Singara Seemaiyile Selvangalai
From Ninaivu Chinnam · 1989
- Lyricist
- Isaignani Ilayaraja
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Ninaivu Chinnam1989
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Oo…oo…oo….oo…oo….oo…oo….oo….oo… | Oo…oo…oo….oo…oo….oo…oo….oo….oo… |
| Male | |
| Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna | Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land? |
| Senthoora sengalilae kovil katta naernthathenna | Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks? |
| Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna | Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land? |
| Senthoora sengalilae kovil katta naernthathenna | Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks? |
| Male | |
| Nonbu pala naanirunthu vendum varam vendi nirkka | When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon, |
| Nonbu pala naanirunthu vendum varam vendi nirkka | When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon, |
| Dheivamthaam thanthathu unnaiththaan ilangiliyae | God Himself gifted only you to me, O young parrot! |
| Male | |
| Yaelae ilangiliyae innum urakkamenna | Hey young parrot, why sleep any longer? |
| Paalae pasungkodiyae ingae varuththamenna | O sweet milk-like young creeper, why feel sad here? |
| Male | |
| Thaayanbu kaanaathu thaniyaaga vaada | As I withered alone, deprived of a mother's love, |
| Nee vanthu saernthu enakkinaiyaaa paada | You came along to sing in harmony with me. |
| Thaayanbu kaanaathu thaniyaaga vaada | As I withered alone, deprived of a mother's love, |
| Nee vanthu saernthu enakkinaiyaaa paada | You came along to sing in harmony with me. |
| Male | |
| Yaaradi unnai padaiththaar | Tell me, who created you? |
| Annaiyum thanthaiyum illai | There is neither mother nor father. |
| Kooradi ennai koduththaar | Tell me, who handed me over? |
| Dheivamaa nampavumillai | Was it God? I do not even believe it. |
| Male | |
| Anbilae anpai inaiththu | Joining love with love, |
| Vambugal seivathum enna | Why do you tease and play pranks? |
| Unmaithaan solladi | Tell me the truth, my dear, |
| Mullaiyae mayangaathae | O Jasmine, do not be confused! |
| Male | |
| Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna | Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land? |
| Senthoora sengalilae kovil katta naernthathenna | Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks? |
| Male | |
| Malai meedhu thavazhnthaadi vilaiyaadum nadhiyae | O river that crawls and plays upon the mountains! |
| Alai veesum kadal pola tamil paadum kodiyae | O vine that sings Tamil like a waving sea! |
| Malai meedhu thavazhnthaadi vilaiyaadum nadhiyae | O river that crawls and plays upon the mountains! |
| Alai veesum kadal pola tamil paadum kodiyae | O vine that sings Tamil like a waving sea! |
| Male | |
| Moodadi vaasarkadhavai kangalthaan pattu vidumae | Shut the entrance door, lest evil eyes fall upon you! |
| Paadadi paasakkavithai nenjanthaan kettu vidumae | Sing a poem of affection, for the heart will listen! |
| Male | |
| Endraikko ezhuthi vaiththaan | Someone wrote it down long ago, |
| Indraikku nadappathellaam | All that is happening today! |
| Unmaithaan mullaiyae | It is the truth, O Jasmine, |
| Ennaiyae naan maranthaen | I forgot myself entirely! |
| Male | |
| Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna | Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land? |
| Senthoora sengalilae kovil katta naernthathenna | Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks? |
| Male | |
| Nonbu pala naanirunthu vendum varam vendi nirkka | When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon, |
| Dheivamthaam thanthathu unnaiththaan ilangiliyae | God Himself gifted only you to me, O young parrot! |
| Male | |
| Yaelae ilangiliyae | Hey young parrot, |
| Paalae pasungkodiyae | O sweet milk-like young creeper, |
| Yaelae ilangiliyae | Hey young parrot, |
| Paalae pasungkodiyae | O sweet milk-like young creeper, |
ஓ.......ஓ......ஓ......ஓ.....ஓ........ஓ.......ஓ.....ஓ.......ஓ.......
Oo…oo…oo….oo…oo….oo…oo….oo….oo…
சிங்கார சீமையிலே செல்வங்களை சேர்த்ததென்ன
செந்தூரச் செங்கலிலே கோவில் கட்ட நேர்ந்ததென்ன
சிங்கார சீமையிலே செல்வங்களை சேர்த்ததென்ன
செந்தூரச் செங்கலிலே கோவில் கட்ட நேர்ந்ததென்ன
Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land?
Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks?
Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land?
Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks?
