- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Naan Paadum Paadal
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Sept 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Paadava Un Paadalai' is a poignant song of love, longing, and painful separation. The protagonist expresses her desire to sing a melody dedicated to her beloved, celebrating the occasion as a precious golden moment in her life. She longs for intimacy, using natural imagery like waves uniting with the sea and flowers hugging leaves to describe their ideal togetherness. However, the tone turns tragic as she laments his absence during the very performance dedicated to him, feeling lost like a cloud adrift without its sky.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Kadalodu alaipola”
Compares the desired emotional and physical closeness to the natural bond between waves and the sea.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Poomegam ingae aagayam engae”
Metaphorically describes herself as a cloud of flowers and her beloved as the sky without which she cannot exist.
Initial Alliteration (Moonaai)
“Vaadai poongatru / Vaazhkai yaavum nee vendum”
Repetition of the initial 'Vaa' sound across consecutive lines creating a rhythmic harmony.
Imagery & Hyperbole
“Endhaegam engum ungaanam thangum”
Poetically exaggerates the resonance of music, claiming the song stays trapped throughout her body.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Paadava Un Paadalai' is a hit song from the 1984 Tamil film 'Naan Paadum Paadal', composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vairamuthu. The song features iconic vocal renditions by S. Janaki (female version) and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (male version).
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Naan Paadum Paadal
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.