- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kannukkoru Vannakili
- Movie release year
- 1991
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Jan 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply emotional lamentation on the impermanence of love, human bonding, and the inevitability of separation. The protagonist grieves the tragic turns of life, questioning whether tears can truly relieve suffering or if anyone has the power to prevent agonizing farewells. The memories of love and devotion now feel like illusions, where even soothing waters feel like fire in the presence of overwhelming heartbreak.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Paasam naam potta neer kolam”
Compares human affection to a Rangoli ('kolam') drawn on water, metaphorically illustrating the transient and fragile nature of emotions.
Muran (Antithesis / Contrast)
“Inbangal endru... Thunbangal ennum”
Contrasts 'Inbam' (pleasure/joy) with 'Thunbam' (sorrow/suffering) to reflect life's cruel irony.
Hyperbole
“Gangai neer kooda theeyaagum”
Exaggerates emotional turmoil by stating that even the cool, sacred waters of the Ganges would turn into burning fire.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Thaai ennum dheivam / Saei vaazha thaanae”
Uses matching sound patterns and internal rhythm between mother ('Thaai') and child ('Saei').
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the legendary poet Vaali for the 1991 Tamil film 'Kannukkoru Vannakili', the lyrics utilize rich classical Tamil imagery such as 'Neer Kolam' (drawings made on water) to convey the deep philosophical reality of life's fleeting nature.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kannukkoru Vannakili
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.