Naan Erikkarai Melirunthu
From Chinna Thayee · 1992
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- K. J. Yesudas, Swarnalatha
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Chinna Thayee1992
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Naan erikara melirundhu | Sitting on the bank of the lake, |
| Ettu dhisai paarthirundhu | Looking in all eight directions, |
| Yenthizhaiku kaathirundhen kaanala | I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her. |
| Male | |
| Mani ezhu ettu aana pinnum | Even after the clock struck seven or eight, |
| Ooradangi pona pinnum | Even after the village fell silent, |
| Soru thanni venumunnu thonala | I didn't feel like having food or water. |
| Male | |
| En themmaangu paata ketu | Listening to my folk song, |
| Then kaathu odi vandhu | The southern breeze should come running, |
| Thoodhaaga poga venum akaraiyila | And go as a messenger to the other shore. |
| Male | |
| Naan undaana aasaigala | The desires that arose within me, |
| Ullaara pooti vachi | Keeping them locked deep inside, |
| Othaiyila vaadurenae ikaraiyila | I am wilting alone on this shore. |
| Female | |
| { Naan maamarathin keezhirundhu | { Sitting under the mango tree, |
| Munnum pinnum paarthirundhu | Looking front and back, |
| Maamanuku kaathirundhen kaanala | I waited for my beloved uncle, but couldn't find him. |
| Female | |
| Ada saayungaalam aana pinnum | Oh, even after evening arrived, |
| Sandha moodi pona pinnum | Even after the market closed down, |
| Veedu poyi sernthidathaan thonala } (2) | I didn't feel like going back home } (2) |
| Female | |
| En themmaangu paata ketu | Listening to my folk song, |
| Then kaathu odi vandhu | The southern breeze should come running, |
| Thoodhaaga poga venum akaraiyila | And go as a messenger to the other shore. |
| Female | |
| Naan undaana aasaigala | The desires that arose within me, |
| Ullaara pooti vachi | Keeping them locked deep inside, |
| Thindaadi nikirenae ikaraiyila | I am standing struggling on this shore. |
| Male | |
| Naan erikara melirundhu | Sitting on the bank of the lake, |
| Ettu dhisai paarthirundhu | Looking in all eight directions, |
| Yenthizhaiku kaathirundhen kaanala | I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her. |
| Male | |
| Mani ezhu ettu aana pinnum | Even after the clock struck seven or eight, |
| Ooradangi pona pinnum | Even after the village fell silent, |
| Soru thanni venumunnu thonala | I didn't feel like having food or water. |
| Male | |
| Thoora kizhaku | Far off in the east, |
| Karai oramthaan | Right along the shore, |
| Thaazha parandhu | Flying low down, |
| Varum megamthaan | The cloud that comes along, |
| Male | |
| Un kita seraatho | Won't it reach you? |
| En paata kooraatho | Won't it sing my song to you? |
| Onnaaga naam koodum | For us to come together, |
| Santharpam vaaratho | Won't the opportunity arrive? |
| Female | |
| Un kooda naanum sera | To unite with you, |
| Otha kaalil ninnenae | I stood on one leg in penance. |
| Sennaarai kootathodu | To the flock of red storks, |
| Sedhi onnu sonnenae | I conveyed a message. |
| Male | |
| Kannaalam kaatchi eppodhu | When will the wedding sight happen? |
| Ennaalum en nesam thapaadhu | Never will my love falter. |
| Female | |
| Naan maamarathin keezhirundhu | Sitting under the mango tree, |
| Munnum pinnum paarthirundhu | Looking front and back, |
| Maamanuku kaathirundhen kaanala | I waited for my beloved uncle, but couldn't find him. |
| Male | |
| Mani ezhu ettu aana pinnum | Even after the clock struck seven or eight, |
| Ooradangi pona pinnum | Even after the village fell silent, |
