- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- Duet
- Movie release year
- 1994
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Aug 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Vennilaavin Thaeril Yeri is a deeply emotional declaration of devotion, awe, and surrender in love. The protagonist depicts his beloved's arrival as the manifestation of a love deity riding a lunar chariot. Mesmerized by her grace and beauty, he feels humbled and hesitant, comparing himself to a mute person reluctant to ask for alms out of self-respect. The lyrics highlight themes of unconditional commitment and service. Using vivid allegories, the speaker describes his heart as a rock that wells up with water even when struck, and vows to devote himself completely—willing to become a comb for her hair or footwear for her feet. The song concludes with a pledge that even cosmic destruction cannot waver his romantic resolve.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Maanam ulla oomai pola”
Compares the protagonist's silent, hesitating bashfulness to a mute person with self-respect who hesitates to ask for alms.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vennilaavin thaeril yeri / Kaadhal dheivam neril vandhaalae”
Refers to the beloved as the literal goddess of love arriving on a moon chariot.
Alliteration & Monai (Initial Sound Harmony)
“Niram kandu mugam kanda / Nesam konden / Aval nizhal kandu nijam kandae”
Repetition of initial consonant 'N' sounds across successive lines (Niram, Nesam, Nizhal, Nijam).
Metaphorical Servitude
“Seeppaaga iruppen / Illai sendhaamarai paadhathil / Seruppaaga pirappen”
Expresses total surrender by offering to become everyday intimate objects like a comb or footwear to serve her.
Hyperbole (Ushnavam / Uyartnavu)
“Andamellaam vindu pogum / Konda kaadhal kolgai maaradhu”
An extreme exaggeration emphasizing that even if the entire universe tears apart, his vow of love will remain unchanged.
Did you know?
Trivia
This song is featured in the 1994 Tamil musical drama film 'Duet', directed by K. Balachander. The film's iconic soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman, featuring legendary instrumental renditions by saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath. The song was sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu.
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