- Lyricist
- Aabavanan
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Manoj – Gyan
- Movie name
- Oomai Vizhigal
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Jul 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
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.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Oomai Vizhigal
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.