- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. Janaki, Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru
- Movie release year
- 1981
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Aug 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Neengaadha Ennam Ondru' is a romantic duet expressing eternal love and deep devotion across fourteen lifetimes ('Eer ezhu jenmam'). The lovers invoke iconic figures of timeless devotion and love—Shah Jahan, Devadas, Sita (Jaanaki), and Kannagi—to declare their absolute commitment to each other. The song uses natural imagery like floating clouds and falling rain to symbolize longing, passion, and spiritual intimacy. Ultimately, the lovers affirm that even if the cosmos changes—if the sky or earth alters—their bond will remain steadfast and unchanging through time.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Neengaadha ennam ondru / Nenjodu undu”
Repetition of the initial 'N' sound in 'Neengaadha' and 'Nenjodu' creates melodic rhythm.
Simile / Cultural Allusion
“Oru shajahaan oru dhaevadass / Oru jaanaki oru kannagi”
Comparing their love to legendary historical and mythological figures like Shah Jahan, Devadas, Sita, and Kannagi.
Metaphor & Nature Imagery
“Mazhaiyaaga maaruven / Madi meedhu seruvaen”
Transforming into rain to embrace the beloved metaphorically represents cooling passion and complete surrender.
Hyperbole
“Vaan maaralaam nilam maaralaam / Maaraamal iruvarum inaindhiruppom”
Exaggerating love across 14 reincarnations ('Eer ezhu jenmam') and enduring beyond changes in sky and earth to show eternity.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is from the 1981 Tamil film 'Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru', directed by K. Bhagyaraj. The music was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali, and the song was sung by K.J. Yesudas and S.P. Sailaja.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Vidiyum Varai Kaathiru
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.