- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Thanga Magan (1983 film)
- Movie release year
- 1983
- Lyrics added on
- 29 May 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Raathiriyil Poothirukkum is a classic romantic duet from the 1983 Tamil film Thanga Magan, composed by Ilaiyaraaja and sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki. The lyrics, penned by Pulamaipithan, use rich metaphors of nature, music, and royal elegance to depict the intimate romance between two lovers at night. The woman is paradoxically compared to a night-blooming lotus, and her grace is likened to the delicate notes of a veena played with skill and passion. Throughout the song, the lovers exchange seductive, poetic banter. The male protagonist compares her physical beauty to a garden clad in a saree and a veena waiting to be played, while the female lover poetically delays full intimacy until the auspicious sound of the Nadaswaram, emphasizing patience and sweet anticipation. The song captures a blend of sensuality, traditional Tamil poetic motifs, and exquisite musical orchestration.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uruvam (Metaphor)
“Veenai yenum maeniyilae”
Comparing the female protagonist's body to a Veena ('Veenai yenum maeniyilae') and her clothing/figure to a garden ('Selai cholaiyae').
Oxymoron / Paradox
“Raathiriyil poothirukkum Thaamarai thaan penno”
Lotuses typically bloom during the day in sunlight; calling her a lotus blooming at night ('Raathiriyil poothirukkum thaamarai') is a poetic paradox highlighting her extraordinary radiance in the dark.
Monae (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Selai cholaiyae”
Repetition of initial consonant and vowel sounds such as 'Selai' and 'Solai'.
Ezhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Vaanulagae boomiyilae / Vanthathu pol kaattum”
Matching second sound across consecutive words/lines, such as 'Vaanulagae' and 'Vanthathu'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Ilaiyaraaja, 'Raathiriyil Poothirukkum' is celebrated as one of the most sensual yet artistically refined melodies in Tamil cinema history. The track relies heavily on soft classical orchestration, featuring intricate veena and flute interludes paired with luscious vocal improvisations by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki.
Keep listening
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