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Isaimozhi
Amarakavi album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Annai Thanthai

From Amarakavi · 1952

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar, R. Rajalakshmi
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Movie name
Amarakavi
Movie release year
1952
Lyrics added on
10 Aug 2025

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Annai thandhai anbariyaadha
Annai thandhai anbariyaadha
Ennai aadharikkum ulagam
Annai thandhai anbariyaadha
Ennai aadharikkum ulagam
Ivar pola seivar undoo
Ivar pola seivar undoo
Panivodu naan thaal panivenae
Panivodu naan thaal panivenae
Thaal panindhu avar ullam kulira..aa
Nanneri nadanthu thazhaikkum
Aasikku aal padavum…aaa
Anaithulagum adhisiyakka
Isaiyudan unnarul kalandha
Neel payanthan tamizh paadal
Neel payanthan tamizh paadal
Kadalil madai thiranthenna
Nenjai alla vaal paniyaar
Nenjai alla vaal paniyaar
Thalai kulungha paadavum
Naan padavum
Vaal paniyaar thalai kulungha
Paadavum innarul sei
Kalaivaani devi
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharul
Kalaivaani devi
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharul
Kalaivaani devi
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharul
Kalaivaani devi
Nilai ulagilae pugazh paravavae
Nilai ulagilae pugazh paravavae
Unai naan ennaalum vaazhthavum
Unai naan ennaalum vaazhthavum
Kalaivaani devi
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharul
Kalaivaani devi
Arul vaakku thandhenaikkaatharul
Kalaivaani devi
Having never known the love of a mother and father,
Having never known the love of a mother and father,
In this world that supports me,
Having never known the love of a mother and father,
In this world that supports me,
Is there anyone who would care like they have done?
Is there anyone who would care like they have done?
With humility, I will bow at their feet,
With humility, I will bow at their feet,
Bowing at their feet to bring joy to their hearts... Ah,
Walking on the righteous path and flourishing,
To be blessed by them... Ah,
So that the entire world marvels,
Blended with music and your divine grace,
Ever-rewarding, sweet Tamil songs...
Ever-rewarding, sweet Tamil songs...
Flowing like an open floodgate into the sea,
To captivate hearts, so that even those who bow to no sword
To captivate hearts, so that even those who bow to no sword
Nod their heads in praise as I sing,
As I sing,
So that those who bow to no sword nod their heads,
Grant me your sweet grace to sing...
O Goddess Kalaivani (goddess of arts and learning),
Bless my words and protect me,
O Goddess Kalaivani,
Bless my words and protect me,
O Goddess Kalaivani,
Bless my words and protect me,
O Goddess Kalaivani,
So that my fame spreads across this enduring world,
So that my fame spreads across this enduring world,
And I praise you every single day,
And I praise you every single day,
O Goddess Kalaivani,
Bless my words and protect me,
O Goddess Kalaivani,
Bless my words and protect me,
O Goddess Kalaivani!
Female
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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.

Did you know?

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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