- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Shyam
- Movie name
- Devathai – (1979)
- Movie release year
- 1979
- Lyrics added on
- 25 May 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poetic song paints romantic desire using vivid imagery from nature. The speaker compares human love to elements of the natural world—flowers, clouds showering rain on crops, and the gentle breeze stirring life. She addresses a tender mango leaf ('maanthalir'), asking if it too is entranced by the touch of love, mirroring her own feelings. The lyrics celebrate the fulfillment of love, comparing the union of lovers to rain quenching the parched earth. Fire itself feels soft and soothing in the warmth of affection, symbolising how passion transforms intensity into comfort. Ultimately, the song expresses a deep wish for everlasting union and harmony across time.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification (உருவகப்படுத்துதல்)
“Maanthalirae….mayakkamenna / Unnai poonthendral theendiyatho”
Nature elements such as flowers, breeze, clouds, and mango leaves are endowed with human feelings of love, passion, and longing.
Metaphor (உருவகம் - Uruvagam)
“Kamadevan kanaiyaagum poovae”
Comparing rain falling on land to physical/emotional fulfillment, and comparing the romantic flower to Kama's arrow.
Ethukai (எதுகை - Second Letter Rhyme)
“Pookkal emakkum kadhal undu / Eekkal alaivom bodhai kondu”
Matching second consonants in successive lines (e.g., 'Pookkal' and 'Eekkal', or 'Megam' and 'Thendral').
Oxymoron / Paradox
“Aadi eriyum anaiyaatha theeyum / Idhamaana venmai thondruthu”
Contrasting burning unquenchable fire with soothing white softness to show how love sweetens intensity.
Did you know?
Trivia
This track features music by the acclaimed composer Shyam, who gained significant renown across both Tamil and Malayalam film music in the late 1970s and 80s. Sung with intricate nuance by S. Janaki, Kannadasan's lyrics employ traditional Sangam-style nature imagery ('Maanthalir', 'Kamadevan kanai') adapted into modern film poetry.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Devathai – (1979)
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.