Here’s a clear English translation of the lyrics for from the Tamil movie Padaiyappa (1999), composed by A. R. Rahman, sung by Unni Menon, and written by Vairamuthu.

The flower that bloomed in my garden – Before I could pluck it, it withered. The fruit that hung on the branch – Before I could taste it, it turned to seed. The golden fish that swam in my eyes – Before I could bathe in its sight, it became a shadow.

I found a piece of gold, But it slipped away, melting like water.

The day it came, my heart blossomed; The day it left, my house turned into a desert. O heart, don’t get attached to anyone – When they come, they bring a lamp; When they go, they leave behind only smoke.

It was neither a dream nor a lie – It happened right before my eyes. A gentle breeze came and swept it away. In this lone heart, a new hope was born, But fate, like a thief, stole it even before it could grow.