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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Raathiri Neram

From Anbu Kattalai · 1989

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Anbu Kattalai1989

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Haa…aaa…aaa….Haa…aaa…aaa….
Haaa….aaa….aaa….aa…Haaa….aaa….aaa….aa…
Haa…aa..aa…Haa…aa..aa…
Haa….aaa…aa…Haa….aaa…aa…
Haaa…..aaaa…aaa….aaa…aaa….Haaa…..aaaa…aaa….aaa…aaa….
Female
Raathiri neram raaniya paarumLook at the queen during the night time,
Raamanukketha seethaiya paarumLook at this Sita who is perfectly suited for Rama.
Thoongaamal naan thaanaeWithout sleeping, I myself
Thudichenae thavichenaeThrobbed and suffered in romantic longing,
Raagam padichenae..a.e….ae…ae….ae…ae…And sang a sweet melody... ah... ae...
Raathiri neram raaniya paarumLook at the queen during the night time,
Female
Kaayudhu dhegam soodu pattuMy body is heating up and burning with heat,
Kalanjida venum kaanji pattuThis Kanchipuram silk saree ought to come undone.
Maappila melae aasa pattuHaving developed a desire for the groom,
Mayangudhu maanu naesa pattuThis deer-like woman swoons, filled with love.
Kaathirukken vazhi paathirukkenI am waiting, watching the path for you,
Kanavugal aayiram sethirukkenI have gathered a thousand dreams.
Female
Kaiyodu kaadhalum serthida vaangaCome to join love hand in hand,
En kannaala kettadha avasiyam thaangaPlease grant what I requested through my eyes.
Indha mazha kaathu sudhi yeththaAs this rainy wind raises the warmth,
Vaa vaa yela pottenCome, come, I have set the feast for you.
Female
Raathiri neram raaniya paarumLook at the queen during the night time,
Raamanukketha seethaiya paarumLook at this Sita who is perfectly suited for Rama.
Female
Vaaliba dhaagam yerudhaiyaaYouthful thirst is rising, sir,
Vaasana meeri pogudhaiyaaThe fragrance is exceeding limits, sir.
Thaaliya pottaa podhumaiyaaIt is enough if you tie the sacred thread, sir,
Dhaagatha theerkka venumaiyaaYou must quench this thirst, sir.
Paai virichu adhil poo virichuSpreading the mat and showering flowers upon it,
Paal eduthu adha naan koduthuTaking the glass of milk and offering it,
Female
Unnaamal oodal yenWhy a lover's tiff without partaking?
Indha neramAt this hour,
Ada ennoda dhegamAh, look at my body,
Yengudhu paarumSee how it yearns for you.
Adha padhamaaga idhamaagaGently and comfortably,
Thodanum sogamaaga…aa…aa…aa…aahYou must touch it with passionate feeling...
Female
Raathiri neram raaniya paarumLook at the queen during the night time,
Raamanukketha seethaiya paarumLook at this Sita who is perfectly suited for Rama.
Thoongaamal naan thaanaeWithout sleeping, I myself
Thudichenae thavichenaeThrobbed and suffered in romantic longing,
Raagam padichenae..a.e….ae…ae….ae…ae…And sang a sweet melody... ah... ae...
Raathiri neram raaniya paarumLook at the queen during the night time,
Raamanukketha seethaiya paarumLook at this Sita who is perfectly suited for Rama.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Raathiri neram raaniya paarum' from the 1989 movie 'Anbu Kattalai' is a passionate and evocative track expressing a woman's romantic yearning and desire for her beloved. She describes herself as a queen of the night and draws a mythical comparison, likening their match to that of Lord Rama and Sita. Through vivid sensory imagery of silk sarees, flowers, and warm rainy night winds, she calls upon her lover to unite with her, put an end to her restless waiting, and quench her romantic thirst.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Raathiri neram raaniya paarum / Raamanukketha seethaiya paarum

The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'R' across lines creates a melodic cadence.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Thudichenae thavichenae

The matching consonant patterns in the second syllables (Thudichenae / Thavichenae) enhance the rhythmic flow.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Raamanukketha seethaiya paarum

The lyricist compares the heroine to Sita suited for Rama ('Raamanukketha seethaiya'), elevating the romantic union.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Kaayudhu dhegam soodu pattu / Kalanjida venum kaanji pattu

The internal and line-ending rhymes like 'pattu' add musicality to the verses.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Anbu Kattalai' (1989) is a Tamil film starring Ramarajan and Kanaka. The music for the film was composed by Chandrabose, with lyrics penned by Gangai Amaran.

Keep listening

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