- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Chittu Kuruvi
- Movie release year
- 1978
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Nov 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Onna Nambhi Neththiyilae' from the 1978 Tamil film *Chittu Kuruvi* is a heartfelt declaration of love and unwavering devotion by a young village woman to her beloved. By adorning her forehead with a bindi ('pottu') in his name, she commits her life and honor to him, warning gently that like a delicate, fragrant rose, her heart and life would wither away without his presence.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Neer irundhaa meenirukkum / Nee irundhaa naaniruppen”
Compares her existence to that of a fish in water; just as a fish cannot survive without water, she cannot survive without him.
Ethugai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Neer irundhaa... / Nee irundhaa...”
The second letter/sound in the consecutive lines agrees ('r' sound in 'Neer' and 'Nee'), creating a pleasing rhythmic harmony.
Historical Allusion
“Veerathula kattabhomman / Rosathula oomaidhora / Surathula neeyum oru / Dhesingu raasaa”
Alludes to brave historical and legendary Tamil figures (Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Oomaithurai, and Raja Desingu) to praise her lover's courage and dignity.
Iyaipu (End rhyme)
“Onnaaru enakku kannaaru / Onnaththaan enni indha kanni”
Harmonious rhyming ending sounds ('aaru', 'kanni') that emphasize the poetic cadence in rural folk style.
Keep listening
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