Nilava Nilava
From Kathirukka Neramillai · 1993
- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Kathirukka Neramillai1993
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Chorus | |
| Ulululululululululu…. | (Trilling vocal sound) |
| Ulululullululululu….. | (Trilling vocal sound) |
| Chorus | |
| Ulululululululululu…. | (Trilling vocal sound) |
| Ulululullululululu….. | (Trilling vocal sound) |
| Chorus | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Nee pudukkum neram | It is time for you to rise |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naangalum thaan vaarom | We too are coming along |
| Chorus | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Nee pudukkum neram | It is time for you to rise |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naangalum thaan vaarom | We too are coming along |
| Chorus | |
| Manjalaa manjalaa | In glowing turmeric hues |
| Vaanam poo poothadhu | The sky has bloomed with flowers |
| Nenjilae nenjilae | Inside the heart, in the heart |
| Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu | Love pours sweet nectar |
| Chorus | |
| Manjalaa manjalaa | In glowing turmeric hues |
| Vaanam poo poothadhu | The sky has bloomed with flowers |
| Nenjilae nenjilae | Inside the heart, in the heart |
| Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu | Love pours sweet nectar |
| Chorus | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Nee pudukkum neram | It is time for you to rise |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naangalum thaan vaarom | We too are coming along |
| Chorus | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Nee pudukkum neram | It is time for you to rise |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naangalum thaan vaarom | We too are coming along |
| Female | |
| En vaazhkkai paadhaiyil | On the path of my life |
| Naan nadandhu pogaiyil | As I walk along |
| Nee thaanae thunai enakku | You alone are my companion |
| Male | |
| En vaana veedhiyil | In the sky of my world |
| Rathiriyin velaiyl | During the time of night |
| Nee thaanae oli vilakku | You alone are the shining lamp |
| Female | |
| Unnaalae thaan | Only because of you |
| Thuyar pogindradhu | Sorrow fades away |
| Unnaalae thaan | Only because of you |
| Uyir vaazhgindradhu | My soul continues to live |
| Male | |
| En veedhiyil | Into my street |
| Thanga thaer vandhadhu | A golden chariot has arrived |
| En vaazhkkayil | Into my life |
| Pudhu seer vandhadhu | New prosperity has arrived |
| Female | |
| Oru kaadhalum kaavalum | Both love and protection |
| Nee tharum seedhanam | Are the gifts you offer |
| Ohoho… oo oo… | Oh-oh-oh... oh oh... |
| Male | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Naan puduchu konden | I have held on to you |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naan thodarndhu vandhen | I have followed along |
| Female | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Nee pudukkum neram | It is time for you to rise |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naangalum thaan vaaren | We too are coming along |
| Male | |
| Manjalaa manjalaa | In glowing turmeric hues |
| Vaanam poo poothadhu | The sky has bloomed with flowers |
| Nenjilae nenjilae | Inside the heart, in the heart |
| Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu | Love pours sweet nectar |
| Female | |
| Manjalaa manjalaa | In glowing turmeric hues |
| Vaanam poo poothadhu | The sky has bloomed with flowers |
| Nenjilae nenjilae | Inside the heart, in the heart |
| Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu | Love pours sweet nectar |
| Male | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Naan puduchu konden | I have held on to you |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naan thodarndhu vandhen | I have followed along |
| Female | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Nee pudukkum neram | It is time for you to rise |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naangalum thaan vaaren | We too are coming along |
| Male | |
| Aagaasa dhevadhai | A heavenly angel |
| Boomiyilae vandhadhu | Has descended upon the earth |
| Ammammaa enna azhagu | Oh my, what stunning beauty |
| Female | |
| Nee paarkkum paarvaiyum | The glance you throw |
| Nenjurugum vaarthaiyum | And your heart-melting words |
