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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Neelagiri Poove Nenjilulla

From Kudumbam (1984) · 1984

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. N. Surendar, S. Janaki
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Kudumbam (1984)1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaeneO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaeneO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Muththukkili paaduthae mullai kodi naanuthaeThe pearl parrot sings, the jasmine creeper blushes in shyness,
Anthi mayakkam….vanthu vittathaeThe twilight trance... has arrived.
Male
Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaeneO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaeneO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Male
Vandu vanthu paadaa poonthottamaeO flower garden where bees do not come to sing,
Vaattuthadi enna un yaekkamaeYour yearning torments me so!
Vandu vanthu paadaa poonthottamaeO flower garden where bees do not come to sing,
Vaattuthadi enna un yaekkamaeYour yearning torments me so!
Female
Nalla naala paaru ponnu vanthu keluLook for a good day and ask for the bride's hand,
Panthakaalu podu thangathaali sooduErect the wedding canopy post and adorn with the golden thali,
Male
Panguni maasam paakku vaippaenIn the month of Panguni, I shall present the betel offering,
Vaa….vaa…..poomaanae….Come... come... my beloved deer...
Female
Neelagiri poovey nenjilulla thaenaeO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Neelagiri poovey nenjilulla thaenae…..ae…ae…ae…O flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart...
Muththukkili paaduthae mullai kodi naanuthaeThe pearl parrot sings, the jasmine creeper blushes in shyness,
Anthi mayakkam….vanthu vittathaeThe twilight trance... has arrived.
Male
Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaeneO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaeneO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Female
Malligaiyai thoovi paai podavaaShall I spread the mat sprinkling jasmine flowers?
Mannan madi melae kann moodavaaShall I close my eyes upon my king's lap?
Malligaiyai thoovi paai podavaaShall I spread the mat sprinkling jasmine flowers?
Mannan madi melae kann moodavaaShall I close my eyes upon my king's lap?
Male :Vaigai aaththu meenae sonthakkaaran naanaeMale: O fish of the Vaigai river, I am the rightful owner!
Thoondi poda vaaraen thookki poga poraenI come to cast the fishing hook and carry you away!
Female
Santhanam poosum neramithuThis is the time to apply fragrant sandalwood,
Vaa…. vaa…..neeraadaCome... come... to bathe...
Female
Neelagiri pooveyO flower of Nilgiri,
Female :AahFemale: Ah!
Male :Nenjilulla thaenaeMale: O honey in my heart!
Female :AahFemale: Ah!
Female
Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaeneO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Male :Muththukkili paaduthae mullai kodi naanuthaeMale: The pearl parrot sings, the jasmine creeper blushes in shyness,
Female :Anthi mayakkam….vanthu vittathaeFemale: The twilight trance... has arrived.
Male
Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaeneO flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart!
Male :Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaene….Male: O flower of Nilgiri, O honey in my heart...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic melody 'Neelagiri Poove' from the 1984 movie Kudumbam expresses the sweet romantic anticipation between two lovers looking forward to their marriage and togetherness. The couple addresses each other with affectionate terms, comparing each other to flowers of Nilgiri, honey, and fish of the river Vaigai. They eagerly look forward to setting up the auspicious date for marriage in the month of Panguni and enjoying intimacy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Metaphor/Simile)

Neelagiri poove nenjilulla thaene

Comparing the beloved to a flower of Nilgiri ('Neelagiri poove') and sweet honey stored in the heart ('nenjilulla thaene').

Personification (Tharkurippaetru Ani)

Muththukkili paaduthae mullai kodi naanuthae

Attributing human traits such as blushing in shyness to a jasmine vine ('mullai kodi naanuthae').

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Malligaiyai thoovi paai podavaa / Mannan madi melae kann moodavaa

Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'M' in 'Malligaiyai' and 'Mannan'.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Neelagiri Poove' was composed by Gangai Amaran for the movie 'Kudumbam' starring Vijayakanth and Sujatha. The track was rendered beautifully by singer S. N. Surendar alongside S. Janaki and remains one of the notable romantic duets written by lyricist Vaali in the 1980s.

Keep listening

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