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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Roja Thegame Ilang Kathal

From Ilamai · 1985

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. Janaki, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Ilamai1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Roja thegamae ilang kadhal megamaeOh rose-like body, oh young cloud of love!
Roja thegamae ilang kadhal megamaeOh rose-like body, oh young cloud of love!
Un nenjam naan vaazhum kadhal maaligaiYour heart is the palace of love where I reside.
Neethaanae en kannil aadum dhevathaiYou alone are the angel dancing in my eyes.
Female
Roja thegamae ilang kadhal megamaeOh rose-like body, oh young cloud of love!
Un nenjam naan vaazhum kadhal maaligaiYour heart is the palace of love where I reside.
Neethaanae en kannil aadum dhevathaiYou alone are the angel dancing in my eyes.
Female
Kodai naalil aasai vaigaiOn a summer day, the Vaigai river of desire
Vellam paaikkirathaeFloods and flows forth.
Aaadai Moodiya thaazham poovudalThe screwpine flower-like body covered in garments
Theeyaai kaaigirathaeBurns like fire.
Male
Aadum thaamarai annak kodiyidaiMay the dancing lotus-like waist crawling like a swan
Kaiyil thavazhattumaeSlither into these hands.
Yaela poonguzhal entha maarbinilMay this fragrant hair draw artistic patterns
Kolam varaiyattumaeUpon my chest.
Female
Naanthaanae….ae….It is I... ah...
Naanthaanae poongothai nee meettum pon veenaiI am the bouquet of flowers, the golden veena that you play.
Jaadai paarvaigal nenjil medaigal poduthaeExpressive glances set up stages inside the heart.
Male
Roja thegamae ilang kadhal megamaeOh rose-like body, oh young cloud of love!
Female :Un nenjam naan vaazhum kadhal maaligaiYour heart is the palace of love where I reside.
Naanthaanae un kannil aadum dhevathaiI alone am the angel dancing in your eyes.
Male
Roja thegamae ilang kadhal megamae….Oh rose-like body, oh young cloud of love!
Chorus
………………...
Male
Minnum maadhulai kanna thottaththilIn the cheek garden resembling a shining pomegranate,
Muththam vithaiththidavaaShall I sow a seed of kisses?
Muththa porvaiyil meththai naadagamUnder a blanket of kisses, a bed play
Niththam aadidavaa vaa vaaShall I perform every day? Come, come!
Female
Yaengum bhoomiyai kettaa mamazhaiWithout even asking the yearning earth, a heavy rain
Mannil pozhigirathuPours down onto the land.
Thoongum poovinai kettaa vandugalWithout asking the sleeping flower, the bees
Thaenai edukkirathuExtract nectar.
Male
Yaedhaetho…oo…Various... oh...
Yaedhaetho mogangal undaagum nerangalTimes when various desires arise,
Thennag keettrugal thendral kaattrinai modhuthaeCoconut fronds clash with the gentle breeze.
Female
Roja thegamae ilang kadhal megamaeOh rose-like body, oh young cloud of love!
Un nenjam naan vaazhum kadhal maaligaiYour heart is the palace of love where I reside.
Neethaanae en kannil aadum dhevathaiYou alone are the angel dancing in my eyes.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Roja Thegamae' from the 1985 movie 'Ilamai' is a romantic duet expressing deep passionate love and intimate desires between two lovers. The lyrics written by Vaali use rich imagery comparing the beloved's physical features to elements of nature such as roses, clouds, lotus blossoms, screwpine flowers, and sweet nectar, creating a sensual atmosphere. The lovers exchange poetic affirmations of their mutual devotion, characterizing their togetherness as a harmonious melody and an endless celebration of affection.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani (Metaphor/Simile)

Roja thegamae ilang kadhal megamae

Comparing the beloved's body to a rose ('Roja thegamae') and love to a palace ('kadhal maaligai').

Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)

Muththam vithaiththidavaa / Muththa porvaiyil meththai naadagam

Rhyming of the second consonant sound in adjacent lines ('Muththam' and 'Muththa').

Ushnam / Nature Imagery

Kodai naalil aasai vaigai vellam paaikkirathae

Comparing passionate desire to a summer river flooding ('aasai vaigai vellam paaikkirathae').

Did you know?

Trivia

The song features lyrics by legendary songwriter Vaali and showcases mid-1980s Tamil romantic music aesthetics with elaborate nature-based metaphors.

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