaro' emphasizes the sense of alienation, detachment, and questioning identity.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by A. R. Rahman for Mani Ratnam's 2004 multi-starrer youth political drama 'Aaytha Ezhuthu', this song features vocal performances by Sunitha Sarathy, Shankar Mahadevan, and Lucky Ali. Lyricist Vairamuthu infuses trendy English colloquialisms like 'Hey goodbye' alongside classic Tamil poetic metaphors to capture urban youth relationships.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Aaytha Ezhuthu
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.