- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- Swarnalatha
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Oorellam Un Paattu
- Movie release year
- 1991
- Lyrics added on
- 30 Jul 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Oorellaam Un Paattu Thaan' is an emotionally poignant, devotional love ballad written by Vaali. The narrator describes how the beloved's song resonates everywhere in the town, touching the deepest strings of their heart and filling each passing day with joy. To the protagonist, the beloved is nothing short of a divine deity, and life without them feels like an unforgiving, dry summer season.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai Ani (Simile)
“Aalam vizhudhugal polae / Aadum ninaivugal kodi”
The lyricist explicitly compares the millions of swaying memories in the mind to the long aerial roots ('vizhudhugal') hanging and swaying from a banyan tree using the comparative word 'polae'.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyming)
“Oorellaam un paattu thaan / Naalellaam un paarvai thaan”
The second letter 'la' (llaam) rhymes between 'Oorellaam' and 'Naalellaam', creating a rhythmic flow.
Monai (First Letter Rhyming / Alliteration)
“Aalam vizhudhugal polae / Aadum ninaivugal kodi”
The repetition of the initial vowel sound 'Aa' in 'Aalam' and 'Aadum' creates a melodic alliteration across the lines.
Metaphor
“Ingu nee illaadhu vaazhvil yaedhu / Vaenir kaalam thaan”
Life without the beloved is directly metaphorized as a harsh, scorching summer season ('Vaenir kaalam').
Did you know?
Trivia
'Oorellaam Un Paattu Thaan' features music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics written by legendary poet Vaali for the 1991 movie starring Ramarajan and Vaidehi. The soundtrack had multiple versions sung separately by K. J. Yesudas and Swarnalatha, becoming one of the most iconic, soulful melodies of early 90s Tamil cinema.
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