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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nilavai Megam Mooduthe

From Engal Thaikulame Varuga · 1986

Lyricist
Na. Kamarasan
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Chandrabose
Details
Engal Thaikulame Varuga1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
……………..
Female
Nilavai megam mooduthaeThe cloud covers the moon
Ilamai kaalam yaenguthaeThe days of youth yearn in sorrow
Medai thedum paadal naanI am a song searching for a stage
Raagam thedum veenai naan oo…..oo….oo….I am a veena searching for a melody, oo...oo...oo...
Female
Nilavai megam mooduthaeThe cloud covers the moon
Ilamai kaalam yaenguthaeThe days of youth yearn in sorrow
Medai thedum paadal naanI am a song searching for a stage
Raagam thedum veenai naan oo…..oo….oo….I am a veena searching for a melody, oo...oo...oo...
Female
Nilavai megam mooduthaeThe cloud covers the moon
Ilamai kaalam yaenguthaeThe days of youth yearn in sorrow
Chorus
……………..
Female
Haei…..yaenintha kobam muraithaanaaHey... why this anger, is it right to glare at me?
Ennai paaraaiLook at me
Maalai kaalukku keezhae vizhalaamaaShould a garland fall under the feet?
Enna paavamWhat a sin!
Female
Thaalangal podungalPlay the rhythms
Thaalangal poda sogangal aayiramAs the rhythms play, will the day come when
Pogum naal varumaaA thousand sorrows disappear?
Female
Nilavai megam mooduthaeThe cloud covers the moon
Ilamai kaalam yaenguthaeThe days of youth yearn in sorrow
Medai thedum paadal naanI am a song searching for a stage
Raagam thedum veenai naan oo…..oo….oo….I am a veena searching for a melody, oo...oo...oo...
Female
Nilavai megam mooduthaeThe cloud covers the moon
Ilamai kaalam yaenguthaeThe days of youth yearn in sorrow
Chorus
……………..
Female
Oo…..kodaikkul vaadum nizhal naanaeOh... I am the shadow wilting inside an umbrella
Veyyil naanaeI am the blazing heat myself
Aasai paarvaikku naanae azhagaanaenI became beautiful for the gaze of desire
Anthi maalaiIn the dusk of evening
Female
Naalodru paarungal paadhangal aadaWatch every day as my feet dance
Naanangu paaduvaen ananthamthan thalaivaa….I will sing right there in pure bliss, my lord...
Female
Nilavai megam mooduthaeThe cloud covers the moon
Ilamai kaalam yaenguthaeThe days of youth yearn in sorrow
Medai thedum paadal naanI am a song searching for a stage
Raagam thedum veenai naan oo…..oo….oo….I am a veena searching for a melody, oo...oo...oo...
Female
Nilavai megam mooduthaeThe cloud covers the moon
Ilamai kaalam yaenguthae…ae…..The days of youth yearn in sorrow... ae...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This melancholy and reflective song expresses a deep sense of longing, unfulfilled potential, and emotional pain. Using poignant imagery, the protagonist compares herself to a moon obscured by clouds, a song longing for a stage to be heard, and an unplayed veena seeking its tune. The lyrics express the sorrow of youth passing by without joy or appreciation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Medai thedum paadal naan / Raagam thedum veenai naan

The singer directly equates herself to an unheard song searching for a stage and an unstrung/unplayed veena seeking a melody.

Imagery (Oruvaipudhan)

Nilavai megam mooduthae

Visual imagery comparing sadness overriding youth to dark clouds veiling the bright moon.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Medai thedum paadal naan / Raagam thedum veenai naan

The repetition of the ending word 'naan' across consecutive lines creates rhythmic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics were penned by the prominent Tamil poet and lyricist Na. Kamarasan for the 1986 film 'Engal Thaikulame Varuga'. Kamarasan was known for bringing free verse and surrealist metaphors from modern Tamil poetry into film song lyrics.

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