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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maalai Soodum Velai

From Naan Mahaan Alla (1984) · 1984

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Naan Mahaan Alla (1984)1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aaahaaaaaaa…aaaaaa….aaaa……Ah, a melodious vocalizing hum...
Male
Maalai soodum velaiThe auspicious time to adorn the evening garland,
Andhi maalai thorum leelaiThe playful romantic acts every twilight evening.
Inba maalai soodum velaiThe blissful time to wear the romantic garland,
Andhi maalai thorum leelaiThe playful romantic acts every twilight evening.
Male
Yegaandha moghangal yeraalam unduThere are abundant intimate and solitary desires,
Kannaadi kannam unduAnd soft, mirror-smooth cheeks.
Maalai soodum velaiThe auspicious time to adorn the evening garland,
Andhi maalai thorum leelaiThe playful romantic acts every twilight evening.
Female
{Kaayum veyil kaalamIn the scorching hot summer season,
Paayum mazhai neeyoo..} (2)Are you the soothing, rushing rain?
Male
{Kodaiyil naan odai thaanaeIn the summer heat, I am a cool stream,
Vaadaiyil naan porvai thaanae} (2)In the chilly north wind, I am a warm blanket.
Female
Nee konja naan kenjaWhen you fondle affection, and I plead in romance,
Verenna inbam..What greater joy could there ever be?
Male :Neenda neram thondrumooWill this beautiful moment last for a long time?
Female
Maalai soodum velaiThe auspicious time to adorn the evening garland,
Andhi maalai thorum leelaiThe playful romantic acts every twilight evening.
Yegaandha moghangal yeraalam unduThere are abundant intimate and solitary desires,
Kannaadi kannam unduAnd soft, mirror-smooth cheeks.
Female
Maalai soodum velaiThe auspicious time to adorn the evening garland,
Andhi maalai thorum leelaiThe playful romantic acts every twilight evening.
Female
{Solai manjal selaiLike a bright yellow saree adorning the garden,
Soodum andhi velai} (2)Draped during the romantic twilight hours.
Male
{Maanganiyaai nee kulungaAs you sway gracefully like a sweet ripe mango,
Aan kiliyaai naan nerunga} (2)As I draw near you like a eager male parrot.
Female
Ammammaa appappaaOh my goodness, oh dear!
Yennaaghum dhegamWhat state will our yearning bodies reach?
Male
Aadai kondu moodumoo..Can mere clothing cover such overwhelming warmth and passion?
Female
Maalai soodum velaiThe auspicious time to adorn the evening garland,
Andhi maalai thorum leelaiThe playful romantic acts every twilight evening.
Male :Yegaandha moghangal yeraalam unduThere are abundant intimate and solitary desires,
Kannaadi kannam unduAnd soft, mirror-smooth cheeks.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Maalai Soodum Velai is a sensuous duet from the 1984 Tamil film Naan Mahaan Alla, composed by Ilaiyaraaja and penned by lyricist Vaali. The song captures a romantic intimate moment between lovers during twilight, expressing their deep longing, passion, and emotional unison.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyming)

Kodaiyil naan odai thaanae / Vaadaiyil naan porvai thaanae

The second consonant 'da' matches across lines 'Kodaiyil' and 'Vaadaiyil', establishing a smooth musical rhythm.

Metaphor (Uruvagham)

Kodaiyil naan odai thaanae / Vaadaiyil naan porvai thaanae

Comparing the lover to a cool stream in summer and a warm blanket in winter to emphasize comforting companionship.

Monaai (First-letter Alliteration)

Maanganiyaai nee kulunga / Aan kiliyaai naan nerunga

The repetition of the initial 'M' sound in 'Maanganiyaai' and 'Aan' / 'Naan' highlights rhythmic symmetry.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although the music composer was listed as unknown in the prompt, this classic romantic track was composed by the maestro Ilaiyaraaja for the Rajinikanth-starrer 'Naan Mahaan Alla' (1984), sung beautifully by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki.

Keep listening

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