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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Va Kathirukka Neramillai

From Kathirukka Neramillai · 1993

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kathirukka Neramillai1993

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vaa kaathirukka neram illai oo…Come, there is no time to wait, oh...
Nee poothirukkum vaasa mullai oo…You are a blooming fragrant jasmine, oh...
Viraga thaabam mmmPassionate longing of separation, mmm...
Vilaiyum kaalam..mmmIs the season that yields, mmm...
Vilagi irundhaalIf we stay apart,
Vaadai vaattum vaa vaaThe cold northern breeze will torment us, come, come!
Female
Vaa kaathirukka neram illai oo…Come, there is no time to wait, oh...
Naan poothirukkum vaasa mullai oo…I am a blooming fragrant jasmine, oh...
Male
Yedho or paadharasamLike mercury rising
Yerum uyir naadiyilae haaIn the vital pulse of life, ha...
Kaandham uruvaagumadiA magnet is formed, my girl,
Koodum ilam jodhiyilaeIn the gathering young light.
Female
Valai kaigal nee sonnaalIf your bangled hands command,
Valaikkaamal pogaadhuThey will not fail to embrace.
Vali kaadhu seeraattuHearing no pain, a gentle lullaby
Salikkaadhu poo maadhuThe flower-like woman will never tire.
Male
Aasai ootru polaeLike a fountain of desire,
Vellamaaga paayum neramaeIt is the time flowing like a flood.
Aadai eeram aagaAs our clothes get drenched,
Neeyum naanum neendha vendumaeYou and I must swim together.
Female
Vaa kaathirukka neram illai oo…Come, there is no time to wait, oh...
Naan poothirukkum vaasa mullai oo…I am a blooming fragrant jasmine, oh...
Viraga thaabam mmmPassionate longing of separation, mmm...
Vilaiyum kaalam..mmmIs the season that yields, mmm...
Vilagi irundhaalIf we stay apart,
Vaadai vaattum vaa vaaThe cold northern breeze will torment us, come, come!
Male
Vaa kaathirukka neram illai oo…Come, there is no time to wait, oo...
Female
Maalai mani aindhadithaalWhen the clock strikes five in the evening,
Maan thaan unai thaedi varumThe deer-like lady will come searching for you.
Kaaval ondru pottu vaithaalEven if a guard is placed,
Kaalgal adhai thaandi varumHer feet will step past it and come.
Male
Idai serndha pinnaalaeAfter our waists are joined,
Idaivelai koodaadhuDistance is not allowed.
Inai serndha jeevangalSouls that have united
Thanitthendrum vaazhaathuCan never live in separation.
Female
Anbae neela vannamOh love, the blue color
Vaanai endrum neengidaadhuWill never leave the sky.
Meettum viral illaadhuWithout a plucking finger,
Vaazhvadhaedhu veenaiyaanadhuWhat life is there for a veena?
Male
Vaa kaathirukka neram illai oo…Come, there is no time to wait, oh...
Nee poothirukkum vaasa mullai oo…You are a blooming fragrant jasmine, oh...
Female
Viraga thaabam mmmPassionate longing of separation, mmm...
Vilaiyum kaalam..mmmIs the season that yields, mmm...
Vilagi irundhaalIf we stay apart,
Vaadai vaattum vaa vaaThe cold northern breeze will torment us, come, come!
Male
Vaa kaathirukka neram illai oo…Come, there is no time to wait, oh...
Female :Naan poothirukkum vaasa mullai oo…Female: I am a blooming fragrant jasmine, oh...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This sensual duet from 'Kathirukka Neramillai' (1993), written by lyricist Vaali, captures the intense intimacy and urgency of two lovers longing for each other. The song conveys that time is running out and separation is unbearable, comparing their rising passion to mercury rising in a pulse and magnetic attraction amidst a tender flame.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moanai (Initial Alliteration)

Viraga thaabam mmm / Vilaiyum kaalam..mmm / Vilagi irundhaal / Vaadai vaattum vaa vaa

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'V' across consecutive lines (Viraga, Vilaiyum, Vilagi, Vaadai, Vaa).

Uvamai (Simile)

Aasai ootru polae

Comparing the outburst of romantic desire directly to a surging spring or fountain using 'polae'.

Urugavam (Metaphor)

Meettum viral illaadhu / Vaazhvadhaedhu veenaiyaanadhu

Metaphorically comparing an unfulfilled, unloved life to a silent veena that remains unplayed without plucking fingers.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Idai serndha pinnaalae / Idaivelai koodaadhu

Rhyming of the second letter 'd' across 'Idai' and 'Idaivelai'.

Did you know?

Trivia

In this track, lyricist Vaali seamlessly blends classical Sangam Tamil imagery of 'Viraga Thaabam' (pangs of separation) and 'Vaadai Kaatru' (chilly wind symbolizing longing) with modern physical concepts such as 'Paadharasam' (mercury) and 'Kaandham' (magnetism).

Keep listening

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