| Soru thanni venumunnu thonala | I didn't feel like having food or water. |
| Female | |
| Maman nenapil | Thinking of her beloved, |
| Chinna thaayithaan | Chinna Thaayi suffers, |
| Maasa kanakil | For months on end, |
| Konda noyithaan | It is an affliction borne within. |
| Female | |
| Machan kai pattaaka | Once her lover touches her, |
| Mutchoodum theeradho | Won't it be cured completely? |
| Akkalin ponnukor | For the elder sister's daughter, |
| Porkaalam vaaraadho | Won't a golden age arrive? |
| Male | |
| Kai yendhum aatukutti | The little lamb held in arms, |
| Kanni pennaai maaradho | Hasn't she turned into a young maiden? |
| Mai yendhum kannai kaati | Showing her kohl-lined eyes, |
| Maiyal theera pesadho | Won't she speak to satisfy her longing? |
| Female | |
| Unnaalae thookam poyaachu | Because of you, sleep is gone, |
| Ullaara yedhedho aayaachu | All sorts of feelings have happened inside. |
| Male | |
| Naan erikara melirundhu | Sitting on the bank of the lake, |
| Ettu dhisai paarthirundhu | Looking in all eight directions, |
| Yenthizhaiku kaathirundhen kaanala | I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her. |
| Male | |
| Mani ezhu ettu aana pinnum | Even after the clock struck seven or eight, |
| Ooradangi pona pinnum | Even after the village fell silent, |
| Soru thanni venumunnu thonala | I didn't feel like having food or water. |
| Female | |
| En themmaangu paata ketu | Listening to my folk song, |
| Then kaathu odi vandhu | The southern breeze should come running, |
| Thoodhaaga poga venum akaraiyila | And go as a messenger to the other shore. |
| Female | |
| Naan undaana aasaigala | The desires that arose within me, |
| Ullaara pooti vachi | Keeping them locked deep inside, |
| Thindaadi nikirenae ikaraiyila | I am standing struggling on this shore. |
| Male | |
| Naan erikara melirundhu | Sitting on the bank of the lake, |
| Ettu dhisai paarthirundhu | Looking in all eight directions, |
| Yenthizhaiku kaathirundhen kaanala | I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her. |
| Female | |
| Ada saayungaalam aana pinnum | Oh, even after evening arrived, |
| Sandha moodi pona pinnum | Even after the market closed down, |
| Veedu poyi sernthidathaan thonala | I didn't feel like going back home. |
நான் ஏரிக்கரை
மேலிருந்து எட்டுத் திசை
பார்த்திருந்து ஏந்திழைக்குக்
காத்திருந்தேன் காணல
Sitting on the bank of the lake,
Looking in all eight directions,
I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her.
மணி ஏழு எட்டு
ஆன பின்னும் ஊரடங்கி
போன பின்னும் சோறு
தண்ணி வேணுமுன்னு
தோணல
Even after the clock struck seven or eight,
Even after the village fell silent,
I didn't feel like having food or water.
என் தெம்மாங்கு
பாட்ட கேட்டு தென்காத்து
ஓடி வந்து தூதாக போக
வேணும் அக்கரையில
Listening to my folk song,
The southern breeze should come running,
And go as a messenger to the other shore.
நான் உண்டான
ஆசைகள உள்ளார பூட்டி
வச்சி ஒத்தையில
வாடுறேனே இக்கரையில
The desires that arose within me,
Keeping them locked deep inside,
I am wilting alone on this shore.
{ நான் மாமரத்தின்
கீழிருந்து முன்னும் பின்னும்
பார்த்திருந்து மாமனுக்கு
காத்திருந்தேன் காணல
{ Sitting under the mango tree,
Looking front and back,
I waited for my beloved uncle, but couldn't find him.
அட சாயங்காலம்
ஆன பின்னும் சந்தை மூடி
போன பின்னும் வீடு போயி
சேர்ந்திடத்தான் தோணல } (2)
Oh, even after evening arrived,
Even after the market closed down,
I didn't feel like going back home } (2)
என் தெம்மாங்கு
பாட்ட கேட்டு தென்காத்து
ஓடி வந்து தூதாக போக
வேணும் அக்கரையில
Listening to my folk song,
The southern breeze should come running,
And go as a messenger to the other shore.
