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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oliyile Therivadhu

From Azhagi · 2002

Lyricist
Pazhani Bharathi
Singers
Bhavatharani, Karthik
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Azhagi2002

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oliyilae therivadhu dhevadhaiyaIs that an angel appearing in the light?
Oliyilae therivadhu dhevadhaiyaIs that an angel appearing in the light?
Uyirilae kalandhadhu nee illayaIsn't it you who merged with my soul?
Idhu nesama nesam illayaIs this real love or is it not?
Nenavukku theriyalayaDoes my conscious mind not understand?
Kanavilae nadakkutha kangalumIs this happening in a dream, or are my eyes...
Kangiratha kangiratha...seeing it clearly, seeing it clearly?
Male
Oliyilae therivadhu dhevadhaiyaIs that an angel appearing in the light?
Dhevadhaiya dhevadhaiya…….Angel, oh angel...
Female
Chinna manasukku velangavillyaeThis young heart cannot comprehend,
Nadapathu ennennaWhatever it is that is happening.
Enna enniyum puriyavillayaeNo matter how much I think, I do not understand,
Nadanthadhu ennennaWhatever it is that has happened.
Male
Kovil maniya yaaru adikkiraWho is ringing the temple bell?
Thoonga velakka yaaru ethuraWho is lighting the eternal lamp?
Oru pothum anaiyama nindru oliranumIt must keep shining brightly without ever extinguishing.
Female
Oliyilae therivadhu nee ilaiyaa..Isn't it you appearing in the light?
Nee ilaiya ..nee ilaiyaaaa….Isn't it you... isn't it you...
Male
Putham pudhiyathor ponnu silaionnuA brand new golden statue
Kulikkudhu manjalilaeIs bathing in turmeric,
Poova pola orr chinna meniyumA delicate small body like a flower
Kalandhadhu poovukkullaeHas blended into the flowers.
Female
Ariya vayasu kelvi ezhuppudhuInnocent age raises questions,
Nadantha theriyum ezhuthi vachadhuWhat was written reveals what happens,
Ezhuthiyathai padichalum edhuvum puriyalaEven if I read what is written, I understand nothing.
Female
Oliyilae therivadhu nee ilaiyaa..Isn't it you appearing in the light?
Uyirilae kalandhadhu nee illayaIsn't it you who merged with my soul?
Idhu nesama nesam illayaIs this real love or is it not?
Nenavukku theriyalayaDoes my conscious mind not understand?
Kanavilae nadakkutha kangalumIs this happening in a dream, or are my eyes...
Kangiratha kangirathaaa…....seeing it clearly, seeing it clearly?
Male
Oliyilae therivadhu dhevadhaiyaIs that an angel appearing in the light?
Dhevadhaiya dhevadhaiya…….Angel, oh angel...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful track from the movie Azhagi captures a deep sense of poetic wonder, innocent love, and nostalgic disbelief. The protagonist reflects on the ethereal presence of a loved one, questioning whether the apparition seen in the light is a dream, a divine vision, or a reality. The lyrical narrative seamlessly weaves together themes of fate, innocent youth, and eternal light, questioning the mysteries of life and destiny.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor and Imagery

Putham pudhiyathor ponnu silaionnu

Compares the woman to a golden statue ('ponnu silai') and a flower ('poova pola'), creating rich visual aesthetic imagery.

Rhetorical Questioning (Vinana) / Anaphora

Uyirilae kalandhadhu nee illaya / Idhu nesama nesam illaya

Repeated use of rhetorical questions ('nee illaya', 'nesam illaya') expresses emotional bewilderment and disbelief.

Edhugai (Tamil Rhyming Device)

Kovil maniya yaaru adikkira / Thoonga velakka yaaru ethura

Rhyming of second letters across adjacent lines ('Kovil' / 'Thoonga' -> 'vi' / 'oo' rhythm and line end harmony).

Did you know?

Trivia

Though listed as unknown in the context, this timeless classic was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja for Thangar Bachan's critically acclaimed film 'Azhagi' (2002). The song is famed for its evocative rustic melody and tender lyrics penned by Pazhani Bharathi, perfectly encapsulating childhood nostalgia and unfulfilled love.

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