- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Anbe Odi Vaa
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Jun 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This soulful composition from 'Anbe Odi Vaa' (1984) captures the introspective sorrow, romantic longing, and emotional fragility of a young woman. She metaphorically addresses herself as a delicate flowering vine so consumed by melancholic yearning that she lacks the courage to face her own reflection. She reflects on her unvoiced emotions, wondering if her maiden silence will destroy her inner tranquility.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uruvagom (Metaphor)
“Kanavodu yengum ilam poongodi”
Compares the protagonist to an 'ilam poongodi' (young tender vine) and an 'aadai kondu moodum nilaa' (a moon draped in garments) to convey innocence and beauty.
Personification
“Ennai kandu paavam endru Thendral mugam vaerkkum”
Gives human traits to the breeze ('thendral mugam vaerkkum'), suggesting the wind pities her so deeply that its face breaks into a sweat.
Ethukai (Second-letter rhyme)
“En maunam en ennam sollaadho”
The second consonant 'n' is repeated across successive lines ('En / Sollaamal / Penmai').
Rhetorical Question
“Kanavil varum rojaakkal vaasam veesumaa”
The protagonist poses introspective questions about dream roses emitting fragrance and her own identity as a monsoon cuckoo.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Anbe Odi Vaa' (1984) stars Mohan and Urvashi in lead roles. Legendary lyricist Vaali penned the lyrics for this film, blending traditional Tamil literary metaphors like the 'poongodi' (flowering vine) with gentle introspective imagery.
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