| Kettaalae thullum manasu | Leap with joy upon hearing them |
| Male | |
| Saei enbadhaa | Should I call you a child? |
| Unai thaai enbadhaa | Should I call you a mother? |
| Naan enbadhaa | Should I call you myself? |
| Enai nee enbadhaa | Or should I say you are me? |
| Female | |
| Kallam illaa | Guileless and pure |
| Oru vellai manam | An innocent white heart |
| Kai serndhadhu | Has joined hands |
| Indha pillai manam | With this childlike heart |
| Male | |
| Adi kanmani un mugam | Oh darling, your face |
| Aayiram paurnami | Is like a thousand full moons |
| Ohoho… ho…oo | Oh-oh-oh... oh...oh |
| Female | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Nee pudukkum neram | It is time for you to rise |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naangalum thaan vaaren | We too are coming along |
| Male | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Naan puduchu konden | I have held on to you |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naan thodarndhu vandhen | I have followed along |
| Female | |
| Manjalaa manjalaa | In glowing turmeric hues |
| Vaanam poo poothadhu | The sky has bloomed with flowers |
| Nenjilae nenjilae | Inside the heart, in the heart |
| Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu | Love pours sweet nectar |
| Male | |
| Manjalaa manjalaa | In glowing turmeric hues |
| Vaanam poo poothadhu | The sky has bloomed with flowers |
| Nenjilae nenjilae | Inside the heart, in the heart |
| Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu | Love pours sweet nectar |
| Female | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Nee pudukkum neram | It is time for you to rise |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naangalum thaan vaaren | We too are coming along |
| Male | |
| Nilava nilava ippo | Oh moon, oh moon, right now |
| Naan puduchu konden | I have held on to you |
| Nizhalaa unakku pinnae | As a shadow behind you |
| Naan thodarndhu vandhen | I have followed along |
லுலுலுலுலுலுலுலுலு
லுலுலுலுலுலுலுலுலு
(Trilling vocal sound)
(Trilling vocal sound)
நிலவ நிலவ இப்போ
நீ புடிக்கும் நேரம்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நாங்களும்தான் வாரோம்
(Trilling vocal sound)
(Trilling vocal sound)
நிலவ நிலவ இப்போ
நீ புடிக்கும் நேரம்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நாங்களும்தான் வாரோம்
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
It is time for you to rise
As a shadow behind you
We too are coming along
மஞ்சளா மஞ்சளா
வானம் பூப் பூத்தது
நெஞ்சிலே நெஞ்சிலே
காதல் தேன் ஊத்துது
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
It is time for you to rise
As a shadow behind you
We too are coming along
மஞ்சளா மஞ்சளா
வானம் பூப் பூத்தது
நெஞ்சிலே நெஞ்சிலே
காதல் தேன் ஊத்துது
In glowing turmeric hues
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Inside the heart, in the heart
Love pours sweet nectar
நிலவ நிலவ இப்போ
நீ புடிக்கும் நேரம்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நாங்களும்தான் வாரோம்
In glowing turmeric hues
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Inside the heart, in the heart
Love pours sweet nectar
நிலவ நிலவ இப்போ
நீ புடிக்கும் நேரம்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நாங்களும்தான் வாரோம்
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
It is time for you to rise
As a shadow behind you
We too are coming along
என் வாழ்க்கை பாதையில்
நான் நடந்து போகையில்
நீ தானே துணை எனக்கு
ஆண் : என் வான வீதியில்
ராத்திரியின் வேளையில்
நீ தானே ஒளி விளக்கு
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
It is time for you to rise
As a shadow behind you
We too are coming along
உன்னாலேதான்
துயர் போகின்றது
உன்னாலேதான்
உயிர் வாழ்கின்றது
On the path of my life
As I walk along
You alone are my companion
என் வீதியில்
தங்கத் தேர் வந்தது
என் வாழ்க்கையில்
புது சீர் வந்தது
In the sky of my world
During the time of night
You alone are the shining lamp
ஒரு காதலும் காவலும்
நீ தரும் சீதனம்
ஓஹோஹோ ஓ....
Only because of you
Sorrow fades away
Only because of you
My soul continues to live
நிலவ நிலவ இப்போ
நான் புடிச்சு கொண்டேன்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நான் தொடர்ந்து வந்தேன்
Into my street
A golden chariot has arrived
Into my life
New prosperity has arrived
நிலவ நிலவ
இப்போ நீ புடிச்ச நேரம்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நான் தொடர்ந்து வாரேன்
Both love and protection
Are the gifts you offer
Oh-oh-oh... oh oh...
