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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

En Dheiva Veenaiye

From Thaali Dhanam · 1987

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Thaali Dhanam1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
En dheiva veenaiyaeOh my divine Veena!
Nee pesinaal ennaWhy don't you speak?
Oru dheva gaanameOh divine melody!
Nee paadinaal ennaWhy don't you sing?
Naan azhaitha kural ketkumaaWill the voice I called out reach your ears?
Un amudha vizhi paarkkumaaWill your sweet, ambrosial eyes look at me?
Male
En dheiva veenaiyaeOh my divine Veena!
Nee pesinaal ennaWhy don't you speak?
Oru dheva gaanameOh divine melody!
Nee paadinaal ennaWhy don't you sing?
Naan azhaitha kural ketkumaaWill the voice I called out reach your ears?
Un amudha vizhi paarkkumaaWill your sweet, ambrosial eyes look at me?
Male
{Thirukkovil theepangal{The lamps of the holy temple
Iru kangal aagumBecome your two eyes
Oru paarvai nee paarthaalIf you bestow a single glance
Uyir ondru vaazhum} (2)A life will survive} (2)
Male
Enakkendru yaarunduWho do I have for myself?
En kaadhal dheviOh my goddess of love!
Imaikkaathu nee ponaalIf you leave without even blinking
Enakkethu aavi …enakkethu aaviHow will I have life... how will I have life?
Male
En dheiva veenaiyaeOh my divine Veena!
Nee pesinaal ennaWhy don't you speak?
Oru dheva gaanameOh divine melody!
Nee paadinaal ennaWhy don't you sing?
Naan azhaitha kural ketkumaaWill the voice I called out reach your ears?
Un amudha vizhi paarkkumaaWill your sweet, ambrosial eyes look at me?
Male
{Maruthaani naan poosa{As I came to apply henna
VarukindrapothaeOn your hands
Malarpaatham ponnaagaYour flower-like feet turn golden
Sivakkindra maanae} (2)Oh doe, reddening in grace} (2)
Male
Nadanthaalum un paadhamEven if you walk, your feet
Punnaagum endruMight get wounded
Nadakkaamal ponaayoDid you stop walking because of that?
Kannae nee indru…kannae nee indruOh my darling today... my darling today
Male
En dheiva veenaiyaeOh my divine Veena!
Nee pesinaal ennaWhy don't you speak?
Oru dheva gaanameOh divine melody!
Nee paadinaal ennaWhy don't you sing?
Naan azhaitha kural ketkumaaWill the voice I called out reach your ears?
Un amudha vizhi paarkkumaaWill your sweet, ambrosial eyes look at me?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

En Dheiva Veenaiyae is a poignant Tamil song expressing deep emotional longing and intense devotion towards a beloved. The protagonist addresses his lover as a divine instrument (veena) and a heavenly song, yearning for her voice and a single glance. He compares her eyes to holy temple lamps that grant life and vitality to his existence. The lyrics highlight her tender and delicate nature—suggesting her feet are so soft that even walking could bruise them. Through rich metaphors and classical imagery, the singer pleads for her presence and responsiveness, portraying her as the sole anchor of his life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

En dheiva veenaiyae / Oru dheva gaaname

Compares the heroine directly to a divine musical instrument (veena) and a heavenly song (dheva gaanam) to highlight her sacred charm.

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Thirukkovil theepangal iru kangal aagum

Equates the heroine's eyes with the sacred lamps lit inside a holy temple.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Nadanthaalum un paadham punnaagum endru

Exaggerates the extreme soft tenderness of her feet, claiming they would get wounded if she merely walked.

Did you know?

Trivia

Thaali Dhanam (1987) features lyrics written by the celebrated Tamil poet Pulamaipithan. The song incorporates classic Sangam-inspired metaphors like comparing a woman's feet to tender flowers and her gaze to temple lamps, showcasing traditional Tamil literary romantic tropes in 1980s film music.

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