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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Tholil Vizhum Malaiye

From Ullathil Nalla Ullam · 1988

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Ullathil Nalla Ullam1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thozhil vilum maalaiyaeO garland falling upon the shoulders
Thookam illaiyaeThere is no sleep
Maalai varum bothellamWhenever the evening arrives
Kaaman thollaiyaeIt is the torment of Cupid
Kanavilum ninaivilumIn dreams and in waking thoughts
Kalanginen mayanginenI was distressed and intoxicated
Female
Thozhil vilum maalaiyaeO garland falling upon the shoulders
Thookam illaiyaeThere is no sleep
Maalai varum bothellamWhenever the evening arrives
Kaaman thollaiyaeIt is the torment of Cupid
Male
Mangai illamal malaranai kavidhaiWithout a maiden, can a poem on a bed of flowers
Mannan thaan paada koodumooBe sung by the king?
Female :Pongum sangeetha kanavugal valaraFemale: As overflowing musical dreams grow
Engum aanandham paadumoWill joy sing everywhere?
Male
Inaindhu paadamal yen indha oodalWhy this lover's tiff instead of singing together?
Ilamai nil endru koorumoWill youth ask us to wait?
Female :Kalandha pinnalae kaaveri punalumFemale: After merging, can the waters of the Kaveri river
Kadalil illamal oodumoFlow anywhere other than into the sea?
Male :Idhayam muzhudhum inimaiMale: Sweetness fills the entire heart
Ini valam varumProsperity will now swirl around
Female
Thozhil vilum maalaiyaeO garland falling upon the shoulders
Thookam illaiyaeThere is no sleep
Male :Maalai varum bothellamMale: Whenever the evening arrives
Kaaman thollaiyae…It is the torment of Cupid...
Female
Aa aa aa a aa aaAa aa aa a aa aa
Male :Mmm mmm mm mmmmMale: Mmm mmm mm mmmm
Female
Vaadai kaatrodum maargazhi kulirumThe north wind along with the chill of Margazhi month
Kodai pol indru aanadhaeHas turned warm like summer today
Male :Medai melaadum maadhulanganigalMale: The pomegranate fruits dancing on the stage
Aasai thoondamal thoondudhaeTempt desire without trying to tease
Female
Poovin mel thoovum sila mazhai thuligalA few rain droplets sprinkling over the flower
Thaenil thenaaga sernthathaeJoined together like honey upon honey
Male :Podhum porattum yen endru kooriMale: Asking why this battle should continue, saying 'enough'
Pudhiya raagangal paadudhaeNew ragas are being sung
Female
Iravum pagalum inaiyumNight and day joining together
Iru nadhigalumLike two rivers
Male
Thozhil vilum maalaiyaeO garland falling upon the shoulders
Thookam illaiyae…yeThere is no sleep...
Female :Maalai varum bothellamFemale: Whenever the evening arrives
Kaaman thollaiyaeIt is the torment of Cupid
Kanavilum ninaivilumIn dreams and in waking thoughts
Kalanginen mayanginenI was distressed and intoxicated
Female
Thozhil vilum maalaiyaeO garland falling upon the shoulders
Thookam illaiyaeThere is no sleep
Male :Maalai varum bothellamMale: Whenever the evening arrives
Kaaman thollaiyaeIt is the torment of Cupid

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet captures the intense yearning, desire, and emotional intimacy between two lovers. The lyrics utilize rich imagery of twilight, chilly winds turning warm, and nature's harmony to portray the romantic tension and ultimate union of the couple. The recurring theme highlights how twilight and night trigger deep feelings of love (personified as Kaaman's torment) that keep the lovers awake and captivated by thoughts of one another.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification

Kaaman thollaiyae

Desire and romantic pangs are personified through 'Kaaman thollaiyae' (the torment of Kama, the Hindu god of love), who perturbs the lovers as dusk falls.

Analogy / Metaphor

Kalandha pinnalae kaaveri punalum Kadalil illamal oodumo

The flow of love and destiny is compared to the River Kaveri, which inevitably seeks its union with the sea.

Moanai (Initial Alliteration)

Inaindhu paadamal yen indha oodal / Ilamai nil endru koorumo

Matching vowel sounds 'Inaindhu' and 'Ilamai' at the start of consecutive lines creates rhythmic poetic flow.

Imagery

Vaadai kaatrodum maargazhi kulirum Kodai pol indru aanadhae

Sensory contrast between the freezing cold of Margazhi (winter) and the warmth of summer to represent passion.

Did you know?

Trivia

This song was composed and written by Gangai Amaran for the 1988 film 'Ullathil Nalla Ullam'. Performed by legendary playback singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki, the song is known for its intricate melodies and expressive vocal embellishments.

Keep listening

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