Vaanathula Velli
From Enga Ooru Mappillai · 1989
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- Mano, K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Enga Ooru Mappillai1989
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Vaanathula velli radham | A silver chariot in the sky, |
| Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna | Why has it come down to the street? |
| Female | |
| Veedhiyilae vandha radham | The chariot that came to the street, |
| Oru saedhi ingu sonnadhenna | What news did it bring here? |
| Male | |
| Vanna aadai katti nindradhenna | Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire? |
| Kannaara kandadhenna | What did the eyes see to their heart's content? |
| Kaiyodu kondadhenna | What was taken along in hand? |
| Female | |
| Vaanathula velli radham | A silver chariot in the sky, |
| Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna | Why has it come down to the street? |
| Male | |
| Vaanathula velli radham | A silver chariot in the sky... |
| Male | |
| Mara kilaiyil kaathadikka | When the wind blows through tree branches, |
| Pazham udhirum solai idhu | This is a grove where ripe fruits fall. |
| Female :Pazhutha pazham kaathirukka | Female: While the ripe fruit is waiting, |
| Anil kadikkum velai idhu | This is the time for the squirrel to bite. |
| Male | |
| Anil pol uru maaravaa | Should I transform like a squirrel, |
| Adiyen pasiyaaravaa | And satisfy my humble hunger? |
| Female :Adharkkor thadai podavaa | Female: Should I place an obstacle to that, |
| Udaiyaal ennai moodavaa | Or cover myself with my garment? |
| Male | |
| Pudhu poovae naan thodum podhu | Oh fresh flower, when I touch you, |
| Bodhai varak koodumaa | Will intoxication arise? |
| Female :Pani chaaral mel vizhum podhu | Female: When a cool drizzle falls upon us, |
| Aasai alai paayumaa | Will the waves of desire surge? |
| Male | |
| Nangaiyin melliya idai | As the maiden's slender waist |
| Nool pol aada | Sways like a delicate thread, |
| Ennaiyum unnaiyum inaithen naan | I have united you and me. |
| Female | |
| Vaanathula velli radham | A silver chariot in the sky, |
| Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna | Why has it come down to the street? |
| Male | |
| Veedhiyilae vandha radham | The chariot that came to the street, |
| Oru saedhi ingu sonnadhenna | What news did it bring here? |
| Female | |
| Vanna aadai katti nindradhenna | Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire? |
| Kannaara kandadhenna | What did the eyes see to their heart's content? |
| Kaiyodu kondadhenna | What was taken along in hand? |
| Male | |
| Vaanathula velli radham mmm.. | A silver chariot in the sky, mmm... |
| Female | |
| Nadhiyil ezhum neeralai pol | Like the water waves rising in a river, |
| Ninaivil ezhum naayagi naan | I am the heroine rising in your thoughts. |
| Male : Raaman enum raajanukku | Male: For the king named Rama, |
| Amaindhu vitta raaniyum nee | You are the queen who was destined. |
| Female | |
| Nedu naal ulla sondhamo | Is this a relationship from long ago? |
| Nilaiyaai vandha bandhamo | Or a bond that came to stay permanently? |
| Male :Pirivae ini illaiyae | Male: There is no separation anymore, |
| Panivaai madal mullaiyae | Oh gentle and bow-like jasmine blossom! |
| Female | |
| Ilam thogai tholgalil saaya | As the young peacock leans on my shoulders, |
| Yedho oru yekkamo | Is there a sudden longing? |
| Male :Malar maaran pookkalil podum | Male: Will the flower arrows shot by Manmatha |
| Baanam ennai thaakkumo | Strike me as well? |
| Female | |
| Thottadhum pattadhum | The moment I touched and felt, |
| Sugamae thondra | Pleasure emerged, |
| Mannavan kaigalil vizhundhen naan | And I fell into the arms of my king. |
| Male | |
| Vaanathula velli radham | A silver chariot in the sky, |
| Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna | Why has it come down to the street? |
| Female | |
| Veedhiyilae vandha radham | The chariot that came to the street, |
| Oru saedhi ingu sonnadhenna | What news did it bring here? |
| Male | |
| Vanna aadai katti nindradhenna | Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire? |
| Kannaara kandadhenna | What did the eyes see to their heart's content? |
| Kaiyodu kondadhenna | What was taken along in hand? |
| Female | |
| Vaanathula velli radham | A silver chariot in the sky, |
| Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna | Why has it come down to the street? |
| Male | |
| Vaanathula velli radham mm.. | A silver chariot in the sky, mm... |
வானத்துல வெள்ளி ரதம்
அது வீதியில வந்ததென்ன
வீதியிலே வந்த ரதம்
ஒரு சேதி இங்கு சொன்னதென்ன
A silver chariot in the sky,
Why has it come down to the street?
வண்ண ஆடை
கட்டி நின்றதென்ன
கண்ணார கண்டதென்ன
கையோடு கொண்டதென்ன
The chariot that came to the street,
What news did it bring here?
