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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nee Pathi Naan Pathi

From Keladi Kanmani · 1990

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
K. J. Yesudas, Uma Ramanan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Keladi Kanmani1990

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Nee paathi naan paathi kannaeYou are half of me, I am half of you, my dearest
Female
Arugil neeyindri thoongaathu kannaeWithout you near, my eyes cannot sleep, my dearest
Male
Nee paathi naan paathi kannaeYou are half of me, I am half of you, my dearest
Female
Arugil neeyindri thoongaathu kannaeWithout you near, my eyes cannot sleep, my dearest
Male
Neeyillaiyae iniWithout you now
Naanillaiyae uyir neeyae..aeee….I do not exist, you are my life itself...
Female
Nee paathi naan paathi kannaaYou are half of me, I am half of you, my dear
Male
Arugil neeyindri thoongaathu kannaeWithout you near, my eyes cannot sleep, my dearest
Female
Vaana paravai vaazha ninaithaalIf a bird of the sky wishes to live
Vaasal thirakum vedanthaangalVedanthangal sanctuary opens its gates
Male
Gaana paravai paada ninaithaalIf this bird of song wishes to sing
Kaiyil vizhundha paruva paadalA youthful song falls right into its hands
Female
Manjal manakkum yen netri vaithaFragrant with turmeric, placed on my forehead
Pottukoru arthamirukkum unnalaeThe bindi gets its true meaning only because of you
Male
Mella sirikkum un muthunagaiYour pearl-like smile that gently laughs
Rathinathai allithelikkum munnalaeSprinkles rubies before me
Female
Meiyaanadhu uyir meiyaagavae thadaiyedhuTruth has come alive, as soul meets truth, what obstacle can remain?
Male
Nee paathi naan paathi kannaeYou are half of me, I am half of you, my dearest
Female
Arugil neeyindri thoongaathu kannaeWithout you near, my eyes cannot sleep, my dearest
Female
Nee paathi naan paathi kannaYou are half of me, I am half of you, my dear
Male
Arugil neeyindri thoongaathu kannaeWithout you near, my eyes cannot sleep, my dearest
Male
Idadhu vizhiyil thoosi vizhundhaalIf dust falls into the left eye
Valadhu vizhiyum kalanghi vidumaeThe right eye too gets filled with tears
Female
Iruttil kooda irukkum nizhal naanI am a shadow that remains even in the dark
Iruthi varaikkum thodarndhu varuvenI will follow you until the very end
Male
Sorgham yetharku yen ponnulagamWhy do I need heaven when my golden world
Pennuruvil pakkam irukku kannae vaaIs right beside me in a woman's form? Come, my dearest
Female
Indha manamthaan yen mannavanumThis heart is a garden where my king
Vandhu ulavum nandhavanam thaan anbae vaaComes to stroll freely; come, my love
Male
Sumaiyaanathu oru sughamaanathuWhat was once a burden has turned into a sweet joy
Suvai nee thaan…..You are the sweetness itself...
Female
Nee paathi naan paathi kannaaYou are half of me, I am half of you, my dear
Male
Arugil neeyindri thoongaathu kannaeWithout you near, my eyes cannot sleep, my dearest
Neeyillaiyae ini naanillaiyae uyir neeyaeWithout you now, I do not exist, you are my life itself
Female
Nee paathi naan paathi kannaaYou are half of me, I am half of you, my dear
Male
Arugil neeyindri thoongaathu kannaeWithout you near, my eyes cannot sleep, my dearest

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Nee Paathi Naan Paathi is a tender romantic duet expressing complete oneness and profound emotional devotion between two lovers. The refrain highlights the idea that both individuals form two essential halves of a single soul, unable to find rest or purpose without each other. Through imagery of nature, devotion, and shared pain, the song highlights an inseparable bond that turns every life burden into sweet joy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Gaana paravai paada ninaithaal

Comparing the female lover to a 'Gaana paravai' (bird of song) seeking her sanctuary, and comparing her gentle smile ('muthunagai') to scattering precious rubies ('rathinam').

Parallelism / Ethir-Ibaai

Idadhu vizhiyil thoosi vizhundhaal / Valadhu vizhiyum kalanghi vidumae

Contrasting the left eye and right eye to illustrate deep empathy and shared pain where one side feels whatever affects the other.

Paradox / Oxymoron

Iruttil kooda irukkum nizhal naan

'Iruttil kooda irukkum nizhal' (a shadow that stays even in the dark) creates a poetic paradox since shadows disappear in pitch darkness, emphasizing eternal loyalty.

Juxtaposition / Contradiction

Sumaiyaanathu oru sughamaanathu

Describing love as transforming a heavy burden ('sumai') into a pleasant experience ('sugham').

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali, 'Nee Paathi Naan Paathi' is one of the standout romantic duets from the film 'Keladi Kanmani' (1990), directed by Vasanth. The film famously featured singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam in a lead acting role alongside Radhika.

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