- Lyricist
- Mu. Metha
- Singers
- S. Janaki, Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Nee Thodum Pothu
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Feb 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poetic song from the film 'Nee Thodum Pothu' (1984), penned by lyricist Mu. Metha, is a deeply emotional call to a beloved who has fallen silent. Metaphorically addressing her as a sweet cuckoo bird ('poonguyil'), the singer urges her to break her silence and sing once again. He compares her voice to a temple of music and himself to a humble devotee waiting for her song. The lyrics mix classical romantic imagery with devotional allegories, comparing their love to that of Lord Krishna and Radha. The lover acknowledges her pain, stating that her sorrow becomes his melody, and yearns for the 'veena of love' to resonate once more.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Vaai thiravaai poonguyilae / Unthan naavil isai kovil”
Addressing the beloved as 'poonguyil' (flower cuckoo) and describing her tongue as 'isai kovil' (temple of music).
Rhyme / Rhyming Assonance (Iyaibu & Edhugai)
“Nee moganam enna mounam / Unthan sogam enthan raagam”
Use of end rhymes and internal rhyming pairs such as 'Moganam' / 'Mounam' and 'Sogam' / 'Raagam'.
Allusion / Mythology Imagery
“Kannan vanthaan kadhal paadhai / Kannil dheepam vaiththaal raadhai”
Evoking the divine archetype of Krishna and Radha to represent romantic devotion and emotional lighting.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by renowned Tamil poet and Sahitya Akademi award-winning lyricist Mu. Metha, this song showcases his signature style of blending high literary Tamil metaphors with delicate emotional romanticism.
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