- Lyricist
- Kambadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Paamarthi
- Movie name
- Bala Nagamma
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Jul 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Nee kelaiyaa from Bala Nagamma (1960) is an evocative expression of longing, devotion, and romantic sorrow. The protagonist earnestly appeals to her beloved lord to hear her grief and grant her a single compassionate glance. Expressing pure surrender, she declares that her innermost heart secretly worships him as her lord and husband. She metaphorically compares herself to a ripe fruit offering sweet bliss and appeals to his conscience, reminding him that deserting her for someone else would go against his own inner soul.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Kodhai koiya kaniyaanaenae”
The speaker compares herself to a ripe fruit waiting to be plucked ('koiya kaniyaanaenae'), symbolizing youth, beauty, and readiness for romantic union.
Alliteration (Moonaai)
“Kodhai koiya kaniyaanaenae”
Repetition of the 'Ko/Ka' consonant sound across words in the same line creates a rhythmic melodic effect.
Anaphora / Refrain
“Nee kelaiyaa aa haha ha”
The line 'Nee kelaiyaa... Yen vedhanai' repeats throughout the song to continually emphasize her despair and appeal for attention.
Did you know?
Trivia
Bala Nagamma (1960) was a notable Tamil folklore film starring Gemini Ganesan and Savitri, with music score composed by Pamarthi. Lyricist Kambadasan was famous for his classical, poetic Tamil phrasing in early Tamil cinema songs, drama-inspired cinema.
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