“Alakalil Njaan Ozhukave” is from the film Pulimada, performed and composed by Ishaan Dev. The lyrics by Thara Jayasankar begin with someone adrift on waves, asking if they hear a lullaby. This introduces a feeling of being lost while holding onto a comforting sound.
Alakalil Njaan Ozhukave
Ishaan Dev • From “Pulimada”
Pulimada’s Alakalil Njaan Ozhukave Lyrics Translation
The comfort of a gentle caress is contrasted with a painful image. The lyrics state the same loved one is now a “distant, burning ember.” This turn connects a soothing memory directly to a source of present suffering.
Alakalil Njaan OzhukaveAs I drift upon the waves
Oru Thaaraattu KekkunnuevoDo I hear a lullaby?
Nerukayil Nee ThazhukaveAs you gently caress my brow
Mukilerunna PoonthennalaayLike a soft breeze from the clouds
Thaniye Parannathu NeeyeIt was you who flew away alone
Akale Kanalaayerinjathu NeeyeIt was you who burned like a distant ember
Innethu Novinte KanneerumaayWith tears from a pain I feel today
Mizhi Thengunnu NinnormmayilMy eyes are weeping in your memory
Alakalil Njaan OzhukaveAs I drift upon the waves
Oru Thaaraattu KekkunnuevoDo I hear a lullaby?
Nerukayil Nee ThazhukaveAs you gently caress my brow
Mukilerunna PoonthennalaayLike a soft breeze from the clouds
Thaniye Parannathu NeeyeIt was you who flew away alone
Akale Kanalaayerinjathu NeeyeIt was you who burned like a distant ember
Innethu Novinte KanneerumaayWith tears from a pain I feel today
Mizhi Thengunnu NinnormmayilMy eyes are weeping in your memory
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Aaraariro Aaraariro Aaraariro AaraariroAaraariro Aaraariro Aaraariro Aaraariro
Alakalil Njaan Ozhukave Music Video
The song’s lullaby sound is paired with the reality of loss. The lyrics conclude with someone weeping in the present over a past memory. The final effect shows how comfort and sorrow can exist together in mourning.