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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Poongatre Kelayo

From Solaikuyil · 1989

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singer
K. S. Chithra
Music director
M. S. Murari
Details
Solaikuyil1989

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Poongaattrae kaelaayoo ..oo oo ooOh gentle breeze, won't you listen? ..oo oo oo
Solaikuyil nenjukkullaeInside the heart of the cuckoo bird in the grove,
Sogam adhan kannukkullaeThere is sorrow inside its eyes.
Adhu thaniyaaga thavikkudhu ingaeIt suffers here all alone,
Idhai arivaayoo siru malai kaatraeDo you know this, breeze from the small mountain?
Thuyar theera oru vaarthai nee solla vaaCome speak a word to relieve this grief.
Female
Solaikuyil nenjukkullaeInside the heart of the cuckoo bird in the grove,
Sogam adhan kannukkullaeThere is sorrow inside its eyes.
Adhu thaniyaaga thavikkudhu ingaeIt suffers here all alone,
Idhai arivaayoo siru malai kaatraeDo you know this, breeze from the small mountain?
Thuyar theera oru vaarthai nee solla vaaCome speak a word to relieve this grief.
Female
Neela kuyilum nenju urugiThe blue cuckoo's heart melts in pain,
Nimmadhiyum illamal koovudhaiyaaAnd it sings without any peace of mind.
Thulli thirinja pulli mayilooThe spotted peacock that once danced happily,
Thunbam ennum mul melae aaduthaiyaaIs now dancing upon the thorns of sorrow.
Female
Indha nilai ennaalum maaradhooWill this state of suffering never change?
Yekkam idhu yaaraalum theeraadhooWill this yearning never be cured by anyone?
Ini unai kaana maru jenmam uruvaagumooWill a next birth be born just to see you again?
Female
Solaikuyil nenjukkullaeInside the heart of the cuckoo bird in the grove,
Sogam adhan kannukkullaeThere is sorrow inside its eyes.
Adhu thaniyaaga thavikkudhu ingaeIt suffers here all alone,
Idhai arivaayoo siru malai kaatraeDo you know this, breeze from the small mountain?
Thuyar theera oru vaarthai nee solla vaaCome speak a word to relieve this grief.
Female
Ullukkullaiyae oomai azhudhaalIf one cries silently deep inside,
Ooru sanam ariyaadhu unmaiyilaeThe townspeople will truly never know.
Andha vizhiyil naanum azhudhaaIf I cry with those eyes,
Aarudhalum yaar solvaar vaazhkaiyilaeWho will offer comfort in this life?
Female
Pirappadhu nammoda vidhiyaagumBeing born is our destiny,
Irappadhu avanodu mudivaaagumDying will end along with him.
Idhil yaar meedhum kurai solla mudiyaadhaiyaaIn this, no one can be blamed, my dear.
Female
Solaikuyil nenjukkullaeInside the heart of the cuckoo bird in the grove,
Sogam adhan kannukkullaeThere is sorrow inside its eyes.
Adhu thaniyaaga thavikkudhu ingaeIt suffers here all alone,
Idhai arivaayoo siru malai kaatraeDo you know this, breeze from the small mountain?
Thuyar theera oru vaarthai nee solla vaaCome speak a word to relieve this grief.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Solaikuyil nenjukkullae is a poignant emotional lament where the protagonist, metaphorically referred to as a cuckoo bird in a grove, expresses deep grief, loneliness, and heart-wrenching yearning. Addressing the gentle mountain breeze, the singer begs for a single comforting word to ease the pain of separation and suffering. The song contrasts past happiness with present agony, describing the protagonist's emotional state like a peacock dancing on thorns. The second stanza delves into existential philosophy, reflecting on silent, hidden tears that the world never notices. It meditates on the nature of fate, birth, and death, accepting destiny without placing blame on anyone. Sung soulfully by K. S. Chithra with lyrics by Muthulingam, the song captures the essence of deep yearning and philosophical resignation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Thunbam ennum mul melae aaduthaiyaa

The protagonist is metaphorically depicted as a lonely cuckoo ('Solaikuyil') and sorrow is compared to sharp thorns ('Thunbam ennum mul').

Personification

Thuyar theera oru vaarthai nee solla vaa

The wind ('siru malai kaatrae') is personified as a compassionate listener who can speak words of solace.

Second-letter Rhyme (Edhukai)

Pirappadhu nammoda vidhiyaagum / Irappadhu avanodu mudivaaagum

The Tamil poetic tradition of matching the second letter across lines ('ra' in Pirappadhu / Irappadhu).

Initial Alliteration (Moonaai)

Neela kuyilum nenju urugi / Nimmadhiyum illamal koovudhaiyaa

Repetition of initial consonants or vowels across words in a line ('Neela' and 'Nimmadhiyum').

Did you know?

Trivia

Solaikuyil (1989) features a lesser-known soundtrack by composer M. S. Murari. Lyricist Muthulingam, known for his classical touch and evocative nature imagery, used natural elements like the cuckoo, peacock, and mountain wind to reflect human agony. K. S. Chithra's expressive vocal performance remains a highlight of this soundtrack.

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