நான் உண்டான
ஆசைகள உள்ளார பூட்டி
வச்சி திண்டாடி நிக்கிறேனே
இக்கரையில
The desires that arose within me,
Keeping them locked deep inside,
I am standing struggling on this shore.
நான் ஏரிக்கரை
மேலிருந்து எட்டுத் திசை
பார்த்திருந்து ஏந்திழைக்குக்
காத்திருந்தேன் காணல
Sitting on the bank of the lake,
Looking in all eight directions,
I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her.
மணி ஏழு எட்டு
ஆன பின்னும் ஊரடங்கி
போன பின்னும் சோறு
தண்ணி வேணுமுன்னு
தோணல
Even after the clock struck seven or eight,
Even after the village fell silent,
I didn't feel like having food or water.
தூரக் கிழக்கு
கரை ஓரம் தான் தாழப்
பறந்து வரும் மேகம் தான்
Far off in the east,
Right along the shore,
Flying low down,
The cloud that comes along,
உன்கிட்ட சேராதோ
என் பாட்ட கூறாதோ
ஒண்ணாக நாம் கூடும்
சந்தர்ப்பம் வாராதோ
Won't it reach you?
Won't it sing my song to you?
For us to come together,
Won't the opportunity arrive?
உன் கூட நானும்
சேர ஒத்த காலில் நின்னேனே
செந்நாரை கூட்டத்தோடு
சேதி ஒண்ணு சொன்னேனே
To unite with you,
I stood on one leg in penance.
To the flock of red storks,
I conveyed a message.
கண்ணாலம்
காட்சி எப்போது
எந்நாளும் என் நேசம்
தப்பாது
When will the wedding sight happen?
Never will my love falter.
நான் மா மரத்தின்
கீழிருந்து முன்னும் பின்னும்
பார்த்திருந்து மாமனுக்கு
காத்திருந்தேன் காணல
Sitting under the mango tree,
Looking front and back,
I waited for my beloved uncle, but couldn't find him.
மணி ஏழு எட்டு
ஆன பின்னும் ஊரடங்கி
போன பின்னும் சோறு
தண்ணி வேணுமின்னு
தோணல
Even after the clock struck seven or eight,
Even after the village fell silent,
I didn't feel like having food or water.
மாமன் நெனப்பில்
சின்னத் தாயிதான் மாசக்
கணக்கில் கொண்ட நோயிதான்
மச்சான் கை பட்டாக்கா
மூச்சூடும் தீராதோ
அக்காளின் பொண்ணுக்கோர்
பொற்காலம் வாராதோ
Thinking of her beloved,
Chinna Thaayi suffers,
For months on end,
It is an affliction borne within.
கையேந்தும்
ஆட்டு குட்டி கன்னிப்
பெண்ணாய் மாறாதோ
மையேந்தும் கண்ணை
காட்டி மையல் தீர
பேசாதோ
Once her lover touches her,
Won't it be cured completely?
For the elder sister's daughter,
Won't a golden age arrive?
உன்னாலே
தூக்கம் போயாச்சு
உள்ளார ஏதேதோ
ஆயாச்சு
The little lamb held in arms,
Hasn't she turned into a young maiden?
Showing her kohl-lined eyes,
Won't she speak to satisfy her longing?
நான் ஏரிக்கரை
மேலிருந்து எட்டுத் திசை
பார்த்திருந்து ஏந்திழைக்குக்
காத்திருந்தேன் காணல
Because of you, sleep is gone,
All sorts of feelings have happened inside.
மணி ஏழு எட்டு
ஆன பின்னும் ஊரடங்கி
போன பின்னும் சோறு
தண்ணி வேணுமுன்னு
தோணல
Sitting on the bank of the lake,
Looking in all eight directions,
I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her.
