- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Iravu Pookkal
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 2 Jan 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song draws a poignant parallel between flowers that bloom at night and women who are forced or judged by societal norms regarding chastity and livelihood. It contrasts the physical realm with the spiritual, arguing that societal stains affect only the temporary physical body, whereas true virtue and chastity reside in the purity of the mind. Through metaphors of sculptors, stones, and flowers, the lyricist questions who responsible for forcing innocent lives into tragic circumstances, concluding with a message that inner mental purity is the ultimate form of virtue.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamai (Analogy / Metaphor)
“Pookkalilum irandu vagai ... idharkuvamai”
Compares types of women to types of flowers (day-blooming and night-blooming flowers).
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kallilae uyirai kanda / Kalaingan avan iraivan thaanae”
Repetition of the second consonant sound 'lla' in 'Kallilae' and 'Kalaingan'.
Monaai (Alliteration / First-letter Harmony)
“Manathae vaazhkkai aadhalaal / Mana thooimai ondrae pothumae”
Repetition of initial sound 'Ma' across consecutive lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
This song belongs to the 1985 Tamil film 'Iravu Pookkal' with lyrics penned by Gangai Amaran. The title 'Iravu Pookkal' (Night Flowers) serves as a central metaphor throughout the song, addressing themes of womanhood, social perception, and moral purity.
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