- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- S. Janaki, T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Thyagam
- Movie release year
- 1978
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Jun 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Thaen Malli Poovae' is a classic romantic duet from the 1978 Tamil film Thyagam. Penned by Kaviyarasu Kannadasan, the song captures an intimate conversation between two lovers expressing their deep affection, emotional codependency, and physical yearning for each other. The lyrics feature delicate romantic imagery where the lovers compare each other to sweet flowers, soothing breezes, and celestial beauty. The song progresses through sensory metaphors—such as pearl necklaces resting on the chest, golden bodies quivering, and building dams of flowers—symbolizing passion and togetherness. Ultimately, the lovers affirm that time, day, and night lose meaning in each other's embrace, establishing their love as timeless and irreplaceable.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamaani (Metaphor)
“Thaen malli poovae poonthendral kaattrae”
Comparing the lover to 'Thaen malli poovae' (sweet jasmine flower) and 'poonthendral kaattrae' (soft breeze) to evoke tenderness and natural beauty.
Edhukai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Ulagamellaam oru nilavu / Idhayamellaam oru ninaivu”
Rhyming of the second consonant in consecutive lines ('la' in Ulagamellaam and Idhayamellaam).
Monaai (Initial Rhyming / Alliteration)
“Sevvaazhai pon maeni thudikkindradhu / Siru thottil thandhu uranga vidu”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds 'S' in 'Sevvaazhai' and 'Siru'.
Anaphora / Refrain
“En kannae en raani neeyindri naan illaiyae”
Repetition of 'neeyindri naan illaiyae' throughout the song reinforces the central thematic message of complete togetherness.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Thyagam' (1978) stars Sivaji Ganesan and Sujatha. The music for this evergreen track was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and sung brilliantly by T.M. Soundararajan and S. Janaki.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Thyagam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.