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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ninaithaal Inikkum

From Kalyanaraman · 1979

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kalyanaraman1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm mmmmHmm hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm mmmm
Huuu huu huu huuuuuHuuu huu huu huuuuu
Haaa….aaa…haaa….aaa…aaa….aa……Haaa….aaa…haaa….aaa…aaa….aa……
Female
Ninaithaal inikkumJust thinking of it is sweet,
Nalla neram serndhu varumGood times come together.
Koduthaal suvaikkumGiving love makes it delightful,
Ammammaa idhu sugamo sugamOh my, what an exquisite pleasure this is!
Female
Ninaithaal inikkumJust thinking of it is sweet,
Nalla neram serndhu varumGood times come together.
Koduthaal suvaikkumGiving love makes it delightful,
Ammammaa idhu sugamo sugamOh my, what an exquisite pleasure this is!
Female
Inba raagangalJoyful melodies
Ennai mayakkudhuare intoxicating me,
Andha aasaigal konjam puriyudhuI begin to understand those desires a little.
Naanum neeyum jodi aanaalIf you and I become a pair,
Aanandham thaan kodithe happiness will be ten million-fold!
Bodhai theeraadhu silirkkudhu…uu…uu..The intoxication never fades; it thrills me...
Silirkkudhu rasikkudhuIt thrills me and fills me with delight,
Paarvaiyae yenna paarvaiyo ammammaaOh my, what a captivating gaze that is!
Female
Ninaithaal inikkumJust thinking of it is sweet,
Nalla neram serndhu varumGood times come together.
Koduthaal suvaikkumGiving love makes it delightful,
Ammammaa idhu sugamo sugamOh my, what an exquisite pleasure this is!
Female
Andha kovilin manigalThe bells of that temple
Olikkudhuare ringing,
Artha jaamathil poojai nadakkudhua midnight worship ritual is taking place.
Sandhana medai kunguma vaadaiA platform of sandalwood, the fragrance of kumkum,
Pongudhu paalodaia stream of milk overflows,
Thaenil abishaegam manakkudhu..uu..uu…me and fragrance spreads in the honey anointment...
Manakkudhu mayakkudhuIt spreads fragrance, it mesmerises,
Mogamo enna vegamo ammammaaIs it passion, or what kind of intensity, oh my!
Female
Ninaithaal inikkumJust thinking of it is sweet,
Female
Konjum kanavugal nenjilCoaxing dreams in my heart
Niraindhadhuhave filled it up,
Andha uravugal kannil theriyudhuthose sacred bonds are visible in my eyes.
Vandhadhu vasanthamSpring has arrived,
Poovin vaasam thendral kaatroduthe fragrance of flowers along with the gentle breeze
Thennangeetrodu kulirudhu…uu…uu..chills through the coconut fronds...
Kulirndhu nadungudhuIt chills and makes me shiver,
Mogamo enna yogamo ammammaaIs it passion, or what sheer good fortune, oh my!
Female
Ninaithaal inikkumJust thinking of it is sweet,
Nalla neram serndhu varumGood times come together.
Koduthaal suvaikkumGiving love makes it delightful,
Ammammaa idhu sugamo sugamOh my, what an exquisite pleasure this is!
Ammammaa idhu sugamo sugamOh my, what an exquisite pleasure this is!
Ammammaa idhu sugamo sugam…Oh my, what an exquisite pleasure this is…

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Ninaithaal Inikkum' from the 1979 Tamil film 'Kalyanaraman' is a sensuous and blissful romantic track expressing the overwhelming joy, intoxication, and sweet anticipation of love. The protagonist reflects on how even the mere thought of her beloved brings sweet happiness, transforming every moment into a celebration of intimacy. Written by Panchu Arunachalam, the lyrics masterfully blend sacred temple imagery—such as ringing midnight bells, sandalwood paste, milk streams, and honey anointment—with sensual metaphors of romance and desire. Nature also plays a prominent role, with spring breezes and flower fragrances evoking a deep emotional and physical thrill, capturing the sheer fortune and intoxication of falling in love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyming)

Ninaithaal inikkum / Koduthaal suvaikkum

The lines end with matching verbal suffixes ('inikkum' and 'suvaikkum'), creating a rhythmic flow.

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Manakkudhu / Mayakkudhu

The second consonant sound 'na/ya' pattern along with identical endings creates a sweet phonetic repetition.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Andha kovilin manigal olikkudhu / Artha jaamathil poojai nadakkudhu

Sensual intimacy and love are poetically metaphorized as a sacred midnight temple worship ritual (Artha Jaama Poojai) with traditional offerings like milk, honey, and sandalwood.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Vandhadhu vasantham

Repetition of the initial Tamil sound 'Va' in consecutive words adds melodic appeal.

Iyaipu (End Rhyming)

Mogamo enna vegamo / Mogamo enna yogamo

Wordplays on 'vegamo' (speed/intensity) and 'yogamo' (good fortune) rhyming with 'mogamo' (passion).

Did you know?

Trivia

Although the composer and singers are listed as unknown in the prompt context, 'Kalyanaraman' (1979) famously featured music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by the film's producer Panchu Arunachalam, and this specific solo track was sung by playback legend S. Janaki. The phrase 'Ninaithaal Inikkum' is also famous as the title of another major 1979 hit movie starring Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.

Keep listening

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