P. Susheela sings “Moongil Ilai Mele” for the album Kaattu Rani. Kannadasan wrote the lyrics with music from composer P. S. Diwakar. The song opens with a serene image of a dewdrop sleeping on a bamboo leaf.
Moongil Ilai Mele
P. Susheela • From “Kaattu Rani”
Kaattu Rani’s Moongil Ilai Mele Lyrics Translation
The singer then observes the world around her. She notes trees standing “shoulder to shoulder” and birds living affectionately “beak touching beak.” Her own state is different, as she admits her youth has no companion.
Moongil Ilai Mele Thoongum Pani NeereOh, dewdrop sleeping on a bamboo leaf.
Moongil Ilai Mele Thoongum Pani NeereOh, dewdrop sleeping on a bamboo leaf.
Thoongum Pani Neerai Vangum KadhironeOh, morning sun that comes to claim the sleeping dew.
Tholudan Thol SerthuShoulder joined with shoulder,
Nidhamum Sugam Perum MarangalileThe trees find comfort every day.
Vayudan Vai SerthuBeak touching beak,
Konji Vazhndhidum ParavaigaleThe birds live their lives in sweet affection.
Moongil Ilai Mele Thoongum Pani NeereOh, dewdrop sleeping on a bamboo leaf.
Enakkoru SiragilaiyeI have no wings of my own,
Yengum Ilamaikku ThunaiyillaiyeAnd my yearning youth has no companion.
Kulirukku NeruppillaiyeThere’s no fire for this cold,
Pennin Gunathukku Manam IllaiyeAnd no heart to understand a woman’s soul.
Moongil Ilai Mele Thoongum Pani NeereOh, dewdrop sleeping on a bamboo leaf.
Androru Nal VandhanHe came to me one day,
Avanai Indru Varai KanenBut I haven’t seen him since.
Paravai Enum ThozhiOh, my friend, the bird,
Avanai Parthal VarasolladiIf you see him, please tell him to return.
Moongil Ilai Mele Thoongum Pani NeereOh, dewdrop sleeping on a bamboo leaf.
Thoongum Pani Neerai Vangum KadhironeOh, morning sun that comes to claim the sleeping dew.
Moongil Ilai Mele Music Video
This contrast between nature’s pairs and her own solitude is the song’s core. She even asks a bird to find her love and tell him to return. The meaning of the ‘Moongil Ilai Mele’ lyrics is found in this specific comparison, which makes her loneliness feel absolute.