நோன்பு பல நானிருந்து வேண்டும் வரம் வேண்டி நிற்க
நோன்பு பல நானிருந்து வேண்டும் வரம் வேண்டி நிற்க
தெய்வம்தான் தந்தது உன்னைத்தான் இளங்கிளியே
When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon,
When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon,
God Himself gifted only you to me, O young parrot!
ஏலே இளங்கிளியே இன்னும் உறக்கமென்ன
பாலே பசுங்கொடியே இங்கே வருத்தமென்ன
Hey young parrot, why sleep any longer?
O sweet milk-like young creeper, why feel sad here?
தாயன்பு காணாது தனியாக வாட
நீ வந்து சேர்ந்து எனக்கிணையாக பாட
தாயன்பு காணாது தனியாக வாட
நீ வந்து சேர்ந்து எனக்கிணையாக பாட
As I withered alone, deprived of a mother's love,
You came along to sing in harmony with me.
As I withered alone, deprived of a mother's love,
You came along to sing in harmony with me.
யாரடி உன்னைப் படைத்தார்
அன்னையும் தந்தையும் இல்லை
கூறடி என்னைக் கெடுத்தார்
தெய்வமா நம்பவுமில்லை
Tell me, who created you?
There is neither mother nor father.
Tell me, who handed me over?
Was it God? I do not even believe it.
அன்பிலே அன்பை இணைத்து
வம்புகள் செய்வதும் என்ன
உண்மைதான் சொல்லடி
முல்லையே மயங்காதே.......
Joining love with love,
Why do you tease and play pranks?
Tell me the truth, my dear,
O Jasmine, do not be confused!
சிங்கார சீமையிலே செல்வங்களை சேர்த்ததென்ன
செந்தூரச் செங்கலிலே கோவில் கட்ட நேர்ந்ததென்ன
Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land?
Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks?
மலை மீது தவழ்ந்தாடி விளையாடும் நதியே
அலை வீசும் கடல் போல தமிழ் பாடும் கொடியே
மலை மீது தவழ்ந்தாடி விளையாடும் நதியே
அலை வீசும் கடல் போல தமிழ் பாடும் கொடியே
O river that crawls and plays upon the mountains!
O vine that sings Tamil like a waving sea!
O river that crawls and plays upon the mountains!
O vine that sings Tamil like a waving sea!
மூடடி வாசற்கதவை கண்கள்தான் பட்டு விடுமே
பாடடி பாசக்கவிதை நெஞ்சந்தான் கெட்டு விடுமே
Shut the entrance door, lest evil eyes fall upon you!
Sing a poem of affection, for the heart will listen!
என்றைக்கோ எழுதி வைத்தான்
இன்றைக்கு நடப்பதெல்லாம்
உண்மைதான் முல்லையே
என்னையே நான் மறந்தேன்........
Someone wrote it down long ago,
All that is happening today!
It is the truth, O Jasmine,
I forgot myself entirely!
சிங்கார சீமையிலே செல்வங்களை சேர்த்ததென்ன
செந்தூரச் செங்கலிலே கோவில் கட்ட நேர்ந்ததென்ன
Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land?
Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks?
நோன்பு பல நானிருந்து வேண்டும் வரம் வேண்டி நிற்க
தெய்வம்தான் தந்தது உன்னைத்தான் இளங்கிளியே
When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon,
God Himself gifted only you to me, O young parrot!
ஏலே இளங்கிளியே
பாலே பசுங்கொடியே
ஏலே இளங்கிளியே
பாலே பசுங்கொடியே
Hey young parrot,
O sweet milk-like young creeper,
Hey young parrot,
O sweet milk-like young creeper,
Oo…oo…oo….oo…oo….oo…oo….oo….oo…
Oo…oo…oo….oo…oo….oo…oo….oo….oo…
Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna
Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land?
Senthoora sengalilae kovil katta naernthathenna
Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks?
Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna
Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land?
Senthoora sengalilae kovil katta naernthathenna
Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks?
Nonbu pala naanirunthu vendum varam vendi nirkka
When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon,
Nonbu pala naanirunthu vendum varam vendi nirkka
When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon,
Dheivamthaam thanthathu unnaiththaan ilangiliyae
God Himself gifted only you to me, O young parrot!
Yaelae ilangiliyae innum urakkamenna
Hey young parrot, why sleep any longer?
Paalae pasungkodiyae ingae varuththamenna
O sweet milk-like young creeper, why feel sad here?
