- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Thangakkili
- Movie release year
- 1993
- Lyrics added on
- 29 Dec 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Ninaikkaadha Neram Illai is a soulful Tamil romantic song about longing, devotion, and sleepless nights caused by separation from a beloved. The protagonist reflects on how every moment of the day and night brings thoughts of their lover, rendering them unable to sleep. Through poetic imagery of nature—like honeyed flowers, the evening breeze, a sky without a moon, and a veena waiting for fingers—the song paints a poignant picture of emotional vulnerability.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Ninaikkaadha neram illai / Unnai ninaikkaadha neram illai”
The repetition of the 'Ni' sound at the beginning of key phrases creates a rhythmic and memorable melodic flow.
Metaphor
“Veenai ondru viralgalai Thedudhingae”
Compares the yearning soul to an unplayed veena searching for the touch of its musician's fingers.
Simile (Uvamai Ani)
“Kaaviri gangaiyai pol Anbinaiyum podhu”
Compares the seamless merging of two loving hearts to the confluence of the sacred rivers Kaveri and Ganga.
Rhetorical Question
“Vilakkinai kettuk kondaa Muthu chudar veesum”
Uses a rhetorical question about a lamp shining without permission to symbolize how true love naturally illuminates lives without calculated reasoning.
Did you know?
Trivia
Thangakkili (1993) features lyrics by the legendary Tamil poet and lyricist Vaali. His lyrics in this song showcase classical literary Tamil imagery blended with tender romantic themes.
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