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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Andhi Neram

From Panchali · 1959

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
K. Jamunarani
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Panchali1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Andhi neram aathangarai ooramAt dusk, on the bank of the river,
Aanaikaagha naan kanniyum vechenI set a trap for an elephant,
Andha kanniyilae thaanBut in that very trap,
Oru aalum vandhu vizhavum kandenI saw a man fall into it instead.
Andhi neram aathangarai ooramAt dusk, on the bank of the river,
Aanaikaagha naan kanniyum vechenI set a trap for an elephant,
Andha kanniyilae thaanBut in that very trap,
Oru aalum vandhu vizhavum kandenI saw a man fall into it instead.
Female
Arughil odi sendrenI ran close to him,
Athaanai kandenI saw my beloved cousin,
Nenjam pithaaghi nindrenMy heart stood mesmerized with passion,
En sothaagha kondaenI claimed him as my ultimate wealth.
Arughil odi sendrenI ran close to him,
Athaanai kandenI saw my beloved cousin,
Nenjam pithaaghi nindrenMy heart stood mesmerized with passion,
En sothaagha kondaenI claimed him as my ultimate wealth.
Female
En kann ambai naan veesiCasting the arrow of my eyes,
Sengarumbaana mozhi paesiSpeaking words sweet as red sugarcane,
En kann ambai naan veesiCasting the arrow of my eyes,
Sengarumbaana mozhi paesiSpeaking words sweet as red sugarcane,
Santhosam kondaadum bodhuWhile celebrating joy together,
Santhosam kondaadum bodhuWhile celebrating joy together,
Avar thaalam pottu paada kandenI saw him keeping beat and singing.
Avar thaalam pottu paada kandenI saw him keeping beat and singing.
Female
Andhi neram aathangarai ooramAt dusk, on the bank of the river,
Aanaikaagha naan kanniyum vechenI set a trap for an elephant,
Andha kanniyilae thaanBut in that very trap,
Oru aalum vandhu vizhavum kandenI saw a man fall into it instead.
Female
Unadhu vaazhvil ibamJoy in your life,
Ennaale pongumWill overflow because of me,
Adi ennaasai thangamOh my beloved precious gold,
Endru sonnarae singamSo said that lion-like man.
Unadhu vaazhvil ibamJoy in your life,
Ennaale pongumWill overflow because of me,
Adi ennaasai thangamOh my beloved precious gold,
Endru sonnarae singamSo said that lion-like man.
Female
Avar sollaalae magizhndhenaeI rejoiced at his sweet words,
Naan villaagha vilaindhenaeI bent gracefully like a bow,
Avar sollaalae magizhndhenaeI rejoiced at his sweet words,
Naan villaagha vilaindhenaeI bent gracefully like a bow,
Ellamae en ennam polaeEverything according to my wishes,
Ellamae en ennam polaeEverything according to my wishes,
Iniyaaghum endre aadugindrenaeBelieving it will turn sweet, I dance now!
Iniyaaghum endre aadugindrenaeBelieving it will turn sweet, I dance now!
Female
Andhi neram aathangarai ooramAt dusk, on the bank of the river,
Aanaikaagha naan kanniyum vechenI set a trap for an elephant,
Andha kanniyilae thaanBut in that very trap,
Oru aalum vandhu vizhavum kandenI saw a man fall into it instead.
Andhi neram aathangarai ooramAt dusk, on the bank of the river,
Aanaikaagha naan kanniyum vechenI set a trap for an elephant,
Andha kanniyilae thaanBut in that very trap,
Oru aalum vandhu vizhavum kandenI saw a man fall into it instead.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful and romantic song from 'Panchali' (1959) describes a heroine's delighted surprise upon encountering her beloved near a riverbank at twilight. Using metaphoric folklore imagery, she sings about setting a trap meant for an elephant, only for her hero to step into her trap of love instead. As they interact, she uses playful charm, glances like arrows, and sweet conversation. In return, her hero reassures her of lifelong happiness and affection. Overflowing with joy and optimism about a bright future together, the heroine dances in celebration of their love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor (உவமை / உருவகம்)

En kann ambai naan veesi

Compares glances from the eyes to sharp arrows ('Kann ambai') fired at the lover.

Metaphor (உருவகம்)

Sengarumbaana mozhi paesi

Compares sweet speech to red sugarcane ('Sengarumbaana mozhi').

Metaphor (உருவகம்)

Endru sonnarae singam

Refers to the valiant hero metaphorically as a lion ('Singam').

Simile (உவமையணி)

Naan villaagha vilaindhenae

Describes bending coyly or gracefully like a bow ('Villaagha vilaindhenae') in response to praise.

Monai / Alliteration (மோனை)

Andhi neram aathangarai ooram

Repetition of initial vowel sound 'A' in 'Andhi', 'Aathangarai', 'Aanaikaagha', 'Andha'.

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Trivia

Composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by A. Maruthakasi, 'Andhi neram aathangarai ooram' features the vibrant vocal rendition of K. Jamunarani. The song showcases Maruthakasi's signature ability to blend folk-style narrative tropes with cinematic romantic poetry.

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