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Lyrics & meaning

Paranthu Selluthe

From Laila Majnu · 1950

Lyricist
Kambadasan
Singer
T. R. Mahalingam
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Laila Majnu1950

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Paranthu selluthae…aa..aa…It flies away... ah... ah...
Paranthu selluthae en paingilaiyathaeMy young green parrot is flying away
Paranthu selluthae en paingilaiyathaeMy young green parrot is flying away
Paasamellaam nenjil kondaeCarrying all her affection in her heart
Paalai meethilaeAcross the desert expanse
Male
Paranthu selluthae en paingilaiyathaeMy young green parrot is flying away
Male
Mega vaanilae menmai kandathaagaAs if having found gentleness in the cloudy sky
Mega vaanilae menmai kandathaagaAs if having found gentleness in the cloudy sky
Soga puyalil naan suzhlaWhile I am caught swirling in a storm of sorrow
Male
Paranthu selluthaeIt flies away...
Male
Minnalin oliyilaeIn the flash of lightning light
Sonna nesa mozhigalaiThe loving words that were spoken
Minnalin oliyilaeIn the flash of lightning light
Sonna nesa mozhigalaiThe loving words that were spoken
Male
Vilai koori pirinthaen vanthaI parted after bidding farewell, caught in
Vithiyin vazhiyilaeThe path of destiny that unfolded
Kaalamellaam paaviyaaga kann kalangavaeLiving as a sinner for all time with tearful eyes
Male
Paranthu selluthae en paingilaiyathaeMy young green parrot is flying away
Paasamellaam nenjil kondaeCarrying all her affection in her heart
Paalai meethilaeAcross the desert expanse
Male
Paranthu selluthae…..It flies away...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant tragedy song from the classic film 'Laila Majnu' (1950) captures the heartbreak of Majnu as he watches his beloved depart. Metaphorically referring to Laila as a young green parrot ('paingili'), he laments her journey across the harsh desert while carrying deep affection in her heart. He reflects on the cruel turn of fate that brought an end to their fleeting moments of love—words once spoken bright as lightning—leaving him behind trapped in a raging storm of sorrow, grieving his destiny for the rest of his life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (உருவகம்)

Paranthu selluthae en paingilaiyathae

Addressing the beloved as 'paingilai' (young green parrot) symbolizes gentleness, beauty, and innocence.

Metaphor (உருவகம்)

Soga puyalil naan suzhla

'Soga puyal' compares the overwhelming feeling of sorrow to a destructive storm in which the lover is trapped.

Monaai (மோனை / Alliteration)

Paranthu selluthae... Paasamellaam nenjil kondae / Paalai meethilae

Repetition of the initial 'Pa' sound ('Paranthu', 'Paasamellaam', 'Paalai') creates rhythmic musicality.

Imagery & Simile

Minnalin oliyilae / Sonna nesa mozhigalai

Comparing fleeting moments of tender love words to the momentary bright flash of lightning ('Minnalin oliyilae').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Laila Majnu' (1950) starred lead actor T. R. Mahalingam, who was celebrated for his rich, high-pitched Carnatic vocals. He sang this mournful track himself under the music direction of S. V. Venkatraman, with lyrics written by the acclaimed poet Kambadasan.

Keep listening

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Paranthu Selluthe Lyrics | English Translation | Meaning | Isaimozhi