- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Ramu
- Movie release year
- 1966
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Mar 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
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.
Keep listening
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