- Lyricist
- M. G. Vallaban
- Singer
- Vani Jairam
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Nenjamellam Neeye
- Movie release year
- 1983
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Sept 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This emotional song 'Naalai Mudhal Unakkaagavey' from the 1983 movie Nenjamellam Neeye depicts a singer addressing her possessive lover/husband (referred to affectionately as Krishna). She devotionally promises that from tomorrow onwards her art and voice will belong exclusively to him. However, she pleads for permission to perform for others just for a single day. She uses poignant metaphors—comparing herself to a bamboo flute played by his fingers and a plant nurtured by him that is now being uprooted. She questions his willingness to let her suffer, asking if his heart does not melt seeing her joyless state.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Kannaa un vaenguzhalthaanae”
The singer compares herself to Krishna's bamboo flute ('Kannaa un vaenguzhalthaanae'), symbolizing her total surrender and reliance on him for her music.
Extended Metaphor / Imagery
“Valaenthida thanneerai vaarththavan... Vaerai paripathazhagae”
The singer compares her growth under his love to a plant nurtured with water, contrasting it with the pain of being uprooted by the roots ('Vaerai paripathazhagae').
Ethirai (Second letter rhyming) & Monaai (Alliteration)
“Nilavu mugam siripathillai / Ninaivugalum inipathillai”
The lines use matching letter rhythms ('Nilavu' and 'Ninaivugalum') to accentuate the melancholy tone.
Rhetorical Question
“Unnakkithil santhosam thevaiyo / Ullam urugavillaiyo”
The lyricist uses poignant rhetorical questions to challenge the lover's stubborn possessiveness.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by the duo Shankar-Ganesh and rendered expressively by S. Janaki, this song showcases M.G. Vallabhan's skill in writing deeply passionate and classical-touch lyrics that merge classical imagery of Lord Krishna's flute with personal heartbreak.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Nenjamellam Neeye
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.