- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Movie name
- Sigaram
- Movie release year
- 1991
- Lyrics added on
- 7 May 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song expresses the sweet disorientation and self-discovery brought on by falling deeply in love. The protagonist describes how encountering her lover's gaze completely altered her reality, making her lose track of everyday logic and routines. Through humorous and charming examples of absent-mindedness—such as drawing water when the pot is already full, plucking leaves instead of flowers, brushing teeth after drinking milk, or stitching her own finger into a saree—the lyrics portray the overwhelming nature of romance. Ultimately, love is shown as a paradox: it creates internal noise and madness in solitude while rendering the lover speechless in a crowd.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Irony / Contrast
“Thanimaiyodu sathamaagha pesi kolgiren / Oru sabhai niraindha velaiyilae mounam aagiren”
Contrasts speaking loudly when alone with becoming completely quiet when surrounded by a crowd.
Paradox
“Nirai kudathai vaithukondu neer iraikkiren”
Illustrates love's distraction through illogical actions, like attempting to fill a pot that is already full.
Anaphora
“Unnai kanda pinbu dhaan / Un kannai kanda pinbu dhaan”
Repetition of the phrase 'kanda pinbu dhaan' at the end of consecutive clauses to create rhythm and emphasis.
Rhyme (Edhukai)
“Unnai kanda pinbu dhaan / Ennai kandu konden”
Second letter rhyme standard in Tamil poetry (Unnai / Ennai / Kannai).
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Sigaram' (1991) featured music composed by legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam himself, who also starred as the lead actor. Written by Vairamuthu and sung by S. Janaki (alongside SPB), this song became an enduring favorite for its witty lyricism portraying the absent-mindedness caused by newfound love.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Sigaram
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.