மஞ்சளா மஞ்சளா
வானம் பூப் பூத்தது
நெஞ்சிலே நெஞ்சிலே
காதல் தேன் ஊத்துது
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
I have held on to you
As a shadow behind you
I have followed along
மஞ்சளா மஞ்சளா
வானம் பூப் பூத்தது
நெஞ்சிலே நெஞ்சிலே
காதல் தேன் ஊத்துது
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
It is time for you to rise
As a shadow behind you
We too are coming along
நிலவ நிலவ இப்போ
நான் புடிச்சு கொண்டேன்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நான் தொடர்ந்து வந்தேன்
In glowing turmeric hues
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Inside the heart, in the heart
Love pours sweet nectar
நிலவ நிலவ
இப்போ நீ புடிச்ச நேரம்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நான் தொடர்ந்து வாரேன்
In glowing turmeric hues
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Inside the heart, in the heart
Love pours sweet nectar
ஆகாச தேவதை
பூமியிலே வந்தது
அம்மம்மா என்ன அழகு....
நீ பார்க்கும் பார்வையும்
நெஞ்சுருகும் வார்த்தையும்
கேட்டாலே துள்ளும் மனசு.....
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
I have held on to you
As a shadow behind you
I have followed along
சேய் என்பதா
உனை தாய் என்பதா
நான் என்பதா
எனை நீ என்பதா
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
It is time for you to rise
As a shadow behind you
We too are coming along
கள்ளம் இல்லா
ஒரு வெள்ளை மனம்
கை சேர்ந்தது
இந்த பிள்ளை மனம்
A heavenly angel
Has descended upon the earth
Oh my, what stunning beauty
அடி கண்மணி உன் முகம்
ஆயிரம் பௌர்ணமி
ஓஹோஹோ ஓ.....
The glance you throw
And your heart-melting words
Leap with joy upon hearing them
நிலவ நிலவ
இப்போ நீ புடிச்ச நேரம்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நான் தொடர்ந்து வாரேன்
Should I call you a child?
Should I call you a mother?
Should I call you myself?
Or should I say you are me?
நிலவ நிலவ இப்போ
நான் புடிச்சு கொண்டேன்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நான் தொடர்ந்து வந்தேன்
Guileless and pure
An innocent white heart
Has joined hands
With this childlike heart
மஞ்சளா மஞ்சளா
வானம் பூப் பூத்தது
நெஞ்சிலே நெஞ்சிலே
காதல் தேன் ஊத்துது
Oh darling, your face
Is like a thousand full moons
Oh-oh-oh... oh...oh
மஞ்சளா மஞ்சளா
வானம் பூப் பூத்தது
நெஞ்சிலே நெஞ்சிலே
காதல் தேன் ஊத்துது
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
It is time for you to rise
As a shadow behind you
We too are coming along
நிலவ நிலவ
இப்போ நீ புடிச்ச நேரம்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நான் தொடர்ந்து வாரேன்
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
I have held on to you
As a shadow behind you
I have followed along
நிலவ நிலவ இப்போ
நான் புடிச்சு கொண்டேன்
நிழலா உனக்கு பின்னே
நான் தொடர்ந்து வந்தேன்
In glowing turmeric hues
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Inside the heart, in the heart
Love pours sweet nectar
In glowing turmeric hues
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Inside the heart, in the heart
Love pours sweet nectar
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
It is time for you to rise
As a shadow behind you
We too are coming along
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
I have held on to you
As a shadow behind you
I have followed along
Ulululululululululu….
(Trilling vocal sound)
Ulululullululululu…..
(Trilling vocal sound)
Ulululululululululu….
(Trilling vocal sound)
Ulululullululululu…..
(Trilling vocal sound)
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Nee pudukkum neram
It is time for you to rise
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naangalum thaan vaarom
We too are coming along
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Nee pudukkum neram
It is time for you to rise
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naangalum thaan vaarom
We too are coming along
Manjalaa manjalaa
In glowing turmeric hues
Vaanam poo poothadhu
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Nenjilae nenjilae
Inside the heart, in the heart
Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu
Love pours sweet nectar
Manjalaa manjalaa
In glowing turmeric hues
Vaanam poo poothadhu
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Nenjilae nenjilae
Inside the heart, in the heart
Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu
Love pours sweet nectar
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Nee pudukkum neram
It is time for you to rise
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naangalum thaan vaarom
We too are coming along
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Nee pudukkum neram
It is time for you to rise
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naangalum thaan vaarom
We too are coming along
En vaazhkkai paadhaiyil
On the path of my life
Naan nadandhu pogaiyil
As I walk along
Nee thaanae thunai enakku
You alone are my companion
En vaana veedhiyil
In the sky of my world
Rathiriyin velaiyl
During the time of night
Nee thaanae oli vilakku
You alone are the shining lamp
Unnaalae thaan
Only because of you
Thuyar pogindradhu
Sorrow fades away
Unnaalae thaan
Only because of you
Uyir vaazhgindradhu
My soul continues to live
En veedhiyil
Into my street
Thanga thaer vandhadhu
A golden chariot has arrived
En vaazhkkayil
Into my life
Pudhu seer vandhadhu
New prosperity has arrived
Oru kaadhalum kaavalum
Both love and protection
Nee tharum seedhanam
Are the gifts you offer
Ohoho… oo oo…
Oh-oh-oh... oh oh...