என் தெம்மாங்கு
பாட்ட கேட்டு தென்காத்து
ஓடி வந்து தூதாக போக
வேணும் அக்கரையில
Even after the clock struck seven or eight,
Even after the village fell silent,
I didn't feel like having food or water.
நான் உண்டான
ஆசைகள உள்ளார பூட்டி
வச்சி திண்டாடி நிக்கிறேனே
இக்கரையில
Listening to my folk song,
The southern breeze should come running,
And go as a messenger to the other shore.
நான் ஏரிக்கரை
மேலிருந்து எட்டுத் திசை
பார்த்திருந்து ஏந்திழைக்குக்
காத்திருந்தேன் காணல
The desires that arose within me,
Keeping them locked deep inside,
I am standing struggling on this shore.
அட சாயங்காலம்
ஆன பின்னும் சந்தை மூடி
போன பின்னும் வீடு போயி
சேர்ந்திடத்தான் தோணல
Sitting on the bank of the lake,
Looking in all eight directions,
I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her.
Oh, even after evening arrived,
Even after the market closed down,
I didn't feel like going back home.
Naan erikara melirundhu
Sitting on the bank of the lake,
Ettu dhisai paarthirundhu
Looking in all eight directions,
Yenthizhaiku kaathirundhen kaanala
I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her.
Mani ezhu ettu aana pinnum
Even after the clock struck seven or eight,
Ooradangi pona pinnum
Even after the village fell silent,
Soru thanni venumunnu thonala
I didn't feel like having food or water.
En themmaangu paata ketu
Listening to my folk song,
Then kaathu odi vandhu
The southern breeze should come running,
Thoodhaaga poga venum akaraiyila
And go as a messenger to the other shore.
Naan undaana aasaigala
The desires that arose within me,
Ullaara pooti vachi
Keeping them locked deep inside,
Othaiyila vaadurenae ikaraiyila
I am wilting alone on this shore.
{ Naan maamarathin keezhirundhu
{ Sitting under the mango tree,
Munnum pinnum paarthirundhu
Looking front and back,
Maamanuku kaathirundhen kaanala
I waited for my beloved uncle, but couldn't find him.
Ada saayungaalam aana pinnum
Oh, even after evening arrived,
Sandha moodi pona pinnum
Even after the market closed down,
Veedu poyi sernthidathaan thonala } (2)
I didn't feel like going back home } (2)
En themmaangu paata ketu
Listening to my folk song,
Then kaathu odi vandhu
The southern breeze should come running,
Thoodhaaga poga venum akaraiyila
And go as a messenger to the other shore.
Naan undaana aasaigala
The desires that arose within me,
Ullaara pooti vachi
Keeping them locked deep inside,
Thindaadi nikirenae ikaraiyila
I am standing struggling on this shore.
Naan erikara melirundhu
Sitting on the bank of the lake,
Ettu dhisai paarthirundhu
Looking in all eight directions,
Yenthizhaiku kaathirundhen kaanala
I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her.
Mani ezhu ettu aana pinnum
Even after the clock struck seven or eight,
Ooradangi pona pinnum
Even after the village fell silent,
Soru thanni venumunnu thonala
I didn't feel like having food or water.
Thoora kizhaku
Far off in the east,
Karai oramthaan
Right along the shore,
Thaazha parandhu
Flying low down,
Varum megamthaan
The cloud that comes along,
Un kita seraatho
Won't it reach you?
En paata kooraatho
Won't it sing my song to you?
Onnaaga naam koodum
For us to come together,
Santharpam vaaratho
Won't the opportunity arrive?
Un kooda naanum sera
To unite with you,
Otha kaalil ninnenae
I stood on one leg in penance.
Sennaarai kootathodu
To the flock of red storks,
Sedhi onnu sonnenae
I conveyed a message.
Kannaalam kaatchi eppodhu
When will the wedding sight happen?
Ennaalum en nesam thapaadhu
Never will my love falter.
Naan maamarathin keezhirundhu
Sitting under the mango tree,
Munnum pinnum paarthirundhu
Looking front and back,
Maamanuku kaathirundhen kaanala
I waited for my beloved uncle, but couldn't find him.
