- Lyricist
- M. G. Vallaban
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Karumbu Vil
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Mar 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Meen kodi theril' from 'Karumbu Vil' (1980) is a deeply romantic composition celebrating love, passion, and the divine nature of romantic union. Using classical Indian mythological imagery surrounding Lord Kama (Manmatha) and Rathi, the lyricist paints a portrait of romantic desire processed through royal and spiritual metaphors—likening love's awakening to a deity's grand procession on a fish-flagged chariot.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uruvagamb (Metaphor)
“Meen kodi theril manmatha rajan oorvalam pogindraan”
Comparing the arrival of romantic longing and youth to the grand royal procession of Manmatha (the god of love) on a chariot.
Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Rathiyo vithiyin pirivil / Madhano rathiyin ninaivil”
The second letter consonant sound 'thi' matches across both lines (Rathiyo / Madhano).
Bimbam (Visual Imagery)
“Pouranami raavil ilam kanniyar maeni kadhal raagam paadiyae”
Paints vivid imagery of moonlight, full moon nights, and sacred ritualistic music during love's peak moments.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by M.G. Vallaban, 'Karumbu Vil' features the iconic voice of K.J. Yesudas. The song relies heavily on classical Tamil literary motifs, where Manmatha's banner features the fish emblem (Meen Kodi), famously associated with ancient Pandyan royalty and Tamil iconography of love.
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