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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Anbe Thunai

From Thunai · 1982

Lyricist
Poonguyilan
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Thunai1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Anbe thunai arivae thunaiLove is a companion, wisdom is a companion.
Uyirae thunai uravae thunaiLife is a companion, kin is a companion.
Nenjae thunai ninaivae thunaiThe heart is a companion, memory is a companion.
Nesam thunai paasam thunaiAffection is a companion, devotion is a companion.
Male
Anbe thunai arivae thunaiLove is a companion, wisdom is a companion.
Uyirae thunai uravae thunaiLife is a companion, kin is a companion.
Nenjae thunai ninaivae thunaiThe heart is a companion, memory is a companion.
Nesam thunai paasam thunaiAffection is a companion, devotion is a companion.
Male
Nee thondrum neram thaayae thunaiAt the time of birth, the mother is the companion.
Nizhalaagi nirkkum thanthai thunaiThe father who stands as a protective shadow is the companion.
Kalvikku aasaan kaaval thunaiFor education, the teacher acts as a guiding companion.
Kadavul karunai kaakkum thunaiThe mercy of God is the protecting companion.
Male
Anbe thunai arivae thunaiLove is a companion, wisdom is a companion.
Uyirae thunai uravae thunaiLife is a companion, kin is a companion.
Nenjae thunai ninaivae thunaiThe heart is a companion, memory is a companion.
Nesam thunai paasam thunaiAffection is a companion, devotion is a companion.
Male
Padhinaaru vayathil paruvam thunaiAt sixteen years of age, youth is a companion.
Paruvaththil kaanum aasai thunaiThe desires felt during youth are companions.
Vazhiyinail koodum vaazhkkai thunaiThe life partner who joins along the way is a companion.
Valarum sugangal mazhalai thunaiThe growing joys of children are companions.
Male
Anbe thunai arivae thunaiLove is a companion, wisdom is a companion.
Uyirae thunai uravae thunaiLife is a companion, kin is a companion.
Nenjae thunai ninaivae thunaiThe heart is a companion, memory is a companion.
Nesam thunai paasam thunaiAffection is a companion, devotion is a companion.
Male
Nalam thedum nenjil gunamae thunaiIn a heart seeking well-being, good character is a companion.
Nalinthaalum thaangum palamae thunaiThe inner strength that supports during weakness is a companion.
Nallathai sollum nanban thunaiA friend who speaks good counsel is a companion.
Naalum thevai nallor thunaiThe support of noble people is needed every single day.
Male
Anbe thunai arivae thunaiLove is a companion, wisdom is a companion.
Uyirae thunai uravae thunaiLife is a companion, kin is a companion.
Nenjae thunai ninaivae thunaiThe heart is a companion, memory is a companion.
Nesam thunai paasam thunaiAffection is a companion, devotion is a companion.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from the 1982 film Thunai explores the various essential supports, relationships, and virtues that sustain a human being throughout life. The lyricist enumerates how abstract qualities like love, wisdom, memories, and affection serve as continuous inner companions. As a person grows, these companions shift to parents, teachers, divine grace, youth, life partners, children, inner character, resilience, and true friends.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Epiphora (Iyaibu)

Anbe thunai arivae thunai / Uyirae thunai uravae thunai

The word 'thunai' (meaning companion/support) is systematically repeated at the end of almost every line throughout the song.

Moonaip (Initial Alliteration)

Nalam thedum nenjil gunamae thunai / Nalinthaalum thaangum palamae thunai

Repetition of the 'N' consonant sound at the beginning of adjacent words across lines.

Metaphor

Nizhalaagi nirkkum thanthai thunai

Describing the father metaphorically as a protective shadow that stays beside a child.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by the legendary music duo Shankar-Ganesh and rendered by Malaysia Vasudevan, the song 'Anbe Thunai' is renowned for its rhythmic structure built entirely around the theme of 'Thunai' (the movie's title), framing life's various milestones through the concept of moral and emotional support.

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