Oru Kootil Sila Kaalam
From Engirundho Vandhan · 1995
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Details
- Engirundho Vandhan1995
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Poove vidai kodu | O flower, bid farewell now; |
| Purappada virumbuthu poongaatru | The gentle breeze wishes to take its leave. |
| Intha vaazhvey oru vesham | This life itself is merely a disguise, |
| Vizhigalin idharken neeroottru | Why then this constant stream of tears in the eyes? |
| Vizhigalin idharken neeroottru | Why then this constant stream of tears in the eyes? |
| Male | |
| Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana | Relationships formed for a short while in one nest |
| Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam | May scatter and change their directions. |
| Vidai koori veliyerum inneram | At this moment of bidding farewell and departing, |
| Kanneeril isai paadalaam | We can sing a melody through our tears. |
| Nijamindru nizhalaanathu nijamindru nizhalaanathu | What was real today has turned into a shadow; what was real today has turned into a shadow. |
| Koottu paravai thanathu siragai thirumba virikkalaam | The bird in the nest may spread its wings once again. |
| Male | |
| Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana | Relationships formed for a short while in one nest |
| Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam | May scatter and change their directions. |
| Vidai koori veliyerum inneram | At this moment of bidding farewell and departing, |
| Kanneeril isai paadalaam | We can sing a melody through our tears. |
| Male | |
| Yaarukku yaar ingu uravu | Who is truly related to whom in this world? |
| Idhai oorukku yaar solvathu | Who can explain this mystery to the townspeople? |
| Kanavukkul undaana kanavu | A dream born within another dream— |
| Idhil yaar nenai yaar kondatho | In this, who truly held thoughts of whom? |
| Male | |
| Mannil vevveru veshangal | On this earth, we came merely to put on |
| Naam poda vanthom | Various temporary disguises. |
| Yaar vesham mei enbathu | Which role played here is the ultimate truth? |
| Ellaamae poiyaavaathu | When everything eventually turns out to be an illusion, |
| Male | |
| Edharkkaaa thuyar kolvathu | Why should one be consumed by sorrow? |
| Vaazhkkai irukkum varaikkum | As long as life endures, |
| Varuththam maranthu sirikkalaam | Let us forget our pain and smile. |
| Male | |
| Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana | Relationships formed for a short while in one nest |
| Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam | May scatter and change their directions. |
| Vidai koori veliyerum inneram | At this moment of bidding farewell and departing, |
| Kanneeril isai paadalaam | We can sing a melody through our tears. |
| Female | |
| Dheivaanai sri valli thalaivaa | O Lord of Deivanai and Sri Valli! |
| Thiruchenthoorin vadivelavaa | O Vadivelava of Tiruchendur! |
| Naan seitha poojaigal kuraivaa | Were the prayers and worship I performed insufficient? |
| Enthan kula dheivam neeyallavaa | Are you not my family's guardian deity? |
| Female | |
| Soodum poovodum pottodum | Adorned with the flowers in my hair and the vermilion on my forehead, |
| Naan vaazh vendum | I ought to live a long and fulfilling life. |
| Eeraaru kannillaiyaa eeraaru kayillaiyaa | Do you not possess twelve eyes? Do you not possess twelve hands? |
| Irunthenna palan sollaiyyaa | Tell me, what is the use of having them all? |
| Vendi vanagum pozhuthu udhavi puriya maruppatho | When I bow down and pray, do you refuse to grant me aid? |
| Male | |
| Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana | Relationships formed for a short while in one nest |
| Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam | May scatter and change their directions. |
| Vidai koori veliyerum inneram | At this moment of bidding farewell and departing, |
| Kanneeril isai paadalaam | We can sing a melody through our tears. |
| Nijamindru nizhalaanathu nijamindru nizhalaanathu | What was real today has turned into a shadow; what was real today has turned into a shadow. |
| Koottu paravai thanathu siragai thirumba virikkalaam | The bird in the nest may spread its wings once again. |
| Male | |
| Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana | Relationships formed for a short while in one nest |
| Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam | May scatter and change their directions. |
| Vidai koori veliyerum inneram | At this moment of bidding farewell and departing, |
| Kanneeril isai paadalaam | We can sing a melody through our tears. |
பூவே விடை கொடு
புறப்பட விரும்புது பூங்காற்று
இந்த வாழ்வே ஒரு வேஷம்
விழிகளில் இதற்கேன் நீரூற்று
விழிகளில் இதற்கேன் நீரூற்று
O flower, bid farewell now;
The gentle breeze wishes to take its leave.
