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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Moongil Ilai Mele

From Kaattu Rani · 1965

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
P. S. Diwakar
Details
Kaattu Rani1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Moongil ilai melae thoongum pani neeraeOh dew drop sleeping on top of the bamboo leaf,
Moongil ilai melae thoongum pani neeraeOh dew drop sleeping on top of the bamboo leaf,
Thoongum pani neerai vaangum kadhironaeOh Sun, who absorbs the sleeping dew drop!
Female
Tholudan thol saerthuLeaning shoulder to shoulder,
Nidhamum sugam perum marangalilaeOh trees that derive eternal bliss every day!
Vaayudan vaai saerthuJoining beak to beak together,
Konji vaazhndhidum paravaigalaeOh birds that live fondling each other!
Moongil ilai melae thoongum pani neeraeOh dew drop sleeping on top of the bamboo leaf,
Female
Enakkoru siragilaiyaeI do not possess a pair of wings,
Yengum ilamaikku thunaiyillaiyaeMy yearning youth has no companion,
Kulirukku neruppillaiyaeThere is no fire to soothe this bitter cold,
Pennin gunathukku manam illaiyaeThere is no appreciation for a woman's character,
Moongil ilai melae thoongum pani neeraeOh dew drop sleeping on top of the bamboo leaf,
Female
Androru naal vandhaanHe came one day back then,
Avanai indru varai kaanaenYet I haven't seen him till this day,
Paravai enum thozhiOh bird, my dear friend,
Avanai paarthaal varasolladiIf you see him, tell him to come back to me!
Female
Moongil ilai melae thoongum pani neeraeOh dew drop sleeping on top of the bamboo leaf,
Thoongum pani neerai vaangum kadhironaeOh Sun, who absorbs the sleeping dew drop!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Moongil Ilai Melae' is a poignant romantic melody from the 1965 movie Kaattu Rani, featuring lyrics by Kaviarasu Kannadasan and music by P. S. Diwakar. In this song, a young woman living in the forest expresses her intense longing and aching solitude after being separated from her lover. Surrounding nature serves as a stark reminder of her isolation: trees stand linked together and birds express affection in pairs, while she remains alone with no companion for her youth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Imagery & Personification

Moongil ilai melae thoongum pani neerae / Thoongum pani neerai vaangum kadhironae

Aatruppadai / Address to Nature (Personification)

Paravai enum thozhi avanai paarthaal varasolladi

Emonai / Rhyme & Alliteration

Enakkoru siragilaiyae / Yengum ilamaikku thunaiyillaiyae

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by P. S. Diwakar and rendered melodiously by legendary playback singer P. Susheela, this song is widely celebrated for Kannadasan's evocative use of Sangam-style nature metaphors where elements of the forest reflect the heroine's emotional inner world.

Keep listening

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