வானத்துல வெள்ளி ரதம்
அது வீதியில வந்ததென்ன
வானத்துல வெள்ளி ரதம்....
Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire?
What did the eyes see to their heart's content?
What was taken along in hand?
மரக்கிளையில் காத்தடிக்க
பழம் உதிரும் சோலை இது
பழுத்த பழம் காத்திருக்க
அணில் கடிக்கும் வேளை இது
A silver chariot in the sky,
Why has it come down to the street?
அணில் போல் உருமாறவா
அடியேன் பசியாறவா
அதற்கோர் தடை போடவா
உடையால் என்னை மூடவா
A silver chariot in the sky...
புதுப் பூவே நான் தொடும் போது
போதை வரக் கூடுமா
பனிச்சாரல் மேல் விழும் போது
ஆசை அலை பாயுமா
When the wind blows through tree branches,
This is a grove where ripe fruits fall.
Female: While the ripe fruit is waiting,
This is the time for the squirrel to bite.
நங்கையின் மெல்லிய இடை
நூல் போல் ஆட
என்னையும் உன்னையும்
இணைத்தேன் நான்
Should I transform like a squirrel,
And satisfy my humble hunger?
Female: Should I place an obstacle to that,
Or cover myself with my garment?
வானத்துல வெள்ளி ரதம்
அது வீதியிலே வந்ததென்ன
வீதியிலே வந்த ரதம்
ஒரு சேதி இங்கு சொன்னதென்ன
Oh fresh flower, when I touch you,
Will intoxication arise?
Female: When a cool drizzle falls upon us,
Will the waves of desire surge?
வண்ண ஆடை
கட்டி நின்றதென்ன
கண்ணார கண்டதென்ன
கையோடு கொண்டதென்ன
As the maiden's slender waist
Sways like a delicate thread,
I have united you and me.
வானத்துல வெள்ளி ரதம்...ஹ்ஹீம்....
A silver chariot in the sky,
Why has it come down to the street?
நதியில் எழும் நீரலை போல்
நினைவில் எழும் நாயகி நான்
ராமன் எனும் ராஜனுக்கு
அமைந்து விட்ட ராணியும் நீ
The chariot that came to the street,
What news did it bring here?
நெடு நாள் உள்ள சொந்தமோ
நிலையாய் வந்த பந்தமோ
பிரிவே இனி இல்லையே
பனிவாய் மடல் முல்லையே
Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire?
What did the eyes see to their heart's content?
What was taken along in hand?
இளம் தோகை
தோள்களில் சாய
ஏனோ ஒரு ஏக்கமோ
மலர் மாறன்
பூக்களில் போடும்
பாணம் என்னைத் தாக்குமோ
A silver chariot in the sky, mmm...
தொட்டதும் பட்டதும்
சுகமே தோன்ற
மன்னவன் கைகளில்
விழுந்தேன் நான்
Like the water waves rising in a river,
I am the heroine rising in your thoughts.
Male: For the king named Rama,
You are the queen who was destined.
வானத்துல வெள்ளி ரதம்
அது வீதியிலே வந்ததென்ன......
வீதியிலே வந்த ரதம்
ஒரு சேதி இங்கு சொன்னதென்ன
Is this a relationship from long ago?
Or a bond that came to stay permanently?
Male: There is no separation anymore,
Oh gentle and bow-like jasmine blossom!
வண்ண ஆடை
கட்டி நின்றதென்ன
கண்ணார கண்டதென்ன
கையோடு கொண்டதென்ன
As the young peacock leans on my shoulders,
Is there a sudden longing?
Male: Will the flower arrows shot by Manmatha
Strike me as well?
வானத்துல வெள்ளி ரதம்
அது வீதியில வந்ததென்ன
வானத்துல வெள்ளி ரதம்....
The moment I touched and felt,
Pleasure emerged,
And I fell into the arms of my king.
A silver chariot in the sky,
Why has it come down to the street?
The chariot that came to the street,
What news did it bring here?
Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire?
What did the eyes see to their heart's content?
What was taken along in hand?
A silver chariot in the sky,
Why has it come down to the street?
A silver chariot in the sky, mm...
Vaanathula velli radham
A silver chariot in the sky,
Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna
Why has it come down to the street?
Veedhiyilae vandha radham
The chariot that came to the street,
Oru saedhi ingu sonnadhenna
What news did it bring here?
Vanna aadai katti nindradhenna
Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire?
Kannaara kandadhenna
What did the eyes see to their heart's content?
Kaiyodu kondadhenna
What was taken along in hand?
Vaanathula velli radham
A silver chariot in the sky,
Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna
Why has it come down to the street?
Vaanathula velli radham
A silver chariot in the sky...
Mara kilaiyil kaathadikka
When the wind blows through tree branches,
Pazham udhirum solai idhu
This is a grove where ripe fruits fall.