This life itself is merely a disguise,
Why then this constant stream of tears in the eyes?
Why then this constant stream of tears in the eyes?
ஒரு கூட்டில் சிலகாலம் உண்டான
சொந்தங்கள் திசை மாறலாம்
விடை கூறி வெளியேறும் இந்நேரம்
கண்ணீரில் இசை பாடலாம்
நிஜமின்று நிழலானது நிஜமின்று நிழலானது
கூட்டு பறவை தனது சிறகை திரும்ப விரிக்கலாம்
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
May scatter and change their directions.
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
We can sing a melody through our tears.
What was real today has turned into a shadow; what was real today has turned into a shadow.
The bird in the nest may spread its wings once again.
ஒரு கூட்டில் சிலகாலம் உண்டான
சொந்தங்கள் திசை மாறலாம்
விடை கூறி வெளியேறும் இந்நேரம்
கண்ணீரில் இசை பாடலாம்......
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
May scatter and change their directions.
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
We can sing a melody through our tears.
யாருக்கு யார் இங்கு உறவு
இதை ஊருக்கு யார் சொல்வது
கனவுக்குள் உண்டான கனவு
இதில் யார் நெஞ்சை யார் கொண்டதோ
Who is truly related to whom in this world?
Who can explain this mystery to the townspeople?
A dream born within another dream—
In this, who truly held thoughts of whom?
மண்ணில் வெவ்வேறு வேஷங்கள்
நாம் போட வந்தோம்
யார் வேஷம் மெய் என்பது
எல்லாமே பொய்யாவது
On this earth, we came merely to put on
Various temporary disguises.
Which role played here is the ultimate truth?
When everything eventually turns out to be an illusion,
எதற்காக துயர் கொள்வது
வாழ்க்கை இருக்கும் வரைக்கும்
வருத்தம் மறந்து சிரிக்கலாம்
Why should one be consumed by sorrow?
As long as life endures,
Let us forget our pain and smile.
ஒரு கூட்டில் சிலகாலம் உண்டான
சொந்தங்கள் திசை மாறலாம்
விடை கூறி வெளியேறும் இந்நேரம்
கண்ணீரில் இசை பாடலாம்......
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
May scatter and change their directions.
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
We can sing a melody through our tears.
தெய்வானை ஸ்ரீவள்ளி தலைவா
திருசெந்தூரின் வடிவேலவா
நான் செய்த பூஜைகள் குறைவா
எந்தன் குல தெய்வம் நீயல்லவா
O Lord of Deivanai and Sri Valli!
O Vadivelava of Tiruchendur!
Were the prayers and worship I performed insufficient?
Are you not my family's guardian deity?
சூடும் பூவோடும் பொட்டோடும்
நான் வாழ வேண்டும்
ஈராறு கண்ணில்லையா ஈராறு கையில்லையா
இருந்தென்ன பலன் சொல்லய்யா
வேண்டி வணங்கும்பொழுது உதவி புரிய மறுப்பதோ
Adorned with the flowers in my hair and the vermilion on my forehead,
I ought to live a long and fulfilling life.
Do you not possess twelve eyes? Do you not possess twelve hands?
Tell me, what is the use of having them all?
When I bow down and pray, do you refuse to grant me aid?
ஒரு கூட்டில் சிலகாலம் உண்டான
சொந்தங்கள் திசை மாறலாம்
விடை கூறி வெளியேறும் இந்நேரம்
கண்ணீரில் இசை பாடலாம்
நிஜமின்று நிழலானது நிஜமின்று நிழலானது
கூட்டு பறவை தனது சிறகை திரும்ப விரிக்கலாம்
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
May scatter and change their directions.
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
We can sing a melody through our tears.
What was real today has turned into a shadow; what was real today has turned into a shadow.
The bird in the nest may spread its wings once again.
ஒரு கூட்டில் சிலகாலம் உண்டான
சொந்தங்கள் திசை மாறலாம்
விடை கூறி வெளியேறும் இந்நேரம்
கண்ணீரில் இசை பாடலாம்
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
May scatter and change their directions.
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
We can sing a melody through our tears.
Poove vidai kodu
O flower, bid farewell now;
Purappada virumbuthu poongaatru
The gentle breeze wishes to take its leave.
Intha vaazhvey oru vesham
This life itself is merely a disguise,
Vizhigalin idharken neeroottru
Why then this constant stream of tears in the eyes?
