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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nilavoli Mugamai

From Yaathisai · 2023

Lyricist
D. Babu
Singer
Surmukhi
Music director
Chakravarthy
Details
Yaathisai2023

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nilavoli mugamaaiWith a face glowing like moonlight,
Nadampuribaval naanI am the one who dances.
Iruvizhi chiraiyilIn the prison of my two eyes,
Unnai adaiththaval naanI am the one who imprisoned you.
Manam kulirnthidumaeMy heart finds soothing comfort,
NinaivazhaigalilaeIn the waves of memories.
Anutdhinam oru pudhu sugamenaAs if a new bliss unfolds every single day,
Manam magizhnthidumoWill the heart rejoice in delight?
Mathi mayangidumoWill the mind become entranced?
Chorus
…………….
Female
Karungkuzhal neendhi varumIs it a flock of dark clouds,
MugilinamooSwimming through her long black tresses?
Asainthidum thogaimayilDoes the swaying peacock with spread feathers,
Ivalidam thorthidaveAdmit defeat before her,
Thinam varumo nadamidumoAnd arrive daily to dance in homage?
Female
Kalaimagal uruvaaiIs she born as the very incarnation
PiranthavalthanooOf Goddess Saraswati upon this earth?
Kanavugal thaandiTranscending dreams,
Ival vizhigalil sudar oli irulaiThe radiant flame in her eyes
VilakkumaeDispels the darkness.
Vaan vazhivida boomiyil ivalAs the sky steps aside on this earth,
Kaal pathinthidumoWill her gentle feet leave their mark?
Female
Nilavoli mugamaaiWith a face glowing like moonlight,
Nadampuribaval naanI am the one who dances.
Iruvizhi chiraiyilIn the prison of my two eyes,
Unai adaiththaval naanI am the one who imprisoned you.
Female
Manam kulirnthidumaeMy heart finds soothing comfort,
NinaivazhaigalileIn the waves of memories.
Anudhinam oru pudhu sugamenaAs if a new bliss unfolds every single day,
Manam magizhnthidumoWill the heart rejoice in delight?
Mathi mayangidumoWill the mind become entranced?
Chorus
………………….
Female
Ival vizhi paarvai oruIs the sharp glance of her eyes
Malar kanaiyooA flower-tipped arrow of love?
Aval manam kaaiththavaloHas her mature heart blossomed?
Pala sugam serththavalooIs she the one who bestows abundant delights?
Female
Idai asaivil jeithavaloDid she conquer all with the gentle sway of her waist?
Nadanthidum nathiyooIs she a flowing river,
Alaimagal thanooOr Goddess Lakshmi herself,
Thazhuvidum kaatrooOr the caressing breeze?
Valarpirai ena valarnthidumGrowing like a waxing crescent,
Mathi pol dheivamooIs she a divinity radiant like the moon?
Aadidum iru kaalHer two moving feet and their dancing anklets,
Salangaikal naal oru sugamoDo they bring a unique pleasure every day?
Female
Nilavoli mugamaaiWith a face glowing like moonlight,
Nadampuribaval naanI am the one who dances.
Iruvizhi chiraiyilIn the prison of my two eyes,
Unai adaiththaval naanI am the one who imprisoned you.
Female
Manam kulirnthidumaeMy heart finds soothing comfort,
NinaivazhaigalileIn the waves of memories.
Anudhinam oru pudhu sugamenaAs if a new bliss unfolds every single day,
Manam magizhnthidumoWill the heart rejoice in delight?
Mathi mayangidumoWill the mind become entranced?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classical composition from the movie 'Yaathisai' (2023) expresses the captivating grace of a classical dancer and the enchanting spell she casts on her admirer. The lyric alternates between the dancer's own self-assured voice—describing her ability to hold her lover captive within her eyes—and an awestruck observer who praises her incomparable beauty, comparing her to divine figures and nature's finest elements. Rich with traditional imagery, the song invokes Goddess Saraswati (Kalaimagal), Goddess Lakshmi (Alaimagal), swaying peacocks, dark cloud-like hair, and the waxing moon. Through its rhythmic and melodic cadence, the piece captures how art, movement, and romantic allure elevate human experience into something transcendent and otherworldly.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uwamai Ani)

Nilavoli mugamaai

Compares the woman's luminous facial beauty directly to soft moonlight ('Nilavoli').

Metaphor (Uruvagak Kurippu)

Iruvizhi chiraiyil

Metaphorically describes her eyes ('Iruvizhi') as a prison ('chirai') that captivates and holds the lover's soul.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Manam magizhnthidumo / Mathi mayangidumo

Repetition of the initial sound 'Ma-' across both lines creates rhythmic harmony in classical Tamil poetry.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Manam magizhnthidumo / Mathi mayangidumo

Both lines end with the matching rhetorical suffix '-umo', establishing a musical cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Yaathisai' (2023) is a critically acclaimed historical period drama directed by Dharani Rasendran, set in 7th-century Tamilakam during the reign of the Pandyan Dynasty. Music director Chakravarthy crafted a score focused on ancient Tamil musical sensibilities, utilizing traditional acoustic textures and classical ragas to recreate an authentic historical ambience.

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