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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Paarvai Paar

From 12B · 2001

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Karthik
Music director
Harris Jayaraj
Details
12B2001

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oru paarvai paarLook at me once
Orae paarvai paarJust look at me just once
Nenchil poo poothaalum pookkattumIf flowers bloom in my heart, let them bloom
Kadum thee pidithaalum pidikkattumEven if a fierce fire catches, let it catch
Male
Oru punnagai seiGive me a smile
Orae punnagai seiJust smile just once
Uyir vaazhvathaayinum vaazhattumIf my soul is meant to live, let it live
Illai saavathaayinum saagattumOr if it is meant to die, let it die
Male
Oru paarvai paarLook at me once
Orae paarvai paarJust look at me just once
Chorus
Nenchil poo poothaalum pookkattumIf flowers bloom in my heart, let them bloom
Kadum thee pidithaalum pidikkattumEven if a fierce fire catches, let it catch
Male
Oru punnagai sei…Chorus : Punnaghai seiGive me a smile… Chorus: Smile a bit
Orae punnagai sei…Chorus : Punnaghai seiJust smile just once… Chorus: Smile a bit
Uyir vaazhvathaayinum vaazhattumIf my soul is meant to live, let it live
Illai saavathaayinum saagattumOr if it is meant to die, let it die

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poetic sequence expresses the sheer intensity of love and longing. The protagonist pleads for just a single look or a brief smile from their beloved, fully accepting whatever emotional outcome follows. Whether that glance brings the joy of blossoming flowers or the agony of a burning flame, the lover is willing to face either bliss or complete destruction. The verse highlights the transformative power of the beloved's tiny gestures. To the lover, a simple smile or look holds the weight of life and death, symbolizing total surrender to love regardless of the consequences.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Muran (Antithesis)

Nenchil poo poothaalum pookkattum / Kadum thee pidithaalum pidikkattum

Contrasts the gentle blossoming of flowers (poo) with the destruction of a fierce fire (thee) to express extreme opposite outcomes of love.

Muran (Antithesis)

Uyir vaazhvathaayinum vaazhattum / Illai saavathaayinum saagattum

Puts living (vaazhvatayinum) and dying (saavathayinum) side by side to emphasize complete surrender to fate.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Nenchil poo poothaalum pookkattum / Kadum thee pidithaalum pidikkattum

The lines end with matching rhyming verbs 'pookkattum' and 'pidikkattum'.

Monai (Initial Assonance / Alliteration)

Nenchil poo poothaalum pookkattum

Repetition of the 'poo' sound in 'poo', 'poothaalum', and 'pookkattum'.

Did you know?

Trivia

12B (2001) marked the directorial debut of renowned cinematographer Jeeva and featured music composed by Harris Jayaraj during his breakthrough year right after 'Minnale'. The film uniquely explored a parallel timeline / sliding doors narrative concept in Tamil cinema, starring Shaam, Simran, and Jyothika.

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