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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Moongil Kaattoram (Sad)

From Pookkal Vidum Thoothu · 1987

Lyricist
T. Rajendar
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chitra
Music director
T. Rajendar
Details
Pookkal Vidum Thoothu1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mmm….mmmmmm…..mmm…[Humming sound]
Aaa…..aaa….aa….aa….[Vocalizing sound]
Female
Moongil kaattoram…mmm….Near the edge of the bamboo forest...
Kuzhalin naadham naan ketkiraenI hear the melody of the flute.
Mugilin oorgolam…mmm..The procession of clouds...
Vaanil niththam naan paarkkiraenI see in the sky every day.
Female
Kuyilae en kaadhodu nee paada vaaOh Cuckoo, come sing close to my ears.
Malarae un idhazh kondu nee pesa vaaOh Flower, come speak using your petals.
Female
Moongil kaattoram…mmm….Near the edge of the bamboo forest...
Kuzhalin naadham naan ketkiraenI hear the melody of the flute.
Male
Aaa…..aaaa….aa…..aa….aaa…..[Vocalizing sound]
Aaa…..aaaa….aa…..aa….aaa…..[Vocalizing sound]
Engae en devi….ee….Where is my goddess?
Kaanamal naan vaadinaenUnable to see her, I withered in sorrow.
Avalai naan thedi…ee…Searching for her...
Raagam ondru naan paadinaenI sang a melody.
Kaaththae en kadhali engae solluOh Wind, tell me where my lover is!
Nadhiyae en naayagi engae solluOh River, tell me where my heroine is!
Female
Ingae un devi…ee….Here is your goddess...
Kural kettu varugindraalShe comes upon hearing your voice.
Anbae un paadalOh beloved, your song...
Marakkaamal paadugindraal….She sings without ever forgetting.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful duet expresses deep romantic longing through vivid imagery of nature. The male protagonist wanders through nature, hearing the flute in the bamboo forest and searching for his beloved, appealing to the wind, river, cuckoo, and flowers to help him find her.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification

Kaaththae en kadhali engae sollu

Nature elements like the cuckoo, flower, wind, and river are addressed directly as living confidantes capable of listening, singing, and speaking.

Edhugai (Second-letter rhyme)

Moongil kaattoram... / Mugilin oorgolam...

The second letter in 'Moongil' and 'Mugilin' shares phonetic harmony, creating a rhythm in traditional Tamil poetry.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Kaaththae en kadhali engae sollu / Nadhiyae en naayagi engae sollu

The repetition of 'engae sollu' at the end of consecutive lines creates melodic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

This song is from the 1987 Tamil film 'Pookkal Vidum Thoothu'. T. Rajendar wrote the lyrics, composed the music, and directed the film himself, showcasing his multi-faceted artistic talents.

Keep listening

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