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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaanam Niram

From Dhavani Kanavugal · 1984

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Dhavani Kanavugal1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aa…aaa…aaa…aaa..aa….Aa…aaa…aaa…aaa..aa….
Male
Aa…aaa…aaa…aaa..aa….Aa…aaa…aaa…aaa..aa….
Female
Aa…aaa…aaa…Aa…aaa…aaa…
Male
Aa…aaa…aaa….Aa…aaa…aaa….
Male
Vaanam niram maarumThe sky changes its colors
Ila maalai suba velaiIn the pleasant, auspicious twilight hour
Female
Megam pani thoovumThe clouds sprinkle gentle mist
Adhu kaaman paribaashaiThat is the subtle language of the god of love
Male
Naal thorum vedhangalEvery day, the sacred scriptures of romance
Female
Paadaadho dhaegangalWill not our loving bodies sing them?
Vaanam niram maarumThe sky changes its colors
Ila maalai suba velaiIn the pleasant, auspicious twilight hour
Male
Megam pani thoovumThe clouds sprinkle gentle mist
Adhu kaaman paribaashaiThat is the subtle language of the god of love
Female
Manmadha kalai engu virpanaiWhere is the art of love sold?
Mangaiyival dhaegam engum muthiraiThis maiden's body bears the impression of love all over
Male
Andhi malligai sindhum punnagaiA smile blossoming like evening jasmine
Thingal mugham naalum dheva kannigaiWith a moon-like face, she is like a heavenly nymph every day
Female
Mannavan thozhoramBeside my beloved lord's shoulders
En idhazh reengaaramThe soft humming sound of my lips
Panjanai boopaalam paadidumaeThe soft bed will sing the dawn melody
Male
Ini dhevan koyil poojai neramFrom now on, it is time for divine worship in love's temple
Kaadhal dheepam naanumAnd I am the lamp of love
Female
Vaanam niram maarumThe sky changes its colors
Ila maalai suba velaiIn the pleasant, auspicious twilight hour
Male
Megam pani thoovumThe clouds sprinkle gentle mist
Adhu kaaman paribaashaiThat is the subtle language of the god of love
Female
Laa laala lalalaa laala lala laala laala laaLaa laala lalalaa laala lala laala laala laa
Male
Laa laala lalalaa laala lala laala laala laaLaa laala lalalaa laala lala laala laala laa
Female
Laalalaa laalalaaLaalalaa laalalaa
Male
Laalalaa laa laa…Laalalaa laa laa…
Male
Pattu methaiyil nitham othigaiDaily rehearsals on the soft silk mattress
Kattru tharum velai yedhu nithiraiWhen love is being taught, where is the room for sleep?
Female
Katra vithaigal motham ethanaiHow many romantic arts have been learned?
Alli thara vendum anbu kattalaiIt is love's command to shower them all generously
Male
Sangadhi yeraalamThe nuances and variations are boundless
En manam dhaaraalamMy heart is overwhelmingly generous
Manmadhan dhevaaram paadiduvenI shall sing the sacred hymns of the god of desire
Female
Ini pesum pechil jaamam pogumFrom now on, midnight will pass in our conversation
Mogam kaaval meerumPassion will break past all restraints
Male
Vaanam niram maarumThe sky changes its colors
Ila maalai suba velaiIn the pleasant, auspicious twilight hour
Female
Megam pani thoovumThe clouds sprinkle gentle mist
Adhu kaaman paribaashaiThat is the subtle language of the god of love
Male
Naal thorum vedhangalEvery day, the sacred scriptures of romance
Female
Paadaadho dhaegangalWill not our loving bodies sing them?
Vaanam niram maarumThe sky changes its colors
Ila maalai suba velaiIn the pleasant, auspicious twilight hour
Male
Megam pani thoovumThe clouds sprinkle gentle mist
Adhu kaaman paribaashaiThat is the subtle language of the god of love

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet captures the blossoming intimacy between two lovers as evening sets in. Set against the serene backdrop of twilight, dew, and changing sky colors, the lyrics metaphorically equate physical and emotional intimacy to divine worship and sacred scriptures. The song expresses how desire transcends boundaries and transforms their union into an artistic and spiritual celebration.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Naal thorum vedhangal / Paadaadho dhaegangal

Compares physical body and love to divine sacred scriptures ('vedhangal') and sacred temple worship ('dhevan koyil poojai').

Imagery (Uvamai / Katchi Bimbam)

Andhi malligai sindhum punnagai

Creates rich visual imagery using twilight elements like changing sky, sprinkling mist, and blooming evening jasmine.

Emona / Rhyme (Edhugai)

Vaanam niram maarum / Ila maalai suba velai

Second letter rhyming across consecutive lines (e.g., Vaanam / Ila maalai / Megam - consonant rhythm).

Oxymoron / Paradoxical Blend

Manmadhan dhevaaram paadiduven

Blending spiritual imagery ('dhevaaram', 'vedhangal', 'poojai') with sensual romance ('Manmadhan', 'kaaman paribaashai').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Vaanam Niram Maarum' is composed by Ilaiyaraaja for the 1984 film 'Dhavani Kanavugal', directed by K. Bhagyaraj. Sung by S. Janaki and K. J. Yesudas, the track is renowned for its smooth orchestration and poetic lyricism by Muthulingam, blending classical carnatic inflections with soft romantic pop production.

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