Mani ezhu ettu aana pinnum
Even after the clock struck seven or eight,
Ooradangi pona pinnum
Even after the village fell silent,
Soru thanni venumunnu thonala
I didn't feel like having food or water.
Maman nenapil
Thinking of her beloved,
Chinna thaayithaan
Chinna Thaayi suffers,
Maasa kanakil
For months on end,
Konda noyithaan
It is an affliction borne within.
Machan kai pattaaka
Once her lover touches her,
Mutchoodum theeradho
Won't it be cured completely?
Akkalin ponnukor
For the elder sister's daughter,
Porkaalam vaaraadho
Won't a golden age arrive?
Kai yendhum aatukutti
The little lamb held in arms,
Kanni pennaai maaradho
Hasn't she turned into a young maiden?
Mai yendhum kannai kaati
Showing her kohl-lined eyes,
Maiyal theera pesadho
Won't she speak to satisfy her longing?
Unnaalae thookam poyaachu
Because of you, sleep is gone,
Ullaara yedhedho aayaachu
All sorts of feelings have happened inside.
Naan erikara melirundhu
Sitting on the bank of the lake,
Ettu dhisai paarthirundhu
Looking in all eight directions,
Yenthizhaiku kaathirundhen kaanala
I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her.
Mani ezhu ettu aana pinnum
Even after the clock struck seven or eight,
Ooradangi pona pinnum
Even after the village fell silent,
Soru thanni venumunnu thonala
I didn't feel like having food or water.
En themmaangu paata ketu
Listening to my folk song,
Then kaathu odi vandhu
The southern breeze should come running,
Thoodhaaga poga venum akaraiyila
And go as a messenger to the other shore.
Naan undaana aasaigala
The desires that arose within me,
Ullaara pooti vachi
Keeping them locked deep inside,
Thindaadi nikirenae ikaraiyila
I am standing struggling on this shore.
Naan erikara melirundhu
Sitting on the bank of the lake,
Ettu dhisai paarthirundhu
Looking in all eight directions,
Yenthizhaiku kaathirundhen kaanala
I waited for my lover, but couldn't find her.
Ada saayungaalam aana pinnum
Oh, even after evening arrived,
Sandha moodi pona pinnum
Even after the market closed down,
Veedu poyi sernthidathaan thonala
I didn't feel like going back home.
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This folk duet from Chinna Thaayi (1992) portrays two lovers separated by a body of water, expressing their intense longing and sleepless devotion. The male protagonist sits on the lake bank looking across, while the female protagonist waits under a mango tree. Both lose their desire for food, water, and returning home as dusk falls and the village grows quiet. To bridge the gap between them, they appeal to natural elements like the southern breeze, low clouds, and passing storks to carry their feelings as messengers. Written in traditional folk rhythms, the lyrics capture the ache of unfulfilled love and the hopeful anticipation of marriage and reunion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification
“Then kaathu odi vandhu / Thoodhaaga poga venum akaraiyila”
The southern breeze (Then kaathu) is personified as a messenger that can run and convey feelings across the river.
Monai (Initial Assonance / Rhyme)
“Naan undaana aasaigala / Ullaara pooti vachi”
The use of matching initial vowel sounds in 'Naan' and 'Ullaara' creates rhythmic harmony across lines.
Hyperbole
“Un kooda naanum sera / Otha kaalil ninnenae”
Standing on one leg ('Otha kaalil ninnenae') metaphorically exaggerates penance and dedicated waiting for a loved one.
Imagery
“Thoora kizhaku / Karai oramthaan / Thaazha parandhu / Varum megamthaan”
Creates vivid rural landscapes with lake banks, closing village markets, mango trees, and flying clouds.
Did you know?
Trivia
Though listed as unknown in the prompt, the soundtrack for Chinna Thaayi (1992) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics written by Vaali. This duet is sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and K. S. Chithra, remaining one of the classic rural folk duets of early 90s Tamil cinema.
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