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Naan puduchu konden
I have held on to you
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naan thodarndhu vandhen
I have followed along
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Nee pudukkum neram
It is time for you to rise
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naangalum thaan vaaren
We too are coming along
Manjalaa manjalaa
In glowing turmeric hues
Vaanam poo poothadhu
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Nenjilae nenjilae
Inside the heart, in the heart
Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu
Love pours sweet nectar
Manjalaa manjalaa
In glowing turmeric hues
Vaanam poo poothadhu
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Nenjilae nenjilae
Inside the heart, in the heart
Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu
Love pours sweet nectar
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Naan puduchu konden
I have held on to you
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naan thodarndhu vandhen
I have followed along
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Nee pudukkum neram
It is time for you to rise
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naangalum thaan vaaren
We too are coming along
Aagaasa dhevadhai
A heavenly angel
Boomiyilae vandhadhu
Has descended upon the earth
Ammammaa enna azhagu
Oh my, what stunning beauty
Nee paarkkum paarvaiyum
The glance you throw
Nenjurugum vaarthaiyum
And your heart-melting words
Kettaalae thullum manasu
Leap with joy upon hearing them
Saei enbadhaa
Should I call you a child?
Unai thaai enbadhaa
Should I call you a mother?
Naan enbadhaa
Should I call you myself?
Enai nee enbadhaa
Or should I say you are me?
Kallam illaa
Guileless and pure
Oru vellai manam
An innocent white heart
Kai serndhadhu
Has joined hands
Indha pillai manam
With this childlike heart
Adi kanmani un mugam
Oh darling, your face
Aayiram paurnami
Is like a thousand full moons
Ohoho… ho…oo
Oh-oh-oh... oh...oh
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Nee pudukkum neram
It is time for you to rise
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naangalum thaan vaaren
We too are coming along
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Naan puduchu konden
I have held on to you
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naan thodarndhu vandhen
I have followed along
Manjalaa manjalaa
In glowing turmeric hues
Vaanam poo poothadhu
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Nenjilae nenjilae
Inside the heart, in the heart
Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu
Love pours sweet nectar
Manjalaa manjalaa
In glowing turmeric hues
Vaanam poo poothadhu
The sky has bloomed with flowers
Nenjilae nenjilae
Inside the heart, in the heart
Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu
Love pours sweet nectar
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Nee pudukkum neram
It is time for you to rise
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naangalum thaan vaaren
We too are coming along
Nilava nilava ippo
Oh moon, oh moon, right now
Naan puduchu konden
I have held on to you
Nizhalaa unakku pinnae
As a shadow behind you
Naan thodarndhu vandhen
I have followed along
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This upbeat and romantic song celebrates love, togetherness, and devotion. The protagonist addresses the beloved as the bright moon ('Nilava'), expressing how her presence illuminates the dark pathways of life like a guiding lamp and banishes all sorrow. He vows to follow her closely like an unwavering shadow, celebrating the joy and comfort she brings into his world.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Kaadhal thaen ootthudhu”
Love is directly compared to sweet flowing honey or nectar pouring into the heart.
Hyperbole / Metaphor
“Adi kanmani un mugam Aayiram paurnami”
Exaggerates the beauty of the beloved's face by equating it to the brilliance of a thousand full moons.
Anaphora (Repetition)
“Nilava nilava ippo / Nee pudukkum neram”
Repetition of the opening refrain creates a rhythmic, musical anchor throughout the song.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Saei enbadhaa / Unai thaai enbadhaa”
Matching end sounds ('enbadhaa') in consecutive lines create a lyrical harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by poet Pulamaipithan for the 1993 Tamil movie 'Kathirukka Neramillai', the lyrics showcase classic 90s Tamil romantic imagery comparing the heroine to celestial bodies and heavenly angels.
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