Vizhigalin idharken neeroottru
Why then this constant stream of tears in the eyes?
Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam
May scatter and change their directions.
Vidai koori veliyerum inneram
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
Kanneeril isai paadalaam
We can sing a melody through our tears.
Nijamindru nizhalaanathu nijamindru nizhalaanathu
What was real today has turned into a shadow; what was real today has turned into a shadow.
Koottu paravai thanathu siragai thirumba virikkalaam
The bird in the nest may spread its wings once again.
Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam
May scatter and change their directions.
Vidai koori veliyerum inneram
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
Kanneeril isai paadalaam
We can sing a melody through our tears.
Yaarukku yaar ingu uravu
Who is truly related to whom in this world?
Idhai oorukku yaar solvathu
Who can explain this mystery to the townspeople?
Kanavukkul undaana kanavu
A dream born within another dream—
Idhil yaar nenai yaar kondatho
In this, who truly held thoughts of whom?
Mannil vevveru veshangal
On this earth, we came merely to put on
Naam poda vanthom
Various temporary disguises.
Yaar vesham mei enbathu
Which role played here is the ultimate truth?
Ellaamae poiyaavaathu
When everything eventually turns out to be an illusion,
Edharkkaaa thuyar kolvathu
Why should one be consumed by sorrow?
Vaazhkkai irukkum varaikkum
As long as life endures,
Varuththam maranthu sirikkalaam
Let us forget our pain and smile.
Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam
May scatter and change their directions.
Vidai koori veliyerum inneram
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
Kanneeril isai paadalaam
We can sing a melody through our tears.
Dheivaanai sri valli thalaivaa
O Lord of Deivanai and Sri Valli!
Thiruchenthoorin vadivelavaa
O Vadivelava of Tiruchendur!
Naan seitha poojaigal kuraivaa
Were the prayers and worship I performed insufficient?
Enthan kula dheivam neeyallavaa
Are you not my family's guardian deity?
Soodum poovodum pottodum
Adorned with the flowers in my hair and the vermilion on my forehead,
Naan vaazh vendum
I ought to live a long and fulfilling life.
Eeraaru kannillaiyaa eeraaru kayillaiyaa
Do you not possess twelve eyes? Do you not possess twelve hands?
Irunthenna palan sollaiyyaa
Tell me, what is the use of having them all?
Vendi vanagum pozhuthu udhavi puriya maruppatho
When I bow down and pray, do you refuse to grant me aid?
Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam
May scatter and change their directions.
Vidai koori veliyerum inneram
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
Kanneeril isai paadalaam
We can sing a melody through our tears.
Nijamindru nizhalaanathu nijamindru nizhalaanathu
What was real today has turned into a shadow; what was real today has turned into a shadow.
Koottu paravai thanathu siragai thirumba virikkalaam
The bird in the nest may spread its wings once again.
Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana
Relationships formed for a short while in one nest
Sonthangal dhisai maaralaam
May scatter and change their directions.
Vidai koori veliyerum inneram
At this moment of bidding farewell and departing,
Kanneeril isai paadalaam
We can sing a melody through our tears.
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
The song 'Poove vidai kodu' from the film 'Engirundho Vandhan' (1995) is a deeply moving philosophical and emotional reflection on the transience of human life, parting, and destiny. Written by the veteran lyricist Vaali, the song metaphorically views life as a stage play where human beings merely play temporary roles. Relationships built over time are compared to birds sharing a common nest before flying off in different directions when the time comes to part ways.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Intha vaazhvey oru vesham”
Life is explicitly compared to a theatrical disguise or a role played on stage, highlighting its impermanent nature.
Metaphor
“Oru koottil sila kaalam undaana sonthangal”
Human relationships and family bonds are compared to birds temporarily inhabiting a single nest before flying away.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Vaazhkkai irukkum varaikkum / Varuththam maranthu sirikkalaam”
Repetition of the initial 'Va' sound across consecutive lines creates rhythmic musicality.
Nindha Stuthi / Rhetorical Question
“Eeraaru kannillaiyaa eeraaru kayillaiyaa / Irunthenna palan sollaiyyaa”
The singer directly questions Lord Murugan's iconic twelve eyes and twelve arms, expressing painful anguish when divine aid seems absent.
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics feature classic devotional imagery associated with Lord Murugan of Tiruchendur ('Eeraaru kannillaiyaa', referring to his 12 eyes and 12 arms). Vaali expertly weaves traditional Tamil devotional motifs with existential philosophy, expressing heartbreak through an appeal to a personal deity.
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