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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nilave Ennidam Nerungathe

From Ramu · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Ramu1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nithtiraiyil vanthuWho is the noble man who came in my sleep
Nenjil idam kondaAnd took a place in my heart,
Uththaman yaarodi…Who is he, my friend?
Female
Nithtiraiyil vanthuWho is the noble man who came in my sleep
Nenjil idam kondaAnd took a place in my heart,
Uththaman yaarodi…thozhiWho is he, my friend?
Female
Nithtiraiyil vanthuWho is the noble man who came in my sleep
Nenjil idam kondaAnd took a place in my heart,
Uththaman yaarodi…Who is he?
Male
{Nilavae ennidam nerungathaeOh moon, do not come near me,
Nee ninaikkum idaththil naanillai…} (2)I am not in the state or place you imagine me to be...
Male
Malarae ennidam mayangathaeOh flower, do not be enchanted by me,
Nee mayangum vagaiyil naanillai…I am not in a state to fascinate you...
Nilavae ennidam nerungathaeOh moon, do not come near me,
Nee ninaikkum idaththil naanillai…I am not in the state or place you imagine me to be...
Male
Kodaiyil oru naal mazhai varalaamRain may fall on a summer day,
En kolaththil inimel ezhil varumoBut will charm ever return to my condition?
Kodaiyil oru naal mazhai varalaamRain may fall on a summer day,
En kolaththil inimel ezhil varumo….But will charm ever return to my condition?
Male
Paalaiyil oru naal kodi varalaamA vine might sprout in a desert one day,
En paarvaiyil inimel sugam varumo…But will happiness ever return to my sight?
Male
Nilavae ennidam nerungathaeOh moon, do not come near me,
Nee ninaikkum idaththil naanillai…I am not in the state or place you imagine me to be...
Male
Oomaiyin kanavai yaar arivaarWho can ever understand the dream of a mute person?
Oomaiyin kanavai yaar arivaarWho can ever understand the dream of a mute person?
En ullathin kathavai yaar thirapparWho will unlock the door to my heart?
Moodiya megam kalaiyumunnaeBefore the heavy dark clouds disperse,
Nee paada vanthaayo vennilavae…Did you come to sing, oh bright moon?
Male
Nilavae ennidam nerungathaeOh moon, do not come near me,
Nee ninaikkum idaththil naanillai…I am not in the state or place you imagine me to be...
Male
Amaithi illatha nerathilaeDuring a time devoid of peace,
Amaithi illatha nerathilae…During a time devoid of peace...
Antha aandavan ennaiyae padaiththu vittanThe Almighty created me of all people,
Nimmathi izhanthae naan alainthenHaving lost my peace of mind, I wandered aimlessly,
Intha nilaiyil unnai yen thoothu vittan…Why did He send you as an emissary in this state?
Male
Nilavae ennidam nerungathaeOh moon, do not come near me,
Nee ninaikkum idaththil naanillai…I am not in the state or place you imagine me to be...
Malarae ennidam mayangathaeOh flower, do not be enchanted by me,
Nee mayangum vagaiyil naanillai…I am not in a state to fascinate you...
Male
Nilavae ennidam nerungathaeOh moon, do not come near me,
Nee ninaikkum idaththil naanillai…I am not in the state or place you imagine me to be...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Nilave Ennidam Nerungathe' from Ramu (1966) is a poignant, melancholic monologue where the protagonist addresses nature—specifically the moon and flowers—imploring them to keep their distance. Heartbroken and burdened by profound sorrow, he warns them that he is a shadow of his former self, devoid of joy or peace, and incapable of reciprocating warmth or beauty. Through evocative imagery such as summer rain, desert vines, and the silent dreams of a mute person, Kannadasan captures a sense of irreversible loss and existential anguish. The speaker questions divine justice, wondering why love or comfort has arrived only after his peace of mind has been completely destroyed.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Apostrophe / Personification

Nilavae ennidam nerungathae / Malarae ennidam mayangathae

The speaker directly addresses inanimate objects of nature (the moon and a flower) as if they possess conscious feelings and understanding.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Nilavae ennidam nerungathae / Nee ninaikkum idaththil naanillai

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'N' ('Ni', 'Ne', 'Na') creates a rhythmic, musical flow.

Muran (Antithesis / Contrast)

Kodaiyil oru naal mazhai varalaam / En kolaththil inimel ezhil varumo

Contrasts rare natural possibilities (rain during a scorching summer) against the absolute impossibility of joy returning to his life.

Metaphor

Oomaiyin kanavai yaar arivaar

The 'dream of a mute person' serves as a metaphor for unspoken, unexpressed inner pain that no one else can comprehend.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed as Unknown in some archives, the music for Ramu (1966) was composed by M. S. Viswanathan (MSV), and this iconic rendition was sung by P. B. Sreenivas. Kannadasan's lyrics in 'Nilave Ennidam Nerungathe' are celebrated as one of the finest classic representations of tragedy and melancholy in Tamil cinema.

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