- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- P. Jayachandran, Sunanda
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Sevvanthi
- Movie release year
- 1994
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Dec 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This melodious romantic track from the movie Sevvanthi (1994) captures the deep longing and eternal devotion between two lovers. Addressing a red fish ('Semmeen') as a confidant and messenger, the song vows to bring a wedding garland and sacred marital tokens ('Thaali' and 'Kungumam') to the heroine, Sevvanthi, who belongs to a mountain tribe. Through poetic imagery, the song portrays the pain of separation, anxious waiting, and unwavering passion that withstands societal opposition. The lyrics contrast the aching solitude of waiting with the tender memories of intimate togetherness, comparing the heroine to a delicate young sapling wilting without water in her lover's absence.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kaal kadukka kaaththirunthaen / Kannu rendum pooththirunthaen”
In Tamil poetry, matching second letters in adjacent lines creates a rhythmic harmony. In 'Kaal kadukka' and 'Kannu rendum', 'l' and 'n' follow soft acoustic patterns; and in 'Iruvarum' / 'Idaiveli', 'r' and 'd' form internal resonance.
Anaaphora (Repetition)
“Semeenae semmeenae ungitta sonnaenae”
The repetition of 'Semeenae semmeenae' and 'vaa vaa / thaa thaa' creates a hypnotic, rhythmic chant-like effect expressing eagerness.
Simile / Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagamm)
“Neerindri vaadum ila naaththu”
Comparing eyes to lotus blossoms or banana leaves, and comparing the longing heroine to a tender sapling wilting without stream water ('Neerindri vaadum ila naaththu').
Apostrophe (Direct Address)
“Semeenae semmeenae ungitta sonnaenae”
Addressing an inanimate or non-human entity (the red fish) directly as a confidant to express inner emotional vows.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song 'Semmeenae Semmeenae' from 'Sevvanthi' (1994) features music composed by Deva with lyrics written by the legendary lyricist Vaali. The film stars Prashanth and Chandni. The song uses rural folk motifs mixed with light classical melodies, drawing inspiration from classical Tamil Akam (love) poetry where nature serves as a messenger.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Sevvanthi
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.