- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Muthal Mariyathai
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Jan 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Raasaavae Onna Nambi is a deeply emotional folk ballad from Muthal Mariyathai, sung with tender vulnerability by S. Janaki. The song conveys the devotion, grief, and quiet dignity of Kuyil as she reflects on her silent, unspoken bond with Malaichami, a respected village elder. Despite the cruel societal gossip and scandalous rumors buzzing around them, she holds onto her implicit trust in him, agonizing over the loss of his prestige while affirming his unblemished character.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Intha rosapoo irukuthunga”
The speaker refers to herself as a rose (rosapoo) whose existence depends entirely on her lord, symbolizing fragile devotion.
Metaphor
“Thaneeril yezhutha”
Comparing a fleeting or fragile bond to writing on water (Thaneeril yezhutha).
Analogy / Metaphor
“Athukkum nelanuthan peru”
The moon is invoked to show that even if scandal casts a shadow or stain upon a noble person, their inherent greatness remains unchanged.
Simile
“Suzhiyila padagu pola”
Compares her spinning, distressed mind to a boat caught helplessly in a whirlpool.
Idiom
“Ada kannu kathu mooku vechu”
The Tamil phrase 'kannu kathu mooku vechu' is an idiom meaning to embellish or add exaggerated details to gossip.
Did you know?
Trivia
S. Janaki won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her rendition of 'Raasaavae Onna Nambi' from Muthal Mariyathai (1985).
Keep listening
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