- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Kaadhal Kiligal
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Sept 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This emotional song is a protagonist's heartfelt plea to his beloved who has gone silent from intense grief or trauma. He tenderly addresses her as a sweet lovebird and a melodic Nadaswaram, asking why she has stopped speaking and singing. He urges her not to let her tears ruin the kohl in her eyes or let sorrow cause her body to waste away until her bangles loosen. In powerful philosophical lines, he consoles her by affirming that external misfortunes or societal blemishes do not diminish her intrinsic purity. Using metaphors like the divine Akshaya Patra or the spotted moon accepted by the grand sky, he reassures her that his love remains untainted, divine, and immortal across many rebirths.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kadhal kiliyae nee yaen pesa maranthaai”
Addressing the beloved as 'Kadhal kiliyae' (Parrot of love) and 'Nadhaswaramae' (Nadaswaram music) to symbolize sweet speech and divine music.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Niththamum thamarai padhangalai / Intha nenjam sumanthathadi”
Comparing her feet to lotus blossoms ('thamarai padhangalai') and describing her memory as a painting drawn by his eyes in his heart.
Analogy & Symbolism (Uvamai)
“Atchaya paaththiram naai thottathaal / Adhai yaarum veruppathundo”
Using deep cultural metaphors (Akshaya Patra touched by a dog, or the spotted moon in the night sky) to argue that external incidents cannot diminish intrinsic inner purity and value.
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navortchi)
“Eththanai jenmangal maaridinum / Namm kadhal nilaikkumadi”
Declaring that their love will endure beyond mortal limitations across countless reincarnations.
Did you know?
Trivia
This classic song features music composed by K. V. Mahadevan with poignant lyrics by Pulamaipithan. Sung masterfully by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, the track is renowned for its deep emotional resonance, gentle classical backing, and powerful philosophical consolations.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kaadhal Kiligal
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.