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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Parvai Paarkumpothu

From Nangooram · 1979

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, B. Vasantha
Music director
V. Kumar
Details
Nangooram1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oru paarvai paarkkum bothuWhen you cast a single look
Uyir paadum nooru pattuThe soul sings a hundred songs
Maru paarvai paarkkum bothuWhen you cast a second look
Manam oodum kelvi kettuThe mind runs away asking questions
Female
Haa haa haa haaa aaaHaa haa haa haaa aaa
Male
Oru paarvai paarkkum bothuWhen you cast a single look
Uyir paadum nooru pattuThe soul sings a hundred songs
Maru paarvai paarkkum bothuWhen you cast a second look
Manam oodum kelvi kettuThe mind runs away asking questions
Male
Kodi vaarthaigalai serthu veithuGathering a crore of words,
Konda ullamThe heart that holds them
Odi odi adhu paaindhu sellugindra vellamIs a flood that rushes and surges forward
Female
Hoo ooo ooo haa aaaHoo ooo ooo haa aaa
Male
Ninaikkiren solla mozhiyillaiI intend to speak, but lack the words
Enakkuthaan enna naanamooWhy am I filled with such shyness?
Neeyum mauna raagamYou are a silent melody
Naanum mauna geethamAnd I am a silent song
Neeyum mauna raagamYou are a silent melody
Naanum mauna geethamAnd I am a silent song
Sonnaal yettrukolvaaiIf I speak, you would accept it
Ennaal mudiyavillaiYet I am unable to bring myself to say it
Male
Oru paarvai paarkkum bothuWhen you cast a single look
Uyir paadum nooru pattuThe soul sings a hundred songs
Maru paarvai paarkkum bothuWhen you cast a second look
Manam oodum kelvi kettuThe mind runs away asking questions
Male
Andhi neram undhan manjal maeniAt evening time, seeing your golden body,
ThanaikanduUpon beholding it,
Indha nenjil alai pola vandha sugam unduThere is a wave-like bliss that rushes into this heart
Female :Hoo ooo ooo haa aaaHoo ooo ooo haa aaa
Male
Mazhaiyilae konjam nanaigirenI get a little drenched in the rain
Veyillae konjam kaaigirenI warm up a little in the sunshine
Paniyae adhigamaanalIf the cold dew becomes intense,
Adhuvae analum aagumEven that turns into scorching fire
Paniyae adhigamaanalIf the cold dew becomes intense,
Adhuvae analum aagumEven that turns into scorching fire
Illai endra solla haha neeyum verum allaHaha, you are not someone who would say 'no'
Male
Oru paarvai paarkkum bothuWhen you cast a single look
Uyir paadum nooru pattuThe soul sings a hundred songs
Maru paarvai paarkkum bothuWhen you cast a second look
Manam oodum kelvi kettuThe mind runs away asking questions

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Oru Paarvai Paarkkum Bothu is a sweet, reflective romantic duet from the film Nangooram (1979). The song expresses the unsaid emotions between two lovers who are deeply in love yet bound by bashful hesitation. A single glance from the beloved causes a flood of joy and music in the soul, while a second glance leaves the mind overwhelmed with restless feelings. Though their hearts hold a million thoughts, they remain quiet, beautifully describing their dynamic as a 'silent melody' and a 'silent song.' The imagery weaves through natural elements like dusk, rain, sunshine, and dew to depict the intense warmth of love. Kannadasan's lyricism captures the paradox of romance—where even cold mist feels like warm fire when passion overflows. Composed by V. Kumar, the track uses soft vocals by SPB and B. Vasantha to create an intimate, dreamy atmospheric piece.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Oru paarvai paarkkum bothu / Maru paarvai paarkkum bothu

The second letter 'ru' rhymes across these contrasting lines ('Oru' and 'Maru').

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Neeyum mauna raagam / Naanum mauna geetham

Directly compares the two lovers to a silent melody ('mauna raagam') and a silent song ('mauna geetham').

Simile (Uvamai)

Indha nenjil alai pola vandha sugam undu

Compares the arrival of romantic bliss in the heart to the surging waves of an ocean ('alai pola').

Oxymoron / Contrast

Paniyae adhigamaanal / Adhuvae analum aagum

Contrasts cold dew ('pani') turning into burning fire ('anal'), symbolizing how intense yearning turns cool sensations hot.

Did you know?

Trivia

The phrase 'Mauna Raagam' prominently used in Kannadasan's lyrics in this 1979 song later became the iconic title for Mani Ratnam's acclaimed 1986 film *Mouna Ragam*. Music director V. Kumar, known for his melodious compositions in the 1960s and 70s, crafted this duet using a gentle rhythm that allows SPB and B. Vasantha's soft, conversational vocal delivery to take center stage.

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