- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Nool Veli
- Movie release year
- 1979
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Nov 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Naanaa Paaduvadhu Naanaa from Nool Veli (1979) is a lighthearted, encouraging musical dialogue. The female protagonist expresses self-doubt and stage fright, questioning whether a gentle home-bound woman like her can sing before a crowd. Her male counterpart and companions playfully encourage her, reassuring her that music is inherently present in a woman's life—from daily household rhythms to a mother's lullaby. The song builds confidence through witty analogies, reminding her that just as swimming comes naturally when pushed into water, singing flows effortlessly once the heart desires it. Kannadasan's lyricism gracefully blends modesty with gentle encouragement, celebrating innate female artistic intuition.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamai (Metaphor / Simile)
“Naanum ilavayathu maanaa”
Compares herself to a young deer (ilavayathu maanaa) to convey innocence, agility, and hesitation.
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Aani)
“Naanaa paaduvadhu naanaa…”
Uses questioning to express self-disbelief and wonder at her own capability to sing.
Cultural Imagery / Metaphor
“Isaikkolam un mangalam / Adhil geetham un kungumam”
Equates musical elements with sacred domestic symbols like Kolam and Kungumam to depict music as an integral part of womanhood.
Analogy (Pazhamozhi / Example)
“Neenthum neram vanthaal / Udan neechchal angae varum”
Draws an instinctive real-life analogy between swimming in water and singing in front of an audience.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song was composed by legendary music director M. S. Viswanathan for K. Balachander's film 'Nool Veli' (1979). It uniquely blends traditional Carnatic swara passages (solkattu) with western jazz-style vocal scatting ('rapapapappaa'), creating a fusion that highlights M.S. Viswanathan's innovative arrangement style.
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