Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Murai Paarthale

From Panchali · 1959

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
A. L. Ragavan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Panchali1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Un uruvam manadhai vittu neengaadhu eppodhumYour face will never leave my heart, forever.
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Un uruvam manadhai vittu neengaadhu eppodhumYour face will never leave my heart, forever.
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Male
Karuvizhi paarvaiyil minnal vandhaadumIn the gaze of your dark eyes, lightning dances,
Karpanai kettaadha arpudha kavi paadumSinging wondrous poetry beyond the realms of imagination.
Karuvizhi paarvaiyil minnal vandhaadumIn the gaze of your dark eyes, lightning dances,
Karpanai kettaadha arpudha kavi paadumSinging wondrous poetry beyond the realms of imagination.
Kanidhazh vaai sollil inimai vazhindhodumIn the words from your tender lips, sweetness overflows,
Kanidhazh vaai sollil inimai vazhindhodumIn the words from your tender lips, sweetness overflows,
Kalaiyazhagae unnai vaazhnaalilOh artistic beauty, in my lifetime,
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Un uruvam manadhai vittu neengaadhu eppodhumYour face will never leave my heart, forever.
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Male
Kannangalai rojaa malar enbadhaa?Shall I call your cheeks a rose flower?
Kannangalai rojaa malar enbadhaa?Shall I call your cheeks a rose flower?
Illai kannadi endrae naan varnippadhaa?Or shall I describe them as smooth as a mirror?
Kangalai meenendru solvadhaa?Shall I call your eyes fish?
Kangalai meenendru solvadhaa?Shall I call your eyes fish?
Illai kadalukku uvamaiyaai kolvadhaa?Or shall I compare them to the deep ocean?
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Un uruvam manadhai vittu neengaadhu eppodhumYour face will never leave my heart, forever.
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Male
Maandhalirai kaanum podhuWhen looking at tender mango leaves,
Maandhalirai kaanum podhuWhen looking at tender mango leaves,
Un vanna maeni adhil kaanudhaeI see your radiant golden body in them,
Vanna maeni adhil kaanudhaeI see your radiant golden body in them,
Poonguyilae unnai ennum bodhaeOh sweet cuckoo, whenever I think of you,
Poonguyilae unnai ennum bodhaeOh sweet cuckoo, whenever I think of you,
Oru pudhiya ulagamum thonudhaeA whole new world seems to awaken.
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough,
Un uruvam manadhai vittu neengaadhu eppodhumYour face will never leave my heart, forever.
Oru murai paarthaale podhumJust a single glance is enough.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Oru murai paarthaale podhum' is a classic romantic track expressing the overwhelming fascination and joy brought on by a single glance of the beloved. The protagonist declares that seeing his lover just once leaves an unforgettable imprint on his soul that endures forever. He marvels at her expressive dark eyes, which seem to dance like lightning and inspire poetry beyond imagination, and her sweet speech that flows like nectar.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Karuvizhi paarvaiyil minnal vandhaadum / Karpanai kettaadha arpudha kavi paadum

The occurrence of the 'Ka' (க) sound at the start of consecutive lines ('Karuvizhi' and 'Karpanai') creates a rhythmic Monai effect.

Metaphor / Uvamai (Visual Imagery)

Kannangalai rojaa malar enbadhaa? ... Kangalai meenendru solvadhaa?

The lyricist compares her cheeks to delicate rose flowers/mirrors and her eyes to fish (a classic Tamil literary motif, 'Kayalvizhi'), emphasizing traditional ideals of beauty.

Metaphor (Nature Imagery)

Maandhalirai kaanum podhu / Un vanna maeni adhil kaanudhae

Compares the heroine's glowing complexion to the reddish-golden tint of fresh, tender mango leaves (Maandhalir).

Did you know?

Trivia

Released in the 1959 Tamil film *Panchali*, this song was composed by the legendary 'Mama' K. V. Mahadevan and penned by veteran lyricist A. Maruthakasi. Sung by A. L. Ragavan, who was well known for his expressive vocal versatility, the song remains a fondly remembered romantic melody from the golden era of Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

More from Panchali