Female :Pazhutha pazham kaathirukka
Female: While the ripe fruit is waiting,
Anil kadikkum velai idhu
This is the time for the squirrel to bite.
Anil pol uru maaravaa
Should I transform like a squirrel,
Adiyen pasiyaaravaa
And satisfy my humble hunger?
Female :Adharkkor thadai podavaa
Female: Should I place an obstacle to that,
Udaiyaal ennai moodavaa
Or cover myself with my garment?
Pudhu poovae naan thodum podhu
Oh fresh flower, when I touch you,
Bodhai varak koodumaa
Will intoxication arise?
Female :Pani chaaral mel vizhum podhu
Female: When a cool drizzle falls upon us,
Aasai alai paayumaa
Will the waves of desire surge?
Nangaiyin melliya idai
As the maiden's slender waist
Nool pol aada
Sways like a delicate thread,
Ennaiyum unnaiyum inaithen naan
I have united you and me.
Vaanathula velli radham
A silver chariot in the sky,
Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna
Why has it come down to the street?
Veedhiyilae vandha radham
The chariot that came to the street,
Oru saedhi ingu sonnadhenna
What news did it bring here?
Vanna aadai katti nindradhenna
Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire?
Kannaara kandadhenna
What did the eyes see to their heart's content?
Kaiyodu kondadhenna
What was taken along in hand?
Vaanathula velli radham mmm..
A silver chariot in the sky, mmm...
Nadhiyil ezhum neeralai pol
Like the water waves rising in a river,
Ninaivil ezhum naayagi naan
I am the heroine rising in your thoughts.
Male : Raaman enum raajanukku
Male: For the king named Rama,
Amaindhu vitta raaniyum nee
You are the queen who was destined.
Nedu naal ulla sondhamo
Is this a relationship from long ago?
Nilaiyaai vandha bandhamo
Or a bond that came to stay permanently?
Male :Pirivae ini illaiyae
Male: There is no separation anymore,
Panivaai madal mullaiyae
Oh gentle and bow-like jasmine blossom!
Ilam thogai tholgalil saaya
As the young peacock leans on my shoulders,
Yedho oru yekkamo
Is there a sudden longing?
Male :Malar maaran pookkalil podum
Male: Will the flower arrows shot by Manmatha
Baanam ennai thaakkumo
Strike me as well?
Thottadhum pattadhum
The moment I touched and felt,
Sugamae thondra
Pleasure emerged,
Mannavan kaigalil vizhundhen naan
And I fell into the arms of my king.
Vaanathula velli radham
A silver chariot in the sky,
Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna
Why has it come down to the street?
Veedhiyilae vandha radham
The chariot that came to the street,
Oru saedhi ingu sonnadhenna
What news did it bring here?
Vanna aadai katti nindradhenna
Why is it standing dressed in colorful attire?
Kannaara kandadhenna
What did the eyes see to their heart's content?
Kaiyodu kondadhenna
What was taken along in hand?
Vaanathula velli radham
A silver chariot in the sky,
Adhu veedhiyilae vandhadhenna
Why has it come down to the street?
Vaanathula velli radham mm..
A silver chariot in the sky, mm...
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This romantic duet, 'Vaanathula Velli Radham', expresses the playful exchanges, growing passion, and deep commitment between two lovers. Metaphorically referring to the beloved as a celestial silver chariot that has descended to earth, the lyrics weave imagery of nature—ripe fruits, squirrels, garden groves, river waves, and rain drizzles—to depict intimacy and desire. As the song progresses, the lovers compare their connection to the legendary union of Lord Rama and Sita, affirming that their relationship is eternal and free from separation. The piece beautifully captures the joy of falling in love and surrendering to one another in physical and emotional harmony.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vaanathula velli radham”
Comparing the beloved/heroine to a celestial 'silver chariot' (Velli radham) descending onto the street.
Allegory / Nature Imagery
“Female :Pazhutha pazham kaathirukka / Anil kadikkum velai idhu”
Using the fruit wait and squirrel biting as a metaphor for romantic yearning and playful physical longing.
Simile (Uwamai)
“Nangaiyin melliya idai / Nool pol aada”
Comparing the heroine's slender waist swaying to a thin thread (Nool pol aada).
Simile (Uwamai)
“Nadhiyil ezhum neeralai pol”
Comparing thoughts rising in the mind to water waves rising in a river (Nadhiyil ezhum neeralai pol).
Alliteration (Emonae / Rhyme)
“Male : Raaman enum raajanukku / Amaindhu vitta raaniyum nee”
Repetition of initial/internal sounds ('Raaman', 'raajanukku', 'raaniyum') enhancing the musicality of the verse.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is composed by Ilaiyaraaja for the film 'Enga Ooru Mappillai' (1989), starring Ramarajan and Gautami. Sung by Mano and K. S. Chithra, Vaali's lyrics use rustic yet poetic Tamil metaphors that were a hallmark of late 80s Tamil rural romantic cinema.
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