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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nee Mazhai

From Aaytha Ezhuthu · 2004

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
Sunitha Sarathy, Karthik
Music director
A. R. Rahman
Details
Aaytha Ezhuthu2004

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Female
Nee mazhai naan ilaiYou are the rain, I am the leaf
Etharkumel uravillaiThere is no relationship beyond this
Vidai kodu pogiren…Bid me farewell, I am leaving...
Vidai kodu pogirenBid me farewell, I am leaving
Eeramaai vaazhgirenI live on, drenched in wetness
Female
Nee mazhai naan ilaiYou are the rain, I am the leaf
Etharkumel uravillaiThere is no relationship beyond this
Vidai kodu pogirenBid me farewell, I am leaving
Vidai kodu pogirenBid me farewell, I am leaving
Eeramaai vaazhgirenI live on, drenched in wetness
Male
Nee yaaro naan yaaroWho are you? Who am I?
Kan thondri kan kaana kanneeroTears that appear in the eye and are witnessed by the eye
Kan thondri kan kaana kanneeroTears that appear in the eye and are witnessed by the eye
Oho ohh ooo ooo oooo(Vocalizations)
Oho ohh ooo ooo oooo(Vocalizations)
Ooooo….oooo…oooo…(Vocalizations)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful track from Mani Ratnam's 'Aaytha Ezhuthu' portrays a fleeting, delicate human bond through evocative nature imagery. Comparing one person to rain and the other to a leaf, lyricist Vairamuthu highlights how two souls can touch deeply yet briefly—leaving behind lingering emotional wetness before parting ways forever.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

“Nee mazhai naan ilai”

Compares the two individuals to rain and a leaf, illustrating a brief, transformative encounter that leaves a lasting impression without permanence.

Alliteration (Monai)

“Kan thondri kan kaana kanneero”

Repetition of the 'Kan' sound across words creates a rhythmic and melodic resonance.

Anaphora (Repetition)

“Vidai kodu pogiren”

Repeated phrasing of departure emphasizes the inescapable reality and grief of bidding farewell.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by A. R. Rahman for Mani Ratnam's 2004 multi-narrative political drama 'Aaytha Ezhuthu', this poetic piece features lyrics by Vairamuthu. The song captures the intertwined yet distinct fates of the lead characters.

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