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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Velli Nilavo Veesum Thendralo

From Hello Partner · 1972

Lyricist
Kumaradevan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Hello Partner1972

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Velli nilavo veesum thendraloIs it the silver moon, or the gentle blowing breeze?
Pullii mayilo nee pudhu vellamoAre you a spotted peacock, or a fresh new flood?
Velli nilavo veesum thendraloIs it the silver moon, or the gentle blowing breeze?
Pullii mayilo nee pudhu vellamoAre you a spotted peacock, or a fresh new flood?
Velli nilavo…..Is it the silver moon...
Male
Mangai Unthan kannilOh young maiden, in your eyes
Nee mai pottathaenoWhy did you apply kohl?
Mannan enthan tholilOn my shoulders, as a king
Un kai podathaanoWon't you rest your hand?
Male
Mangai Unthan kannilOh young maiden, in your eyes
Nee mai pottathaenoWhy did you apply kohl?
Mannan enthan tholilOn my shoulders, as a king
Un kai podathaanoWon't you rest your hand?
Male
Alli thandu kaiyilOn hands as tender as lily stems
Nee valai pottathaenoWhy did you wear bangles?
Alli thandu kaiyilOn hands as tender as lily stems
Nee valai pottathaenoWhy did you wear bangles?
Male
Varumpothu un jaadaiWhen you approach, is your graceful gesture
ValaiyosaithaanoThe musical sound of jingling bangles?
Varumpothu un jaadaiWhen you approach, is your graceful gesture
ValaiyosaithaanoThe musical sound of jingling bangles?
Male
Velli nilavo veesum thendraloIs it the silver moon, or the gentle blowing breeze?
Pullii mayilo nee pudhu vellamoAre you a spotted peacock, or a fresh new flood?
Velli nilavo…..Is it the silver moon...
Male
Pachchai pasum tharaiyae paayaanaalIf the lush green grass becomes a bed
Paarvaiyil iruppaval neeyaanaalAnd the person in my sight is you
Pachchai pasum tharaiyae paayaanaalIf the lush green grass becomes a bed
Paarvaiyil iruppaval neeyaanaalAnd the person in my sight is you
Male
Aasaigal aayiram malaraathoWon't a thousand desires bloom?
Aasaigal aayiram malaraathoWon't a thousand desires bloom?
Aravanaiththaal inbam valaraathoIf you embrace me, won't happiness grow?
Aravanaiththaal inbam valaraathoIf you embrace me, won't happiness grow?
Male
Velli nilavo veesum thendraloIs it the silver moon, or the gentle blowing breeze?
Pullii mayilo nee pudhu vellamoAre you a spotted peacock, or a fresh new flood?
Velli nilavo…..Is it the silver moon...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Velli Nilavo' is a romantic Tamil song from the 1972 film 'Hello Partner', composed by the duo Shankar-Ganesh and rendered passionately by T. M. Soundararajan. In this song, the protagonist admires his lover's beauty, comparing her to charming elements of nature like the silver moon, a gentle breeze, a graceful peacock, and a fresh stream of water. He affectionately inquires about her makeup and ornaments—such as the kohl in her eyes and bangles on her lotus-stem-like hands—while inviting her to rest her hands on his shoulders. The lyrics by Kumaradevan evoke classic Sangam-style romantic imagery where green grass serves as a bed for lovers. The song portrays deep romantic yearning, wonder, and the sweet anticipation of warmth and togetherness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Sandeha Alankaram (Poetic Doubt / Rhetorical Question)

Velli nilavo veesum thendralo / Pullii mayilo nee pudhu vellamo

The lyricist poses doubts comparing the heroine's beauty to natural phenomena like the silver moon, breeze, peacock, and flood using the questioning suffix '-o'.

Uvamai (Metaphor / Simile)

Alli thandu kaiyil

'Alli thandu kaiyil' compares the soft, delicate hands of the maiden to tender lily stems.

Monai (Alliteration)

Pachchai pasum tharaiyae paayaanaal / Paarvaiyil iruppaval neeyaanaal

Repetition of the 'Pa' sound at the beginning of words creates an agreeable rhythmic flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Hello Partner' (1972) is a comedy-thriller film starring Nagesh and K. Balaji. Though primarily known for comedy, the soundtrack composed by Shankar-Ganesh featured this evergreen romantic melody, showcasing T. M. Soundararajan's versatile vocal range in soft, romantic solos.

Keep listening

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