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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Velli Nila Vanathile

From Kadhal Paduthumpadu · 1966

Lyricist
Aalangudi Somu
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Kadhal Paduthumpadu1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Velli nila vaanathilae vandhu poguthadaThe silver moon comes and goes in the sky.
Velli nila vaanathilae vandhu poguthadaThe silver moon comes and goes in the sky.
Adhu vandhu pona suvaduThe trace left by its coming and going,
Andha vaanil illaiyadaIs not left behind in that sky.
Vaanil illaiyadaIs not in the sky.
Velli nila vaanathilae vandhu poguthadaThe silver moon comes and goes in the sky.
Female
Kodi madiyil oonjal pottuSetting a swing in the lap of the creeper,
Thendral poguthadaThe gentle breeze passes by.
Kodi madiyil oonjal pottuSetting a swing in the lap of the creeper,
Thendral poguthadaThe gentle breeze passes by.
Adhu oonjal potta suvaduThe trace left where it swung,
Andha kodiyil illaiyadaIs not found on that creeper.
Kodiyil illaiyadaIs not on the creeper.
Velli nila vaanathilae vandhu poguthadaThe silver moon comes and goes in the sky.
Female
Ullathilum kaadhal nilaIn the heart as well, the moon of love
Vandhu minnudhadaComes and shines brightly.
Ullathilum kaadhal nilaIn the heart as well, the moon of love
Vandhu minnudhadaComes and shines brightly.
Andha oorvalathin suvadu mattumOnly the imprint of that grand procession
Maraivadhillaiyada endrumNever fades away forever.
MaraivadhillaiyadaNever fades away.
Velli nila vaanathilae vandhu poguthadaThe silver moon comes and goes in the sky.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poetic song draws a contrast between transient natural phenomena and the permanent impact of love on human emotions. The lyricist notes that physical forces leave no lasting marks on nature: the silver moon moves across the night sky without leaving a path, and the gentle breeze sways on a plant's lap without leaving a trace. However, when the moon of love enters a person's heart, the impression left by that emotional experience never disappears, remaining forever etched in memory.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification (Urvagam)

Kodi madiyil oonjal pottu Thendral poguthada

The breeze is poetically described as swaying in a swing on the lap of a vine/creeper.

Contrast (Ethirmai)

Andha oorvalathin suvadu mattum Maraivadhillaiyada endrum

Contrast between nature leaving no visible traces vs. love leaving an indelible mark in the human heart.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Ullathilum kaadhal nila Vandhu minnudhada

Love entering the mind/heart is visually metaphorized as a glowing, shining moon.

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Trivia

Composed by T. R. Pappa with lyrics by Aalangudi Somu, this song relies on simple yet profound imagery comparing physical transient phenomena with emotional permanence, sung sweetly by P. Susheela.

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