Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Maranthen Mannithen album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Raathiri Nerathu Paatu Ithu

From Maranthen Mannithen · 2013

Lyricist
Pazhani Bharathi
Singer
Srivardhini
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Maranthen Mannithen
Movie release year
2013
Lyrics added on
10 Jul 2018

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Raathiri nerathu paattu ithu
Vidivatharkkul ithai kettu vidu
Malligai pookkalin eerathilae
Mayakkaththai oottum ithu
Rathi manmatha potti ithu
Raathiri nerathu paattu ithu
Vidivatharkkul ithai kettu vidu
…………………………………
Aadai melaadai
Kaathula neenthuthu paaru
Jaadai kanjaadai
Sollura sethiya kelu
Raattinathil unnai yethiduven
Vaanin melaiyum boomikku keelayum
Nadakkum athisayam kaattiduven
Thamarai poovula pookkura vaasatha
Moochil unakku moottiduven
Raathiri nerathu paattu ithu
Vidivatharkkul ithai kettu vidu
……………………………………
Thegam en thegam
Raathiri paarkadalaagum
Thedum nee thedum
Amutham en madiyinil oorum
Alli edu enai alli edu
Yeno irangidum valigalin vegangal
Tharayil nindraal puriyathu
Aadu kulungidum aasaiya nenjukkul
Pootti vaithida koodathu
Raathiri nerathu paattu ithu
Vidivatharkkul ithai kettu vidu
Malligai pookkalin eerathilae
Mayakkaththai oottum ithu
Rathi manmatha potti ithu
Raathiri nerathu paattu ithu
This is a song of the night
Listen to it before dawn breaks
In the wetness of jasmine flowers
It casts an intoxicating spell
This is a contest of love between Rathi and Manmatha (goddess and god of love)
This is a song of the night
Listen to it before dawn breaks...
...
My clothes, the upper garment
Look, they are floating in the breeze
Subtle hints, a wink of the eye
Listen to the message they bring
I will take you up on a giant wheel
Above the sky and beneath the earth
I will show you the wonders taking place
The fragrance blooming from a lotus
I will kindle deep in your breath
This is a song of the night
Listen to it before dawn breaks...
...
My body, this body of mine
Turns into an ocean of milk at night
The sweet nectar that you seek
Wells up gently in my lap
Gather it up, take me in your arms
The rushing surge of sweet aches
Cannot be understood if you just stand on the ground
Desires that tremble and dance
Must not be locked inside the heart
This is a song of the night
Listen to it before dawn breaks
In the wetness of jasmine flowers
It casts an intoxicating spell
This is a contest of love between Rathi and Manmatha (goddess and god of love)
This is a song of the night...
Female
Female
Chorus
Female
Female
Female
Chorus
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

'Raathiri Nerathu Paattu' is a sensual nocturnal romantic song from the movie 'Maranthen Mannithen'. The lyrics express intimacy, passion, and the alluring charm of the night. The singer invites her beloved to immerse in the moment before night turns to day, comparing the romantic connection to a divine contest of love between Rathi and Manmatha.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethirai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Aadai melaadai / Jaadai kanjaadai

The second letters of 'Aadai' and 'Jaadai' rhyme with 'da', creating a rhythmic cadence.

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Thegam en thegam / Raathiri paarkadalaagum

Comparing the speaker's body at night to 'Paarkadal' (the celestial Ocean of Milk).

Mythological Allusion

Rathi manmatha potti ithu

Referencing Rathi and Manmatha, the Hindu divine couple symbolizing physical love and desire.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Maranthen Mannithen' (2013) is the Tamil version of the Telugu period drama film 'Gundello Godavari'. The music was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja.

Keep listening

Songs with a similar feeling

Spot an issue?

Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.