- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kavithai Malar
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 24 May 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Neerellaam Panner Amma from the 1982 film Kavithai Malar, composed by Ilaiyaraaja and sung by P. Susheela, is a poignantly expressive melody depicting deep sorrow, longing, and existential melancholy. Through the evocative lyrics of Pulamaipithan, the female protagonist reflects on the bittersweet nature of love where her tears of grief are ironised as rosewater and joyful tears. She laments that while she wished for a life filled with joy and companionship, fate left her with mere longings and heartbreak. The song uses rich metaphors of theatrical roles and temporary drawings on water (Neerkkolam) to describe the fleeting and unfulfilled nature of her relationship. Directly addressing her beloved as 'Raaja', she questions who among them truly forgot the love they shared, pleading for his gaze, hearing, and salvation from her ocean of despair.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Azhagiya neerkkolam”
Comparing life's fragile, temporary nature and unfulfilled love to 'Neerkkolam' (a decorative pattern drawn on water surface that immediately dissolves).
Contrast / Paradox
“Muthukkal kaetten kanneerai thandhaai”
Contrasting 'Muthukkal' (pearls/joys requested) with 'Kanneerai' (tears received), highlighting the irony of expectations vs reality.
Rhyme / End Rhyme (Iyaibu)
“Idhai kaettpaayoo / Oru murai paarppaayoo / Karaidhanil saerppaayoo / Kavalaiyai theerpaiyoo”
Repetition of the rhythmic interrogative suffix '-ayoo' at the end of consecutive lines creates a melodious, pleading cadence.
Hyperbole / Metaphor
“Adhil paalaivanam brindhavanam aagum”
Comparing grief and tears to the endless floodwaters of the holy Ganges river capable of transforming a desert into a lush Brindavan garden.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Pulamaipithan, this song stands as a classic demonstration of legendary playback singer P. Susheela's emotive range in rendering complex classical-infused film melodies during the early 1980s.
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