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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Raathiri Poothathu

From Dhayam Onnu · 1988

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
Jikki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Dhayam Onnu1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
………………………………..
Female
Raathiri poothathuBloomed in the night,
Kaattu rojaA wild rose.
Paarthathum poongaramUpon seeing, extend your flower-like hand,
Neettu raajaExtend it, oh king.
Ival raani ival raani vaa neeShe is the queen, she is the queen, come, my dear.
Female
Raathiri poothathuBloomed in the night,
Kaattu rojaA wild rose.
Paarthathum poongaramUpon seeing, extend your flower-like hand,
Neettu raajaExtend it, oh king.
Female
{Idhu enna kelviWhat kind of question is this,
Puriyatha maadhiriAs if you do not understand?
Naan unnai thediSearching for you,
Alaigindra maadhavi} (2)I am Maadhavi, wandering around. (2)
Female
Aadavum paadavumTo dance and to sing,
Aasaiyil thedavumTo seek with desire,
Aayiram kelvigalA thousand questions,
Jaadaiyil podavumTo pose through subtle hints.
Poovaana maadhuA woman delicate as a flower,
Aalaana podhuWhen she comes of age,
Vaa vaa raajaCome, come, oh king.
Female
Raathiri poothathuBloomed in the night,
Kaattu rojaA wild rose.
Paarthathum poongaramUpon seeing, extend your flower-like hand,
Neettu raajaExtend it, oh king.
Chorus
………………………..
Female
{Pennaana naanaeAs a woman myself,
Enn aasai sollavoShall I express my desire?
Ulloorum thaenaeThe honey welling up inside,
Veenaaga sellavo} (2)Shall it go to waste? (2)
Female
Thaangavae yenginenI yearned to endure it,
Yengavae thaanginenI endured while yearning.
Panjanai meedhilaeUpon the soft bed,
Pagalilae thoonginenI slept through the day.
Noolaana dhaegamA body slender as a thread,
Thaaladha mogamAn unbearable passion,
Bodhai yerum…….Intoxication rises...
Female
RaathiriNight...
Raathiri poothathuBloomed in the night,
Kaattu rojaA wild rose.
Paarthathum poongaramUpon seeing, extend your flower-like hand,
Neettu raajaExtend it, oh king.
Ival raani ival raani vaa neeShe is the queen, she is the queen, come, my dear.
Female
Raathiri poothathuBloomed in the night,
Raathiri…………Night...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This sensual track from 'Dhayam Onnu' (1988) features the female lead expressing her deep romantic desire and passion. She metaphorically describes herself as a 'kaattu roja' (wild rose) blooming under the nocturnal sky, inviting her lover ('raaja') to reach out and hold her.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Raathiri poothathu Kaattu roja

Compares the woman's beauty and night allure to a blooming wild rose.

Compound Metaphor (Uvamaithogai)

Paarthathum poongaram

'Poongaram' combines 'Poo' (flower) and 'Karam' (hand), comparing gentle hands to soft flowers.

Hyperbole / Simile (Uvamai)

Noolaana dhaegam

'Noolaana dhaegam' compares a delicate, slender physique to a thin thread.

Chiasmus / Word Reversal (Maranthathodai)

Thaangavae yenginen / Yengavae thaanginen

Reversing 'Thaangavae yenginen' to 'Yengavae thaanginen' creates a poetic rhythmic reflection of longing and patience.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Dhayam Onnu' is a late 1980s Tamil film featuring lyrics written by Gangai Amaran, who frequently penned rhythmically vibrant and evocative songs in the 1980s cinema era.

Keep listening

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