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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ilam Pani Thuli

From Aaradhanai · 1981

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Radhika
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Aaradhanai1981

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Laalaalala laalaalala laalaaLaalaalala laalaalala laalaa
Laalaalala laalaalala laalaaLaalaalala laalaalala laalaa
Female
Ilam pani thuli vizhum neramWhen the gentle morning dewdrop falls,
Ilaigalil magarandha kolamA pollen-laden pattern decorates the leaves.
Thunai kili thedi thuditha padiSearching for its companion, fluttering in distress,
Thani kili ondru thavitha padiA lonely parrot suffers in longing solitude.
Suda chuda nanaigindradhae…ae…ae…It gets drenched warmly in the cool air...
Female
Ilam pani thuli vizhum neramWhen the gentle morning dewdrop falls,
Ilaigalil magarandha kolamA pollen-laden pattern decorates the leaves.
Female
Aasai nadhi madai thirakkumThe river of desire breaks its bounds,
Baashai vandhu kadhavadaikkumWhile spoken language shuts its doors in silence.
Female
Kaayaadhu mana eerangalThe emotional dampness of the mind never dries,
Thaalaadhu sudu baarangalThe heavy, burning burdens become unbearable.
Kaaviya kaadhalin dhegangalaeO physical embodiments of legendary love,
Oomaiyin kaadhalai pesungalaeExpress the silent love of a mute soul.
Malargalum sudugindradhaeEven the delicate flowers scorch now.
Female
ThananaThanana
Ilam pani thuli vizhum neramWhen the gentle morning dewdrop falls,
Ilaigalil magarandha kolamA pollen-laden pattern decorates the leaves.
Female
Paavai vizhi thuli vizhundhuAs a tear falls from the young maiden's eyes,
Poovin pani thuli nanaiyumIt drenches the dewdrop resting on the flower.
Female
Theeyaagum oru thaen solaiA sweet honeyed garden transforms into fire,
Poraadum oru poo maalaiA garland of flowers struggles in pain.
Sooriyakaanthigal aadiyadhoDid the sunflowers dance in joy,
Sooriyanai adhu moodiyadhoOr did they overshadow the sun itself?
Mugil vandhu mugam pothumoWill a passing cloud veil the face?
Female
ThananaThanana
Ilam pani thuli vizhum neramWhen the gentle morning dewdrop falls,
Ilaigalil magarandha kolamA pollen-laden pattern decorates the leaves.
Thunai kili thedi thuditha padiSearching for its companion, fluttering in distress,
Thani kili ondru thavitha padiA lonely parrot suffers in longing solitude.
Suda chuda nanaigindradhae…ae..ae..It gets drenched warmly in the cool air...
Female
Laalaalala laalaalala laalaaLaalaalala laalaalala laalaa
Laalaalala laalaalala laalaaLaalaalala laalaalala laalaa

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Ilam Pani Thuli Vizhum Neram' portrays a deeply poignant atmosphere where nature's gentle morning beauty contrasts sharply with the protagonist's inner emotional turmoil. The fall of cold dewdrops and decorative pollen patterns on leaves frame a backdrop of nature, while a solitary bird yearning for its partner symbolizes the anguish of separation and unfulfilled desire.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Paradox / Oxymoron

Suda chuda nanaigindradhae…ae…ae…

The phrase 'Suda chuda nanaigindradhae' pairs warmth/heat ('suda chuda') with getting drenched ('nanaigindradhae'), capturing the conflicting physical sensation of cold dew mixing with hot tears of passion.

Metaphor

Aasai nadhi madai thirakkum

'Aasai nadhi' compares overwhelming passion to a surging river breaking through sluice gates ('madai thirakkum').

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Thunai kili thedi thuditha padi / Thani kili ondru thavitha padi

Tamil poetic rhyme where the second letter matches across lines: 'Ilam' and 'Ilaigalil' or 'Thunai' and 'Thani'.

Imagery

Paavai vizhi thuli vizhundhu / Poovin pani thuli nanaiyum

Evocative visual contrast created between a maiden's falling teardrop and a flower's dewdrop.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja for the 1981 movie 'Aaradhanai', the song is celebrated for its lush orchestration and Vairamuthu's rich imagery blending natural elements like dewdrops and sunflowers with intimate romantic longing.

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