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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaigai Nathioram Male Sad

From Rickshaw Mama · 1992

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Rickshaw Mama1992

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vaigai nadhi oramOn the banks of the Vaigai river
Pon maalai neramDuring the golden evening time
KaathaadudhuThe breeze is blowing gently
Kal vadiyum pookkalFlowers dripping with sweet nectar
Kaatrodu serndhaeTogether with the wind
Yen vaadudhuWhy are they wilting?
Male
Idhu anbin vedhamThis is the scripture of love
Adhai naalum odhumChanting it every single day
Idhu anbin vedhamThis is the scripture of love
Naalum odhum kaathaeOh wind that chants it every day
Male
Vaigai nadhi oramOn the banks of the Vaigai river
Pon maalai neramDuring the golden evening time
KaathaadudhuThe breeze is blowing gently
Kal vadiyum pookkalFlowers dripping with sweet nectar
Kaatrodu serndhaeTogether with the wind
Yen vaadudhuWhy are they wilting?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Set along the serene banks of the Vaigai river during a golden dusk, the song captures a deeply poetic reflection through nature. The narrator ponders why soft, nectar-rich flowers fade and wilt even as they are gently embraced by the evening breeze. The wind itself is tenderly personified as a devotee continuously reciting the sacred Veda of love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification

Naalum odhum kaathae

The wind ('kaathu') is given human agency, described as continuously chanting or reciting the scriptures of love.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Vaigai nadhi oram / Pon maalai neram

Matching end-sounds create a lyrical rhythm across lines ('oram' and 'neram').

Visual and Sensory Imagery

Kal vadiyum pookkal

The phrase 'Kal vadiyum pookkal' evokes a vivid image of sweet nectar dripping from fresh flowers.

Did you know?

Trivia

This track from the 1992 film Rickshaw Mama was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Gangai Amaran, featuring soulful renditions by K. J. Yesudas and S. Janaki.

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