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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thalirkalil Pookkal

From En Iniya Pon Nilavae · 2001

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music directors
Ilayaraja, M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
En Iniya Pon Nilavae2001

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aaa…..aaa…..aa….(Vocalizing)
Aa….aaa….aa….aa….aa….(Vocalizing)
Male
Thalirkalil pookkalFlowers upon the tender leaves
Thangal mugam paarkkumGaze at their own reflection
Vasantha kaalamIt is the season of spring
Thalirkalil pookkalFlowers upon the tender leaves
Thangal mugam paarkkumGaze at their own reflection
Vasantha kaalamIt is the season of spring
Male
Chinna chinna thaagamA subtle, gentle thirst
Kannukullae oorumWells up inside the eyes
Ninaivo nijamo….Is it a memory, or reality?...
Male
Thalirkalil pookkalFlowers upon the tender leaves
Thangal mugam paarkkumGaze at their own reflection
Vasantha kaalamIt is the season of spring
Male
Mudhal paarvaiyo….vidhaiyaanathuThe first look... became a seed
Mudhal paarvaiyo….vidhaiyaanathuThe first look... became a seed
Maru paarvaiyo mazhaiyaanathuThe second look became the rain
Vidhai ezhunthu inam pilanthu thulirvittathuThe seed arose, split open, and sprouted
Ivalukku parambarai kulir vittaththuHer age-old chill has finally vanished
Male
Thalirkalil pookkalFlowers upon the tender leaves
Thangal mugam paarkkumGaze at their own reflection
Vasantha kaalamIt is the season of spring
Male
Sudum maangani….vedigindrathaeThe warm mango fruit... bursts open
Sudum maangani….vedigindrathaeThe warm mango fruit... bursts open
Nagak kangalum thudigindrathaeEven the tips of her eyes/nails quiver with desire
Iravugalai imaigalin mael sumakindrathaeShe carries whole nights upon her eyelids
Sumappathu sugam ena sirikkindrathae…Yet she smiles, finding sweet pleasure in that burden...
Male
Thalirkalil pookkalFlowers upon the tender leaves
Thangal mugam paarkkumGaze at their own reflection
Vasantha kaalamIt is the season of spring
Male
Chinna chinna thaagamA subtle, gentle thirst
Kannukullae oorumWells up inside the eyes
Ninaivo nijamo….Is it a memory, or reality?...
Male
Lala lala laalaa lala lala laalaa(Vocalizing)
Lalala laal laa….(Vocalizing)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song uses rich nature imagery to depict the blossoming of romance and physical desire in a young woman. The spring season, marked by flowers gazing at themselves in tender shoots, serves as a backdrop for her emotional awakening. The lyrics metaphorically trace love's development: a first glance acts as a planted seed, and a second glance serves as rain, causing the seed of desire to sprout and banish her loneliness. The sleepless nights spent longing for her beloved are felt not as a weary burden, but as a blissful experience.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Mudhal paarvaiyo….vidhaiyaanathu / Maru paarvaiyo mazhaiyaanathu

Compares the initial eye contact between lovers to a seed being planted, and the subsequent look to rain nourishing it.

Personification

Thalirkalil pookkal Thangal mugam paarkkum

Attributes human self-awareness to flowers, describing them as looking at their own face/reflection in young tender leaves.

Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Chinna chinna thaagam

The word 'Chinna' is repeated sequentially to emphasize the subtle, delicate nature of her inner yearning.

Oxymoron / Paradox

Sumappathu sugam ena sirikkindrathae…

Carrying sleepless nights on one's eyelids is described as a heavy burden, yet it brings a smile of sweetness and joy.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, 'Thalirkalil Pookkal' is renowned for its delicate acoustic arrangements and soothing vocals that capture the essence of spring and romantic awakening. The lyrics vividly use classical Tamil nature metaphors to depict blossoming love.

Keep listening

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