- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- Not listed
- Music director
- Vidyasagar
- Movie name
- Uyirodu Uyiraga
- Movie release year
- 1998
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Jul 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Nadhi Engae Valaiyum is a deeply philosophical song that addresses the unpredictability of human destiny and the impermanence of life's struggles. Through vivid metaphors comparing human life to nature—such as rivers finding their bend, the moon traversing the sky, and butterflies living fully without worrying about death—the song illustrates that while no human can control fate or guaranteed desired outcomes, dwelling on sorrow is futile.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Nadhi engae valaiyum / Madhi engae alaiyum / Vidhi engae vilaiyum”
Harmonious sound agreement in the second consonant across lines (Nadhi / Madhi / Vidhi).
Juxtaposition
“Ettu naal vaazhum Pattaamboochi... Arubadhu vayadhu Aayul kondavan”
Contrasts a short-lived butterfly living without fear of death against a human with a long lifespan failing to live even 20 minutes happily.
Metaphor
“Punnagai anindhu porai nadathu”
Frames life as a war (por) where wearing a smile acts as armor.
Personification
“Kanavu kalaippadhu Kaalathin urimai”
Grants Time (Kaalam) the personal right/agency to break human dreams.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is part of the 1998 Tamil film 'Uyirodu Uyiraga', directed by Sushma Ahuja and featuring music composed by Vidyasagar. Sung primarily by K. S. Chithra and P. Unnikrishnan, the track stands out for Vairamuthu's deeply contemplative lyrics about resilience and living in the present.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Uyirodu Uyiraga
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.