Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Neer Chirai

From Payanam · 2011

Lyricist
Madhan Karky
Singer
Pradeep
Music director
Pravin Mani
Details
Payanam2011

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Neerchirai kizhiya karuvadhan payanamThe journey of the fetus as it tears through its water-prison
Vaarthaigal theliya mazhalaiyin payanamThe journey of the toddler as speech becomes clear
Korthidum poiyil kuzhandhaiyin payanamThe journey of the child weaving innocent lies
Mudiyum payanam…A journey that will end...
Male
Kanavugal kuraiya ilamaiyin payanamThe journey of youth as dreams diminish
Kaadhalgal maraiya mudhumaiyin payanamThe journey of old age as passions disappear
Oormarandhozhiya maranathin payanamThe journey of death as the town forgets and fades away
Mudiyum payanam..A journey that will end..
Male
Vaaninaich chaera theeyin payanamThe journey of fire to reach the sky
Boomiyaich chaera neerin payanamThe journey of water to reach the earth
Vetridam thaedum kaatrin payanamThe journey of wind seeking empty space
Ellaigal thaedum vaanin payanam..mmmThe journey of the sky seeking its boundaries..mmm
Male
Paadhai pogum pokkilIn the course that the path takes
Paadham pogum payanamThe journey where feet walk along
Mudhalum mudivum ariyaaKnowing neither beginning nor end
Kanavin kanavil payanamA journey within the dream of a dream
Male
Naalaik kaalai kaanaTo see tomorrow's morning
Aayul yendhi payanamA journey carrying the span of life
Vidiyum vidiyum endraeHoping that dawn will break again and again
Mudiyum mudiyum payanam..payanamA journey that ends and concludes.. journey
Male
Kiragangal thaandi uyirgalai thaedumSearching for life beyond planets
Uyirinai thaandi edhuvena thaedumSearching for what exists beyond life itself
Thanaiyizhandhu veliyinil thaedumSearching in outer space while losing oneself
Manidhanin nedum payanamThe long journey of mankind
Male
Mudindhidappogum payanathin neelamThe length of the journey about to end
Kadaisiyil naangu madangugal koodumWill multiply fourfold at the very end
Mudivadaindha pulliyil meendumAnd at the point where it reaches an end
Thodangidum oru payanamA new journey begins once again
Male
Kiragangal thaandi uyirgalai thaedumSearching for life beyond planets
Uyirinai thaandi edhuvena thaedumSearching for what exists beyond life itself
Thanaiyizhandhu veliyinil thaedumSearching in outer space while losing oneself
Manidhanin nedum payanamThe long journey of mankind
Male
Mudindhidappogum payanathin neelamThe length of the journey about to end
Kadaisiyil naangu madangugal koodumWill multiply fourfold at the very end
Mudivadaindha pulliyil meendumAnd at the point where it reaches an end
Thodangidum oru payanam…payanamA new journey begins once again... journey

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This deeply philosophical song explores the concept of 'Payanam' (Journey) across human life, natural elements, and cosmos. It traces human existence from the womb, childhood, youth, old age, and death, demonstrating how every stage is an inevitable journey toward an end. It also contrasts this with natural elements like fire reaching for the sky and water returning to the earth, highlighting nature's relentless motion. Ultimately, the song concludes that the end of one journey is merely the starting point of another, emphasizing the eternal cycle of existence and human curiosity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvam)

Neerchirai kizhiya karuvadhan payanam

'Neerchirai' (water-prison) metaphorically refers to the amniotic sac inside the womb.

Alliteration (Moni)

Paadhai pogum pokkil / Paadham pogum payanam

Repetition of the 'Pa' consonant sound across consecutive words creates a rhythmic step-like cadence reflecting walking feet.

Epiphora (Emona / End Repetition)

Mudiyum payanam…

The word 'payanam' is repeatedly used at the end of lines to reinforce the central theme of continuous travel.

Paradox / Cyclical Imagery

Mudivadaindha pulliyil meendum / Thodangidum oru payanam

Expresses the philosophical paradox that the point of termination is simultaneously the point of origination.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song 'Payanam' was composed by Pravin Mani for the 2011 film 'Payanam' directed by Radha Mohan. Lyricist Madhan Karky penned these existential lyrics capturing the theme of travel and life's endless cycles, matching the thriller film's narrative surrounding a hijacked flight and human destinies.

Keep listening

More from Payanam

No related songs found yet.