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Lyrics & meaning

Neela Vanna Odaiyil

From Vazhvey Maayam · 1982

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Vazhvey Maayam1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Hmmmm..mmmmHumming sounds...
Ahaaa..haaa… haaahaaa..Vocalizations...
Male
Neela vaana odaiyil neendhugindra vennilaaThe white moon swimming in the stream of the blue sky,
Neela vaana odaiyil neendhugindra vennilaaThe white moon swimming in the stream of the blue sky,
Naan varaindha paadalgal neelam pootha kannilaaAre the songs I painted in your eyes blooming with blue?
Varaamal vandha en dheviMy goddess who arrived unannounced,
Male
Neela vaana odaiyil neendhugindra vennilaaThe white moon swimming in the stream of the blue sky.
Male
Kaalidhaasan paadinaan meghadhoodhamaeKalidasa sang the Meghadhootham,
Dhevidhaasan paaduvaan kaadhal geedhamaeThis servant of the goddess will sing a song of love,
Male
{Idhazhgalil thaenthuli{A gentle parrot carrying a drop of honey on her lips
Yendhidum paingili} (2)Carrying it...} (repeated)
Nee illaiyael naan illaiyaeIf you do not exist, I do not exist,
Oodal yen koodum neramWhy this lovers' quarrel when it is time to unite?
Male
Neela vaanaaaa.. odaiyil neendhugindra vennilaaThe white moon swimming in the stream of the blue sky,
Naan varaindha paadalgal neelam pootha kannilaaAre the songs I painted in your eyes blooming with blue?
Varaamal vandha en dheviMy goddess who arrived unannounced,
Male
Naanum neeyum naalaidhaanTomorrow, you and I
Maalai soodalaammm…Shall exchange flower garlands...
Vaanam boomi yaavumaeAll of heaven and earth
Vaazhthu paadalaamm…Shall sing songs of blessing...
Male
{Vizhiyil yen kobamoo{Why is there anger in your eyes,
Viragamoo thaabamo} (2)Is it longing or the pain of separation?} (repeated)
Sridheviyae en aaviyaeOh Sridevi, my very soul,
Enghae nee.. anghae naandhaanWherever you are, I am there too,
Male
Neela vaanaa..Female :Stop itt..In the blue sky... [Female voice]: Stop it..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic melody depicts a painter and singer passionately serenading his beloved, comparing her divine presence and eyes to poetic elements of nature. He describes her eyes as canvas containing his songs and compares her beauty to the radiant moon gliding across the sky. Reference is made to the ancient poet Kalidasa, framing his own feelings as a timeless expression of love while pleading with her to set aside her mild anger and embrace their impending union.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Neela vaana odaiyil neendhugindra vennilaa

The sky is poetically conceptualized as a flowing stream ('odai') in which the moon swims ('neendhugindra vennilaa').

Rhyme & Contrast (Edhugai / Monai)

Kaalidhaasan paadinaan meghadhoodhamae / Dhevidhaasan paaduvaan kaadhal geedhamae

Juxtaposition of the legendary poet 'Kaalidhaasan' with 'Dhevidhaasan' (servant of the goddess) creates rhythmic symmetry and literary allusion.

Visual & Sensory Imagery

Naan varaindha paadalgal neelam pootha kannilaa

Evokes vivid visual and tactile imagery by describing honey drops on lips and blue-tinted expressive eyes.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song from 'Vazhvey Maayam' (1982) features Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Composed by Gangai Amaran and rendered by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, the word play 'Sridheviyae en aaviyae' directly addresses both the character and actress Sridevi, making it an iconic moment in Tamil cinema music history.

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