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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nalla Naalai

From Nalla Naal · 1984

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Nalla Naal1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aaaa…aaaa….aaa…Ah... Ah... Ah...
Aaaaa…aaaa…aaaa…..Ah... Ah... Ah...
Haaa…aaa…aaa…Ha... Ah... Ah...
Aaa….aaa….aaa…Ah... Ah... Ah...
Male
Nalla naalai nambi iruHave faith in the good days to come,
Nenjae nee thaan konjam poruOh my heart, please hold on and be patient.
Nalla naalai nambi iruHave faith in the good days to come,
Nenjae nee thaan konjam poruOh my heart, please hold on and be patient.
Male
Soorai kaatrilIn a fierce stormy wind,
Padhai maarum oodama boat might lose its direction.
Velai vandhaalYet when the right time arrives,
Ellai sera koodumit will surely reach its destination.
Male
Nalla naalai nambi iruHave faith in the good days to come,
Nenjae nee thaan konjam poruOh my heart, please hold on and be patient.
Male
Soorai kaatrilIn a fierce stormy wind,
Padhai maarum oodama boat might lose its direction.
Velai vandhaalYet when the right time arrives,
Ellai sera koodumit will surely reach its destination.
Male
Nalla naalai nambi iruHave faith in the good days to come,
Nenjae nee thaan konjam poruOh my heart, please hold on and be patient.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song carries a message of optimism, perseverance, and emotional resilience. The speaker addresses their own heart, consoling it to remain patient through difficult times and to keep faith that better days lie ahead. By using the metaphor of a boat blown off course during a storm, the lyricist illustrates how life's tribulations can temporarily disrupt one's path, but perseverance and time will eventually guide a person to their destined shore.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagom)

Soorai kaatril / Padhai maarum oodam

Comparing a human life drifting during adversity to a boat losing its course in a storm.

Personification

Nenjae nee thaan konjam poru

Addressing the heart ('Nenjae') directly as an entity capable of listening and holding patience.

Monai (Alliteration)

Nalla naalai nambi iru

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'N' in 'Nalla' and 'Nambi'.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Nalla naalai nambi iru / Ellai sera koodum

Matching second letter 'll' in 'Nalla' and 'Ellai' across rhyming concepts.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the prolific Tamil lyricist Vaali, this song relies on simple yet powerful Tamil literary allegories often utilized in philosophical Tamil cinema tracks to offer solace and encouragement to listeners facing hardship.

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