- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Suseela
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Kalyaniyin Kanavan
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Sept 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Unakkaa Theriyaathu is a reflective romantic Tamil song from the 1963 movie Kalyaniyin Kanavan, penned by Kannadasan. In this track, the protagonist addresses the moon as an intimate confidante, questioning whether it understands the deep flood of emotions, desires, and solitude rising within her heart. The song captures a blend of longing, humility, and hopeful patience as she asks the moon to convey her loyalty and wait for the right time when love can blossom fully.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Apostrophe (Munnilai / Addressing the Moon)
“Unakkaa theriyaathu....nilavae”
Directly addressing the moon as a conscious listener and confidante to express internal feelings of love and longing.
Anaphora (Mondhu / Repetition)
“Unakkaa theriyaathu….”
Repeated use of the refrain 'Unakkaa theriyaathu' at the start and end of stanzas to emphasize the speaker's emotional plea.
Rhyme / Assonance (Iyaibu & Ethukai)
“Menmaiyilum en penmaiyilum”
Harmonious rhyming words 'Menmaiyilum', 'penmaiyilum', 'thanmaiyilum', 'thanimaiyilum' which enhance the rhythmic soft flow.
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Ullaththai thodavum vellaththil varavum”
Comparing deep tender feelings rushing into the soul to a rising flood ('vellaththil varavum').
Did you know?
Trivia
Kalyaniyin Kanavan (1963) featured music composed by S.M. Subbiah Naidu, with vocals rendered gracefully by P. Susheela. The song highlights Kannadasan's mastery in using natural elements like the moon as subtle vehicles for human romance and internal melancholy.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kalyaniyin Kanavan
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.