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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vellipani Malarae

From Rettai Jadai Vayasu · 1997

Lyricist
Ilakiyan
Singer
Unnikrishnan
Music director
Deva
Details
Rettai Jadai Vayasu1997

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vellipani malaraeOh silver-snow flower,
Nee sirichaa podhumIt is enough if you smile.
Koyil mani vilakaeOh temple lamp light,
Nee sirichaa podhumIt is enough if you smile.
Male
Maan pogum veedhiyilaeIn the path where the deer walks,
Mul irundhaa naan eduppenIf there are thorns, I will pick them out.
Thaen thoongum poovukkullaeInside the flower where honey rests,
Thee vizhundhaal naan anaippenIf fire falls, I will extinguish it.
Male
Koodu pathi eriyum bodhuWhen the nest catches fire,
Kuruvi thoongaadhuThe bird cannot sleep.
Ponmaniyae poo aludhaaOh golden precious one, if the flower cries,
Boomi thaangaadhuThe earth cannot bear it.
Chorus
Padha sani saaPa dha sani saa (Musical notes)
Sa sa sa nidha dha nidha dhaSa sa sa nidha dha nidha dha (Musical notes)
Nidha sa ri paaa dha pa riNidha sa ri paaa dha pa ri (Musical notes)
Ri ri sani dha pa dha ri ri sa ni dhaRi ri sani dha pa dha ri ri sa ni dha (Musical notes)
Pa dha saaaPa dha saaa (Musical notes)
Male
Vellipani malaraeOh silver-snow flower,
Nee sirichaa podhumIt is enough if you smile.
Koyil mani vilakaeOh temple lamp light,
Nee sirichaa podhumIt is enough if you smile.
Male
Mai theettum kangalukkuFor eyes adorned with kohl,
Magizhchi thaanae kan maniHappiness alone belongs, my precious gem.
Kai veesi nee nadanthaalIf you walk swinging your hands,
Kooda varum minminiFireflies will accompany you.
Thaai maamam seedhanamaaiAs a maternal uncle's customary gift,
Tharuven uyirai sandhanamaeI will give my life itself, my sweet sandalwood.
Male
Vellipani malaraeOh silver-snow flower,
Nee sirichaa podhumIt is enough if you smile.
Koyil mani vilakaeOh temple lamp light,
Nee sirichaa podhumIt is enough if you smile.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a tender and devoted expression of affection where the protagonist reassures his beloved, addressing her with gentle metaphors like a silver snow flower and a sacred temple lamp. He expresses that her smile is all he needs to feel fulfilled. He promises absolute protection, vowing to clear any thorns in her path and put out any metaphorical fires that threaten her happiness. The lyrics emphasize that her sorrow would be unbearable even for the earth itself, highlighting his commitment to sacrifice his very life to ensure her joy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Vellipani malarae / Koyil mani vilakae

The beloved is directly addressed as 'Vellipani malarae' (Silver-snow flower) and 'Koyil mani vilakae' (Temple lamp light) to portray her purity, beauty, and auspicious presence.

Hyperbole (Uyirvu Navirtchi Ani)

Ponmaniyae poo aludhaa Boomi thaangaadhu

Exaggeration used to convey deep empathy and emotion, claiming that the entire earth would be unable to bear the weight of her tears.

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Maan pogum veedhiyilae / Thaen thoongum poovukkullae

The second consonant sound matches across consecutive lines ('n' sound in Maan/Thaen).

Mona (Initial Alliteration)

Mai theettum kangalukku Magizhchi thaanae

Repetition of the initial letter 'M' sound in adjacent words for musicality.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is from the 1997 Tamil romantic comedy 'Rettai Jadai Vayasu' starring Ajith Kumar and Kausalya. Although the prompt lists the music director as unknown, the soundtrack for the film was composed by the popular veteran composer Deva, with lyrics written by Ilakiyan.

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