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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Annai Thanthai

From Amarakavi · 1952

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar, R. Rajalakshmi
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Amarakavi1952

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Annai thandhai anbariyaadhaUnaware of a mother and father's love,
Annai thandhai anbariyaadhaUnaware of a mother and father's love,
Ennai aadharikkum ulagamThe world that supports me...
Annai thandhai anbariyaadhaUnaware of a mother and father's love,
Ennai aadharikkum ulagamThe world that supports me...
Ivar pola seivar undooIs there anyone who would do as they do?
Ivar pola seivar undooIs there anyone who would do as they do?
Panivodu naan thaal panivenaeWith humility, I bow at their feet.
Panivodu naan thaal panivenaeWith humility, I bow at their feet.
Male
Thaal panindhu avar ullam kulira..aaBowing at their feet to make their hearts cool with joy,
Nanneri nadanthu thazhaikkumWalking in the path of righteousness and flourishing,
Aasikku aal padavum…aaaBecoming worthy to receive their blessings,
Anaithulagum adhisiyakkaTo make the entire world marvel in wonder,
Isaiyudan unnarul kalandhaBlended with music and your divine grace,
Neel payanthan tamizh paadalA Tamil song of long-lasting fruitfulness,
Neel payanthan tamizh paadalA Tamil song of long-lasting fruitfulness,
Kadalil madai thiranthennaLike opening a floodgate into the sea,
Male
Nenjai alla vaal paniyaarTo captivate the hearts of noble people,
Nenjai alla vaal paniyaarTo captivate the hearts of noble people,
Thalai kulungha paadavumTo sing making their heads nod in joy,
Naan padavumFor me to sing,
Vaal paniyaar thalai kulunghaMaking noble people nod their heads in delight,
Paadavum innarul seiBestow your sweet grace so I may sing,
Male
Kalaivaani deviGoddess Kalaivani!
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharulGrant me your divine word and protect me!
Kalaivaani deviGoddess Kalaivani!
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharulGrant me your divine word and protect me!
Kalaivaani deviGoddess Kalaivani!
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharulGrant me your divine word and protect me!
Kalaivaani deviGoddess Kalaivani!
Nilai ulagilae pugazh paravavaeSo that fame spreads across this enduring world,
Nilai ulagilae pugazh paravavaeSo that fame spreads across this enduring world,
Unai naan ennaalum vaazhthavumFor me to praise you every single day,
Unai naan ennaalum vaazhthavumFor me to praise you every single day,
Kalaivaani deviGoddess Kalaivani!
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharulGrant me your divine word and protect me!
Kalaivaani deviGoddess Kalaivani!
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharulGrant me your divine word and protect me!
Kalaivaani deviGoddess Kalaivani!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional song from the film Amarakavi (1952) expresses profound gratitude toward benevolent patrons and offers a passionate prayer to Goddess Saraswati (Kalaivani). The singer, having grown up deprived of parental affection, acknowledges the generous world that took him in and nursed his talents. He vows to walk a righteous path and bow humbly before his patrons to earn their heartfelt blessings. In the second movement, the singer appeals directly to Goddess Kalaivani, the deity of arts and wisdom. He prays for divine inspiration to sing Tamil songs infused with deep melody and grace—songs that flow effortlessly like a floodgate opening into the sea, enchanting noble listeners and spreading his fame across the world. He asks for her eternal protection and guidance so he may forever devote his voice to praising her.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Annai thandhai / Ennai aadharikkum

The second letter consonant 'nn' matches in 'Annai' and 'Ennai', creating a harmonious rhythmic start.

Simile (Upamai)

Kadalil madai thiranthenna

The song's effortless vocal flow and abundance of music are compared to opening sluice gates into the sea ('Kadalil madai thiranthenna').

Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Refrain)

Kalaivaani devi / Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharul

The repetition of 'Kalaivaani devi' and 'Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharul' functions as a rhythmic and emotional refrain across stanzas.

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Trivia

Amarakavi (1952) was one of the comeback films for legendary Tamil cinema singer-actor M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT). Composed by G. Ramanathan with lyricist A. Maruthakasi, the soundtrack heavily highlighted MKT's iconic high-pitched, classical Carnatic vocal strength.

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