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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Neeril Oru Thamarai

From Nenjathai Allitha · 1984

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Jeyachandran
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nenjathai Allitha1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Neeril oru thamarai thamaraiyil poovidhazhA lotus in the water, a flower petal on the lotus
Poovidhazhil punnagai punnagaiyil ennavoA smile on the flower petal, and what is inside that smile?
Neeril oru thamarai thamaraiyil poovidhazhA lotus in the water, a flower petal on the lotus
Poovidhazhil punnagai punnagaiyil ennavoA smile on the flower petal, and what is inside that smile?
Male
Veettiloru oviyam oviyaththil penn mugamA painting in the house, a woman's face in the painting
Veettiloru oviyam oviyaththil penn mugamA painting in the house, a woman's face in the painting
Penn mugaththil sinthanai sinthanaigal yaar vasamDeep thoughts on the woman's face, under whose control are those thoughts?
Penn mugaththil sinthanai sinthanaigal yaar vasamDeep thoughts on the woman's face, under whose control are those thoughts?
Male
: Chiththiraththai parththathum muththamida odinaenAs soon as I saw the portrait, I ran to kiss it
Muththamida pogaiyil chiththiraththai thedinaenAs I went to kiss it, I searched for the portrait
Male
Neeril oru thamarai thamaraiyil poovidhazhA lotus in the water, a flower petal on the lotus
Poovidhazhil punnagai punnagaiyil ennavoA smile on the flower petal, and what is inside that smile?
Male
Netru sonna vaarththaigal neela vizhi paarvaigalThe words spoken yesterday, the glances from blue eyes
Netru sonna vaarththaigal neela vizhi paarvaigalThe words spoken yesterday, the glances from blue eyes
Ootty vaiththa aasaigal un sirippin paashaigalThe desires nurtured, the language of your smile
Ootty vaiththa aasaigal un sirippin paashaigalThe desires nurtured, the language of your smile
Male
Kadhaliththa nypagam kadaisi varai pogumoWill the memories of loving each other last until the very end?
Kooda vantha naatkalai marappathenna niyaayamoIs it fair to forget the days spent together?
Male
Neeril oru thamarai thamaraiyil poovidhazhA lotus in the water, a flower petal on the lotus
Poovidhazhil punnagai punnagaiyil ennavoA smile on the flower petal, and what is inside that smile?
Male
Paattu ondru paadinean paadiyathu kettathoI sang a song, was my singing heard?
Paattu ondru paadinean paadiyathu kettathoI sang a song, was my singing heard?
Ketta kural vaadumo vaattuvathu niyaayamoWill the voice that heard it wither, is it fair to torment it so?
Ketta kural vaadumo vaattuvathu niyaayamoWill the voice that heard it wither, is it fair to torment it so?
Male
Paadhai pala maaralaam maariyathu seralaamPaths may change, and the changed paths may reunite
Saernthu vara enninaen enniyathu paavamoI wished to come together, is it a sin to have wished so?
Male
Neeril oru thamarai thamaraiyil poovidhazhA lotus in the water, a flower petal on the lotus
Poovidhazhil punnagai punnagaiyil ennavoA smile on the flower petal, and what is inside that smile?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This tender romantic song expresses a lover's deep fascination and emotional torment over his beloved. Using cascading visual imagery—a lotus in water, a smile on a petal, a painting of a woman's face—the protagonist ponders the depth of her thoughts and feelings. He reflects on cherished moments, gentle conversations, and shared memories, wondering if time will fade their bond or if fate will bring their diverging paths back together. The lyrics convey a poignant blend of poetic admiration, sorrow of separation, and an enduring hope for reunion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anadiplosis / Anthathi (Chaining)

Neeril oru thamarai thamaraiyil poovidhazh / Poovidhazhil punnagai punnagaiyil ennavo

The end of one phrase forms the beginning of the next (e.g., thamarai -> thamaraiyil, poovidhazh -> poovidhazhil, punnagai -> punnagaiyil), creating a seamless rhythmic flow.

Second Letter Rhyme (Emoni / Dvitiyakshara Prasa)

Netru sonna vaarththaigal neela vizhi paarvaigal / Ootty vaiththa aasaigal un sirippin paashaigal

Rhyming of the second consonant across lines to maintain Tamil poetic structure (Netru / Ootty).

Visual Imagery and Metaphor

Veettiloru oviyam oviyaththil penn mugam

Comparing the beloved's smile and face to layers of a lotus flower and a vivid painting to convey captivating allure.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song features lyrical genius Vaali utilizing traditional Tamil Anthathi (chaining) poetic techniques adapted cleverly for modern light music composed by M. S. Viswanathan.

Keep listening

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