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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mannil Vandha Nilave

From Nilave Malare · 1986

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nilave Malare1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mannil vandha nilavaeO moon that came down to the earth,
En madiyil pootha malaraeO flower that bloomed on my lap!
Mannil vandha nilavaeO moon that came down to the earth,
En madiyil pootha malaraeO flower that bloomed on my lap!
Anbu konda chella kiliO cherished sweet parrot filled with love,
Kannil enna gangai nadhi sollammaTell me, my dear, why is there a Ganges river flowing in your eyes?
Nilavae malaraeO moon, O flower,
Nilavae malarae malarin idhazhaeO moon, O flower, petal of the blossom,
Idhazhin azhagaeO beauty of the petal!
Female
Etti nirkum vaanam unnai kanda neramThe distant sky, when it beholds you,
Pakkam vandhu thaalaattumDraws near to sing you a lullaby.
Andhi mazhai megam indha malar dhegamThe evening rain cloud, this flower-like tender body,
Thottu thottu neeraattumGently touches again and again to bathe it.
Female
Etti nirkum vaanam unnai kanda neramThe distant sky, when it beholds you,
Pakkam vandhu thaalaattumDraws near to sing you a lullaby.
Andhi mazhai megam indha malar dhegamThe evening rain cloud, this flower-like tender body,
Thottu thottu neeraattumGently touches again and again to bathe it.
Female
Vizhigalil kavinayam viralgalil abinayamPoetic elegance in your eyes, expressive gestures in your fingers,
Kannae nee kaattuMy precious one, show them to me.
Vidigira varayinil madiyinil urangiduUntil dawn breaks, sleep peacefully in my lap,
Paadal nee kettuListening to this song.
Female
Nilavae malaraeO moon, O flower,
Nilavae malarae malarin idhazhaeO moon, O flower, petal of the blossom,
Idhazhin azhagaeO beauty of the petal!
Mannil vandha nilavaeO moon that came down to the earth,
En madiyil pootha malaraeO flower that bloomed on my lap!
Female
Punnai illai polum chinna mani paadhamLike soft leaf-like tender soles, your small gem-like feet,
Mannil pada koodathuShould not touch the bare ground.
Ponnazhagu minnum unnazhagu paarthuBeholding your beauty that gleams like glittering gold,
Kangal pada koodathuNo evil eyes should ever fall upon you.
Female
Punnai illai polum chinna mani paadhamLike soft leaf-like tender soles, your small gem-like feet,
Mannil pada koodathuShould not touch the bare ground.
Ponnazhagu minnum unnazhagu paarthuBeholding your beauty that gleams like glittering gold,
Kangal pada koodathuNo evil eyes should ever fall upon you.
Female
Mayilgalin iraginil azhagiya vizhigalaiThe beautiful eye patterns on the feathers of peacocks,
Nee thaan thanthaaiyoWas it you who bestowed them?
Manikuyil padithidum kavithayin isai enaLike the melody of poetry recited by a sweet cuckoo,
Nee thaan vanthaaiyoIs that how you arrived?
Female
Nilavae malaraeO moon, O flower,
Nilavae malarae malarin idhazhaeO moon, O flower, petal of the blossom,
Idhazhin azhagaeO beauty of the petal!
Female
Mannil vandha nilavaeO moon that came down to the earth,
En madiyil pootha malaraeO flower that bloomed on my lap!
Anbu konda chella KiliO cherished sweet parrot filled with love,
Kannil enna gangai nadhi sollammaTell me, my dear, why is there a Ganges river flowing in your eyes?
Nilavae malaraeO moon, O flower.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a tender and deeply affectionate lullaby expressing intense paternal or maternal devotion. The singer addresses a beloved child as a celestial moon that descended to earth and a delicate flower blooming on their lap. The lyrics marvel at the child's beauty, comparing her feet to delicate leaves and her grace to artful gestures, while praying that no misfortune or evil eye touches her.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvam (Metaphor)

Mannil vandha nilavae / En madiyil pootha malarae

Compares the child directly to a moon ('Mannil vandha nilavae') and a flower blooming on the lap ('En madiyil pootha malarae').

Hyperbole (Exaggeration)

Kannil enna gangai nadhi sollamma

Refers to tears or emotional depth in the child's eyes as the entire Ganges river ('Gangai nadhi').

Upama (Simile)

Manikuyil padithidum kavithayin isai ena

Compares the arrival/voice of the child to the melodic poetry recited by a cuckoo bird.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Nilave Malare' (1986) features music composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics penned by Pulamaipithan. The film stars Nadhiya, Rahman, and Baby Shalini, highlighting emotional familial bonds.

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