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Isaimozhi
Sparisam album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Oodal Siru Minnal

From Sparisam · 1982

Lyricist
K. Ravi
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ravi
Movie name
Sparisam
Movie release year
1982
Lyrics added on
13 Jan 2023

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalama
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalama
Kadhal vilayaatil kadhal vilayaatil
Kaneer maalai soodalama
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalama
Oodal chiru minnal
Ahaa..ha…a….aah…a…..aaha….a…..
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalama
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalama
Kadhal vilayaatil kadhal vilayaatil
Kaneer maalai soodalaama
Kadhal vilayaatil kanner maalai sudalama….
Oodal…. chiru…minnal oli nillave vaadalama
Oodal….. chiru….. minnal oli nillave vaadalama
Kadhal vilayaatil kadhal vilayaatil
Kanneer maalai soodalamaa
Oodal….chiru…minnal oli nillave vaadalama
A lovers' tiff is just a flash of lightning; my glowing moon, should you fade away?
A lovers' tiff is just a flash of lightning; my glowing moon, should you fade away?
In the game of love, in the game of love,
Should you wear a garland of tears?
A lovers' tiff is just a flash of lightning; my glowing moon, should you fade away?
A lovers' tiff is just a flash of lightning...
Aha... ha... ah... aaha... ah... aaha... ah...
A lovers' tiff is just a flash of lightning; my glowing moon, should you fade away?
A lovers' tiff is just a flash of lightning; my glowing moon, should you fade away?
In the game of love, in the game of love,
Should you wear a garland of tears?
In the game of love, should you wear a garland of tears?
A lovers' tiff... is just a little... flash of lightning; my glowing moon, should you fade away?
A lovers' tiff... is just a little... flash of lightning; my glowing moon, should you fade away?
In the game of love, in the game of love,
Should you wear a garland of tears?
A lovers' tiff is just a flash of lightning; my glowing moon, should you fade away?
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

The song revolves around the traditional Tamil poetic concept of 'Oodal'—a temporary, playful friction or quarrel between romantic partners. The protagonist comforts his beloved, addressing her as 'Nillave' (moon-like beauty), explaining that their misunderstanding is as fleeting as a spark of lightning across the sky. He pleads with her not to be sorrowful or let tears ruin the sweet playfulness of their romance. Through gentle reassurance, the song highlights that love is a joyful game where brief moments of anger should not culminate in lasting grief or a 'garland of tears'. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam's expressive vocals beautifully convey the warmth, tenderness, and comforting tone intended to win back the beloved's affection.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Oodal chiru minnal oli

Compares a temporary lovers' quarrel ('oodal') directly to a fleeting flash of lightning ('chiru minnal'), emphasizing its short-lived nature.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kaneer maalai soodalama

Refers to continuous weeping as wearing a 'garland of tears' ('kanneer maalai'), vividly illustrating deep grief.

Apostrophe / Personification

nillave vaadalama

Addresses the beloved poetically as 'Nillave' (Oh Moon), attributing the delicate wilting of a flower to the moon.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalama

The repetition of the initial 'O' sound in 'Oodal' and 'oli' creates a pleasing auditory harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Sparisam' (1982) features music composed by the veteran composer Ravi (often known as Bombay Ravi in Malayalam cinema), who composed select rare soundtracks in Tamil. The lyrics were written by K. Ravi, and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam's delicate vocal nuances elevate this melody into a memorable reflection on romantic 'Oodal' (lovers' tiff).

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