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Isaimozhi
Gunaa album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Unnai Naan Ariven (Bit)

From Gunaa · 1991

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. Varalakshmi
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Gunaa
Movie release year
1991
Lyrics added on
10 Aug 2017

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Unnai naan ariven
Ennai andri yaar arivar
Kannil neer vazhinthaal
Ennai andri yaar thudaippar
Thaai paravai midhithaal
Sei paravai noovathillai
Kayam avathillai
Unnai naan ariven
Ennai andri yaar arivar
Kannil neer vazhinthaal
Ennai andri yaar thudaippar
I know you.
Who else knows you but me?
If tears roll down your eyes,
who else will wipe them away but me?
If a mother bird steps on her chick,
the baby bird feels no pain,
it never becomes a wound.
I know you.
Who else knows you but me?
If tears roll down your eyes,
who else will wipe them away but me?
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

These lines convey an intense, unconditional, and protective devotion between two souls. The speaker emphasizes an absolute understanding of the beloved, claiming that no one else can truly comprehend or comfort them in moments of sorrow. Through the tender metaphor of a mother bird stepping on her chick without causing pain or injury, the lyrics express how deep affection is naturally harmless and nurturing, no matter how intense it appears. Overall, it captures a love that transcends ordinary human understanding, rooted in maternal-like care and spiritual oneness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Thaai paravai midhithaal / Sei paravai noovathillai

Compares the protective and harmless nature of deep love to a mother bird stepping on her chick without causing pain or injury.

Rhetorical Question

Ennai andri yaar arivar

Uses questions expecting no answer to emphasize that no one else can truly know or comfort the beloved.

Edhukai (Rhyming Pattern)

Thaai paravai midhithaal / Sei paravai noovathillai

The rhyming pairing of 'Thaai' and 'Sei' creates rhythmic harmony highlighting the maternal bond.

Did you know?

Trivia

This iconic verse from the 1991 psychological drama 'Gunaa' was written by Vaali with music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. It deeply reflects the innocent yet intense, pure devotion of the protagonist Gunaa, played by Kamal Haasan.

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