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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oodal Siru Minnal

From Sparisam · 1982

Lyricist
K. Ravi
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ravi
Details
Sparisam1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalamaA lovers' quarrel is like a brief flash of lightning; oh moon-like beloved, should you wilt because of it?
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalamaA lovers' quarrel is like a brief flash of lightning; oh moon-like beloved, should you wilt because of it?
Kadhal vilayaatil kadhal vilayaatilIn the playful game of love, in the game of love...
Kaneer maalai soodalamaShould one wear a garland of tears?
Male
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalamaA lovers' quarrel is like a brief flash of lightning; oh moon-like beloved, should you wilt because of it?
Male
Oodal chiru minnalA lovers' quarrel is a brief flash of lightning...
Ahaa..ha…a….aah…a…..aaha….a…..Ahaa..ha…a….aah…a…..aaha….a…..
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalamaA lovers' quarrel is like a brief flash of lightning; oh moon-like beloved, should you wilt because of it?
Oodal chiru minnal oli nillave vaadalamaA lovers' quarrel is like a brief flash of lightning; oh moon-like beloved, should you wilt because of it?
Kadhal vilayaatil kadhal vilayaatilIn the playful game of love, in the game of love...
Kaneer maalai soodalaamaShould one wear a garland of tears?
Kadhal vilayaatil kanner maalai sudalama….In the playful game of love, should one wear a garland of tears?
Male
Oodal…. chiru…minnal oli nillave vaadalamaA lovers' quarrel... is a brief... flash of lightning; oh moon-like beloved, should you wilt because of it?
Oodal….. chiru….. minnal oli nillave vaadalamaA lovers' quarrel... is a brief... flash of lightning; oh moon-like beloved, should you wilt because of it?
Kadhal vilayaatil kadhal vilayaatilIn the playful game of love, in the game of love...
Kanneer maalai soodalamaaShould one wear a garland of tears?
Male
Oodal….chiru…minnal oli nillave vaadalamaA lovers' quarrel... is a brief... flash of lightning; oh moon-like beloved, should you wilt because of it?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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