Thaayanbu kaanaathu thaniyaaga vaada
As I withered alone, deprived of a mother's love,
Nee vanthu saernthu enakkinaiyaaa paada
You came along to sing in harmony with me.
Thaayanbu kaanaathu thaniyaaga vaada
As I withered alone, deprived of a mother's love,
Nee vanthu saernthu enakkinaiyaaa paada
You came along to sing in harmony with me.
Yaaradi unnai padaiththaar
Tell me, who created you?
Annaiyum thanthaiyum illai
There is neither mother nor father.
Kooradi ennai koduththaar
Tell me, who handed me over?
Dheivamaa nampavumillai
Was it God? I do not even believe it.
Anbilae anpai inaiththu
Joining love with love,
Vambugal seivathum enna
Why do you tease and play pranks?
Unmaithaan solladi
Tell me the truth, my dear,
Mullaiyae mayangaathae
O Jasmine, do not be confused!
Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna
Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land?
Senthoora sengalilae kovil katta naernthathenna
Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks?
Malai meedhu thavazhnthaadi vilaiyaadum nadhiyae
O river that crawls and plays upon the mountains!
Alai veesum kadal pola tamil paadum kodiyae
O vine that sings Tamil like a waving sea!
Malai meedhu thavazhnthaadi vilaiyaadum nadhiyae
O river that crawls and plays upon the mountains!
Alai veesum kadal pola tamil paadum kodiyae
O vine that sings Tamil like a waving sea!
Moodadi vaasarkadhavai kangalthaan pattu vidumae
Shut the entrance door, lest evil eyes fall upon you!
Paadadi paasakkavithai nenjanthaan kettu vidumae
Sing a poem of affection, for the heart will listen!
Endraikko ezhuthi vaiththaan
Someone wrote it down long ago,
Indraikku nadappathellaam
All that is happening today!
Unmaithaan mullaiyae
It is the truth, O Jasmine,
Ennaiyae naan maranthaen
I forgot myself entirely!
Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna
Why gather wealth in a beautiful, grand land?
Senthoora sengalilae kovil katta naernthathenna
Why decide to build a temple with vermilion red bricks?
Nonbu pala naanirunthu vendum varam vendi nirkka
When I observed many fasts and stood requesting a desired boon,
Dheivamthaam thanthathu unnaiththaan ilangiliyae
God Himself gifted only you to me, O young parrot!
Yaelae ilangiliyae
Hey young parrot,
Paalae pasungkodiyae
O sweet milk-like young creeper,
Yaelae ilangiliyae
Hey young parrot,
Paalae pasungkodiyae
O sweet milk-like young creeper,
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
Singaara Seemaiyilae from Ninaivu Chinnam (1989) is a poignant composition expressing deep emotional devotion, wonder, and soul-deep bonding. The speaker contemplates the futility of material wealth and grand structures, realizing that true divine grace lies in the priceless human connection granted to him. The song marvels at fate and destiny, describing how loneliness and longing are healed by the arrival of a loved one. Using lush natural imagery such as creeping vines, mountain rivers, ocean waves, and jasmine blossoms, the lyrics highlight the purity and playful nature of love. Ultimately, it reflects total self-surrender to destiny and affection.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Moonaal / Initial Alliteration
“Singaara seemaiyilae selvangalai saerththathennna”
Repetition of the initial consonant/vowel sounds in words on the same line, such as 'Singaara' and 'Seemaiyilae' or 'Senthoora' and 'Sengalilae'.
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Dheivamthaam thanthathu unnaiththaan ilangiliyae”
Addressing the beloved using tender terms from nature like 'Ilangiliyae' (young parrot) and 'Pasungkodiyae' (green creeper).
Simile (Uvamai)
“Alai veesum kadal pola tamil paadum kodiyae”
Directly comparing the vine singing Tamil to the expanse of a waving sea using the comparative word 'pola'.
Erhung / Rhyming (Edugai)
“Malai meedhu thavazhnthaadi vilaiyaadum nadhiyae”
Matching sound patterns in the second letter across lines ('Malai' / 'Alai').
Did you know?
Trivia
This song was written, composed, and sung by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja himself for the film Ninaivu Chinnam (1989), which stars Prabhu and Radhika. Known for its earthy folk melody blended with deep philosophical lyrics, it remains one of Ilaiyaraaja's classic solo vocal hits from the late 1980s.
Keep listening
More from Ninaivu Chinnam
Ninaivu Chinnam
Ninaivu Chinnam
Ninaivu Chinnam
Ninaivu Chinnam
Ninaivu Chinnam