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Lyrics & meaning

Mele Vaanam Keezhe Boomi

From Muzhu Nilavu · 1980

Lyricist
Yeviyan
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Sankar Ganesh
Details
Muzhu Nilavu1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Melae vaanam keezhae boomiAbove is the sky, below is the earth
Iravu pagal maarumNight and day keep changing
Melae vaanam keezhae boomiAbove is the sky, below is the earth
Iravu pagal maarumNight and day keep changing
Idaiyil indha vaazhvil iniIn between, in this life from now on
Ethanaiyoo serum serumSo many things will come and gather
Male
Vaanam varum nilavu varumsky will appear, the moon will appear
Vasantha kaalam pirakkumThe spring season will be born
Vazhi neduga sorgangalinAll along the path, heaven's
Vaasalgalum thirakkumGates will swing open
Male
Melae vaanam keezhae boomiAbove is the sky, below is the earth
Iravu pagal maarumNight and day keep changing
Male
Ezhai veettu idhaya paattuThe song from the heart of a poor household
Ellorukkum theriyumIs known to everyone
Nenjil endro varum vaazhvai enniThinking of the good life that will arrive someday
Nambikkaigal niraiyumHopes fill the heart
Male
Mazhalai ivan naalai engalThis innocent child tomorrow will be
Maaligaiyin vilakkuThe shining light of our home
Mazhalai ivan naalai engalThis innocent child tomorrow will be
Maaligaiyin vilakkuThe shining light of our home
Indha nizhalai vittaal vaazhvadharkkuIf I leave this shadow, to live
Ulagamillai enakkuThere is no world left for me
Male
Melae vaanam keezhae boomiAbove is the sky, below is the earth
Iravu pagal maarumNight and day keep changing
Male
Nithirai kaala kanavil koodaEven in dreams during sleep
Nenjil irukkum kiliyaeOh parrot residing in my heart
En sothu sugangal athanaiyumAll my wealth and happiness
Un sondham irukkum vazhiyaeBelong to you through this path
Male
Chithira poovae chinna nilavaeOh picture-like flower, oh little moon
Kannil irukkindraaiYou reside within my eyes
Chithira poovae chinna nilavaeOh picture-like flower, oh little moon
Kannil irukkindraaiYou reside within my eyes
Oru kothu malaraai niththam manakkaTo spread fragrance daily like a cluster of flowers
Ennil irukkindraaiYou reside within me
Male
Melae vaanam keezhae boomiAbove is the sky, below is the earth
Iravu pagal maarumNight and day keep changing
Idaiyil indha vaazhvil iniIn between, in this life from now on
Ethanaiyoo serum serumSo many things will come and gather
Male
Vaanam varum nilavu varumsky will appear, the moon will appear
Vasantha kaalam pirakkumThe spring season will be born
Vazhi neduga sorgangalinAll along the path, heaven's
Vaasalgalum thirakkumGates will swing open
Male
Melae vaanam keezhae boomiAbove is the sky, below is the earth
Iravu pagal maarumNight and day keep changing

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Melae Vaanam' reflects on the cyclical nature of life, using the permanence of the sky and earth and the rhythmic passage of day and night as a backdrop. It highlights the optimism of a humble family looking forward to a brighter future despite current hardships. The parents pin their hopes and dreams on their young child, seeing the child as the light of their home who gives their life purpose and happiness. The lyricist captures themes of parental devotion, hope, and the belief that endurance will eventually bring a spring-like transformation and open the doors to joy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Contrast (Muran)

Melae vaanam keezhae boomi / Iravu pagal maarum

Contrasting pairs like 'Melae vaanam' (sky above) with 'keezhae boomi' (earth below), and 'Iravu' (night) with 'pagal' (day) emphasize the natural order and constant flux of life.

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Mazhalai ivan naalai engal / Maaligaiyin vilakku

The child is metaphorically described as 'Maaligaiyin vilakku' (the lamp of the palace) and 'Chithira poovae' (artistic/picture flower), symbolizing hope and beauty.

Initial Rhyme (Monai)

Vaanam varum nilavu varum / Vasantha kaalam pirakkum

Repetition of initial consonants or vowels across lines, such as 'Vaanam' and 'Vasantha' or 'Mazhalai' and 'Maaligai', creates melodic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Muzhu Nilavu' (1980) features lyrics penned by Yeviyan, a song writer active in 1970s and 1980s Tamil cinema. The song captures the quintessential emotional family sentiment typical of Tamil films of that era.

Keep listening

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