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Lyrics & meaning

Nilai Marum Ulagil

From Oomai Vizhigal · 1986

Lyricist
Aabavanan
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Manoj – Gyan
Details
Oomai Vizhigal1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Hmmm…mmm…hoo..oo..ooHmmm…mmm…hoo..oo..oo
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Male
Vaazhum manidha jaadhiThe human race that exists,
Adhil vaazhvadhillai needhiJustice does not exist within it.
Vaazhum manidha jaadhiThe human race that exists,
Adhil vaazhvadhillai needhiJustice does not exist within it.
Male
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Chorus
Aaa aaa aaaaa aaaahhAaa aaa aaaaa aaaahh
Male
Dhinam thorum unavuGetting daily food
Athu pagalil thondrum kanavuIs merely a daydream seen in broad daylight.
Dhinam thorum unavuGetting daily food
Athu pagalil thondrum kanavuIs merely a daydream seen in broad daylight.
Kanavaana nilaiyilIn such a dreamy, uncertain state,
Pudhu vaazhvukkengae ninaivuWhere is the thought or hope for a new life?
Male
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Male
Vaazhum manidha jaadhiThe human race that exists,
Adhil vaazhvadhillai needhiJustice does not exist within it.
Vaazhum manidha jaadhiThe human race that exists,
Adhil vaazhvadhillai needhiJustice does not exist within it.
Male
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Female
Aaraaro aariraroLullaby sound: Aaraaro aariraro
Aaraaro aariraroLullaby sound: Aaraaro aariraro
Aaraaro aariraroLullaby sound: Aaraaro aariraro
Aaraaro aariraroLullaby sound: Aaraaro aariraro
Chorus
Aaa aaa aaaaa aaaahhAaa aaa aaaaa aaaahh
Male
Pirakkindra pothaeEven from the moment of birth,
Irakkaadha manidhanA human who lacks compassion or mercy,
Pirakkindra pothaeEven from the moment of birth,
Irakkaadha manidhanA human who lacks compassion or mercy,
Vaazhgindra saabamThe curse of enduring such a life
Avan munnor seidha paavamIs the sin committed by his ancestors.
Male
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Male
Vaazhum manidha jaadhiThe human race that exists,
Adhil vaazhvadhillai needhiJustice does not exist within it.
Vaazhum manidha jaadhiThe human race that exists,
Adhil vaazhvadhillai needhiJustice does not exist within it.
Male
Nilai maarum ulagilIn a world where states constantly change,
Nilaikkum endra kanavilClinging to the dream that things are permanent,
Lalalaala lalalaa hmm mmmLalalaala lalalaa hmm mmm

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Nilai Maarum Ulagil is a poignant, philosophical song from the movie Oomai Vizhigal that reflects on the transient nature of life, social injustice, poverty, and human cruelty. It points out the tragic irony of humanity living under the delusion of permanence in an ever-shifting world where basic necessities like daily food feel like unattainable daydreams. The lyrics convey deep despair over how righteousness and empathy seem absent in society, attributing the suffering of the innocent to inherited karmic curses and the cold pitilessness of mankind.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Muran (Antithesis)

Nilai maarum ulagil / Nilaikkum endra kanavil

Contrasts 'Nilai maarum' (changing/impermanent) with 'Nilaikkum' (permanent/lasting) to highlight human delusion.

Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Nilai maarum ulagil / Nilaikkum endra kanavil

The second consonant sound 'lai' in 'Nilai' matches 'lai' in 'Nilaikkum'.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Dhinam thorum unavu / Athu pagalil thondrum kanavu

The line endings 'unavu' and 'kanavu' rhyme, enhancing the rhythmic flow of the lyrics.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Vaazhum manidha jaadhi / Adhil vaazhvadhillai needhi

Repetition of the 'Va' root sound in 'Vaazhum' and 'vaazhvadhillai'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Oomai Vizhigal (1986) was a blockbuster Tamil action thriller created by students and graduates of the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu. The film was produced and written by Aabavanan, who also penned the lyrics for this philosophical masterpiece. The music was composed by Manoj-Gyan, and the song remains one of the most haunting philosophical tracks in Tamil cinema history.

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