- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Solla Thudikuthu Manasu
- Movie release year
- 1988
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Jan 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Poove Sempoove is an iconic classical melody expressing deep emotional affection, sacrifice, and unconditional love. The singer addresses a loved one tenderly, comparing them to a sweet blossom and a speaking flute, while reflecting on the enduring nature of their connection that transcends even the changing elements of nature like the sea and sky. As the song progresses, a bittersweet undertone of selflessness emerges, where the narrator views themselves as a puppet of destiny willing to bear their own pain so that the beloved may live happily.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vaai pesidum pullanguzhal”
Comparing a speaking person directly to a flute ('Vaai pesidum pullanguzhal') and fate to a controlling thread ('Vithi ennum noolil').
Simile (Uwamai)
“Nizhal pola naanum”
Comparing oneself following the beloved to a shadow following a person ('Nizhal pola naanum').
Second-letter Rhyming (Edhukai)
“Kadal vaanam kooda / Niram maara koodum”
Matching second consonants across consecutive lines, such as 'Kadal' and 'Thadam' or 'Nizhal' and 'Nadai'.
Personification
“Vaai pesidum pullanguzhal”
Attributing human traits like speaking ('Vaai pesidum') to an inanimate musical instrument (flute).
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and sung by K. J. Yesudas with lyrics by Vaali for the 1988 film 'Solla Thudikuthu Manasu', 'Poove Sempoove' is set in the classical Carnatic ragam Keeravani. It remains one of the most celebrated solo compositions in Tamil cinema, renowned for its intricate flute preludes and soulful rendition.
Keep listening
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