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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nilavu Neram

From Annai Or Aalayam · 1979

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Annai Or Aalayam1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
…………………………
Female
Nilavu neram iravu kaayumIt is moonlight time, and the night glows warm
Vaanilae aayiram velliA thousand silver stars sparkle in the sky
Vaadudhu malligai palli ingaeThe bed of jasmine flowers is wilting here in waiting
Avanai azaithtaen vaaraano..haaI called out to him, will he come? Aha...
Female
Nilavu neram iravu kaayumIt is moonlight time, and the night glows warm
Female
Vaan konda neelam polaeJust like the deep blue embraced by the sky
Vizhi konda nangai naanaeI am the maiden blessed with beautiful eyes
Aada vaaCome to dance
Aada vaa..azaiththen vaaCome to dance... I have invited you, come
Female
Poo nagai thoovinaal maenagaiWhen Menaka scatters her flower-like smiles
Mogam adhu vaaraadho..haaWon't passionate desire awake? Aha...
Female
Nilavu neram iravu kaayumIt is moonlight time, and the night glows warm
Female
Naal thorum kaalai maalaiEvery single day, morning and evening
Arangaerum kaaman leelaiThe playful games of the love god Kamadeva unfold
Naadi vaaCome seeking me
Naadigal thudiththen vaaCome as my pulse throbs with longing
Female
Aayiram aanantham aarambamA thousand joyously romantic moments begin
Anthi pagal thonraadho haaWon't night and day blur together? Aha...
Female
Nilavu neram iravu kaayumIt is moonlight time, and the night glows warm
Male
……………………………
Female
Kaaboolin dhiraatchai minnaAs the grapes of Kabul shine brightly
Kai kondu koidhaal ennaWhat harm is there if you pluck them with your hands?
Kaadhalaa..kaadhalaal naan aadaOh beloved... as I dance out of pure love
Male :Oh my daarlingMale: Oh my darling
Female
Odai naan odam neeI am the stream, and you are the boat
Odi vaa aasai alai modhaadho..haaRun to me, won't the waves of desire crash over us? Aha...
Female
Nilavu neram iravu kaayumIt is moonlight time, and the night glows warm
Vaanilae aayiram velliA thousand silver stars sparkle in the sky
Vaadudhu malligai palli ingaeThe bed of jasmine flowers is wilting here in waiting
Avanai azaithtaen vaaraano..I called out to him, will he come?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a seductive and romantic duet set during a moonlit night, filled with anticipation and longing. The woman expresses her desire for her lover, describing the romantic ambiance created by the silvery night sky and jasmine flowers. She compares her beauty and dance to a celestial nymph (Menaka) and entices her lover to join her in celebration of intimacy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai Ani)

Vaan konda neelam polae

Compares her eyes/beauty to the natural deep blue shade of the sky using 'polae' (like).

Metaphor (Uruvagak Ani)

Odai naan odam nee

Metaphorically equates the male lover to a boat ('odam') and the female lover to the stream ('odai') carrying him.

Iyaipu (Rhyming end words)

Naal thorum kaalai maalai / Arangaerum kaaman leelai

The words 'maalai' and 'leelai' at the end of the lines create an end-rhyme scheme.

Monai (Alliteration)

Odai naan odam nee / Odi vaa aasai alai

Repetition of the initial 'O' sound in 'Odai', 'odam', and 'Odi' across the lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Annai Or Aalayam' (1979) was a bilingual Tamil-Telugu film directed by R. Thyagarajan and produced by Devar Films, starring Rajinikanth and Sripriya. The soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics authored by Vaali.

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