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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Deivam Thantha Poove (Female)

From Kannathil Muthamittal · 2002

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
P. Jayachandran, Chinmayi
Music director
A. R. Rahman
Details
Kannathil Muthamittal2002

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
{Nenjil jil jil jilA cool sensation in the heart
Kaathil dhil dhil dhilA soft flutter in the ear
Kannathil muthamittaal neeIf you plant a kiss on the cheek
Kannathil muthamittaal} (2)If you plant a kiss on the cheek
Female
{Oru deivam thantha poovaeOh flower bestowed by God
Kannil thedal enna thaiyae} (2)Why is there a search in your eyes, my child?
Female
Vaazhvu thodangum idam nee thanaeYou are the place where life begins
Aahaaa….aaa….aaaa…..aaa….Aahaaa….aaa….aaaa…..aaa….
Vaazhvu thodangum idam nee thanaeYou are the place where life begins
Vaanam mudiyum idam nee thaanaeYou are the place where the sky ends
Kaatrai pola nee vanthaiyaeYou came like the gentle breeze
Swasamaaga nee nindraaiyaeYou became the very air I breathe
Maarbil oorum uyiraeOh life force welling up in my chest
Female
Oru deivam thantha poovaeOh flower bestowed by God
Kannil thedal enna thaiyaeWhy is there a search in your eyes, my child?
Male
{Nenjil jil jil jilA cool sensation in the heart
Kaathil dhil dhil dhilA soft flutter in the ear
Kannathil muthamittaal neeIf you plant a kiss on the cheek
Kannathil muthamittaal} (2)If you plant a kiss on the cheek
Female
Enathu sondham neeYou are my dearest relation
Enathu pagaiyum neeYou are also my foe
Kaadhal malarum neeYou are the flower of love blooming
Karuvil mullum neeYou are a thorn in the womb
Female
Chella mazhaiyum neeYou are a sweet shower of rain
Chinna idiyum neeYou are a little strike of thunder
Chella mazhaiyum neeYou are a sweet shower of rain
Chinna idiyum neeYou are a little strike of thunder
Female
Pirantha udalum neeYou are the body that was born
Piriyum uyirum neeYou are the soul that departs
Pirantha udalum neeYou are the body that was born
Piriyum uyirum neeYou are the soul that departs
Maranam eendra jananam neeYou are the rebirth birthed by death
Female
Oru deivam thantha poovaeOh flower bestowed by God
Kannil thedal enna thaiyaeWhy is there a search in your eyes, my child?
Male
Nenjil jil jil jilA cool sensation in the heart
Kaathil dhil dhil dhilA soft flutter in the ear
Kannathil muthamittaal neeIf you plant a kiss on the cheek
Kannathil muthamittaalIf you plant a kiss on the cheek

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful lullaby from Mani Ratnam's 'Kannathil Muthamittal' captures the bittersweet essence of parental love, adoption, and a child's search for identity. The speaker addresses their adopted daughter with tender reverence, calling her a divine gift while acknowledging the existential pain and curiosity that lingers in her searching eyes. The lyrics weave stark dualities—comparing the child to both sweet rain and sudden thunder, kin and foe, life and death. Ultimately, the song reflects how the child is the center of the parent's universe, bringing supreme joy alongside an aching awareness of her yearning to discover her origins.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Muran (Antithesis)

Enathu sondham nee / Enathu pagaiyum nee

Contrasts opposing ideas of 'sondham' (kin) and 'pagai' (foe) to show the emotional complexity the child brings into the parent's life.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Oru deivam thantha poovae

Compares the adopted child directly to a precious flower gifted by God.

Simile (Uvamai Ani)

Kaatrai pola nee vanthaiyae

Uses 'pola' (like) to compare the sudden, gentle arrival of the child to a breeze.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Pirantha udalum nee / Piriyum uyirum nee

Repetition of the initial 'Pi' sound in 'Pirantha' and 'Piriyum' adds melodic cadence to the poetic structure.

Oxymoron

Maranam eendra jananam nee

Pairs contradictory concepts—'Maranam' (death) giving birth to 'Jananam' (life/birth)—to express profound existential rebirth.

Did you know?

Trivia

Though the provided metadata lists the composer and singer as unknown, the soundtrack was composed by A.R. Rahman, winning him the National Film Award for Best Music Direction. Lyricist Vairamuthu also won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics for this film. Furthermore, the female version of 'Oru Deivam Thantha Poove' marked the legendary debut of singer Chinmayi Sripaada in Tamil film music.

Keep listening

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