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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Enakku Theriyum Unakku

From Anbalippu · 1969

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Anbalippu1969

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Yei enakku theriyumHey, I know it,
Unakku puriyum yedho adhuYou understand it too—that mysterious something!
Ye adakka ninaithaalHey, if you try to suppress it,
Adhigam valarum yedho adhu yeiIt only grows all the more—that something, hey!
Enaku theriyum unakku puriyum yedho adhuI know, and you understand—that mysterious something!
Adakka ninaithaal adhigam valarum yedho adhuIf you try to suppress it, it only grows all the more—that something!
Female
Thattu pol oru maeniyilae saainthavudanThe moment one leans onto a smooth, sleek body,
Paaindhu varum bodhai ennavooWhat is this intoxicating feeling that comes rushing in?
Pottu pol oru chinna malarLike a tiny blossom delicate as a dot,
Thottavudan pongi varum saedhi ennavooWhat is this message that overflows the moment it is touched?
Female
Nammai kaettu vandhadhillaiIt did not arrive after seeking our permission,
Naanum kelvi kettadhillaiNor have I ever questioned its arrival.
Kaalam kootti vandhu sollumTime itself will usher it in and reveal it,
Kangal kolam pottu kollumAs our eyes draw decorative patterns of desire.
Kaalam kootti vandhu sollumTime itself will usher it in and reveal it,
Kangal kolam pottu kollum yeiAs our eyes draw decorative patterns of desire, hey!
Female
Enaku theriyum unakku puriyum yedho adhuI know, and you understand—that mysterious something!
Adakka ninaithaal adhigam valarum yedho adhuIf you try to suppress it, it only grows all the more—that something!
Female
Thanga gopuram aaduvadhai kaanavarumComing to behold a golden tower swaying in grace,
Aadavarin ennam ennavooWhat thoughts run through the minds of men?
Chinna solaiyil minni varumGleaming brightly in a small garden,
Sevvidhazhil thedi varum vannam ennavoWhat is this color that comes seeking red lips?
Female
Angae naeram paarpadhillaiTime is never watched or tracked over there,
Yaarum podhum enbadhillaiNor does anyone ever say, 'That is enough.'
Ennam theerum pola thondrumIt seems as though the desire is finally satisfied,
Aanaal thedi thedi paarkkumYet it continuously searches and yearns for more.
Ennam theerum pola thondrumIt seems as though the desire is finally satisfied,
Aanaal thedi thedi paarkkum yeiYet it continuously searches and yearns for more, hey!
Female
Enaku theriyum unakku puriyum yedho adhuI know, and you understand—that mysterious something!
Adakka ninaithaal adhigam valarum yedho adhuIf you try to suppress it, it only grows all the more—that something!
Male
Humming…[Humming...]

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

"Yei Enakku Theriyum" is a playful, seductive dance track from the 1969 film 'Anbalippu'. Composed by M. S. Vishwanathan, written by Kannadasan, and rendered with signature flair by L. R. Eswari, the song centers on the theme of romantic attraction and desire—referred to cryptically as "that mysterious something." The lyrics express that love and passion are natural forces that cannot be controlled; the more one attempts to suppress them, the stronger they manifest. Through sensual imagery—such as swaying like a golden tower, flowers overflowing with subtle messages, and glowing red lips—the song illustrates how attraction makes people lose track of time and continuously seek fulfillment. Kannadasan deftly balances suggestive playfulness with poetic elegance, while L. R. Eswari's vibrant vocals elevate the song's glamorous retro rhythm.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Nammai kaettu vandhadhillai / Naanum kelvi kettadhillai

The matching ending sound '-dhillai' across consecutive lines creates a rhythmic, musical flow.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kaalam kootti vandhu sollum / Kangal kolam pottu kollum

The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'K' ('Kaalam' / 'Kangal') aligns with classic Tamil Monai poetic conventions.

Uvamai (Simile)

Pottu pol oru chinna malar

Uses the word 'pol' (like) to compare a delicate flower to a tiny dot or bindi.

Metaphor

Thanga gopuram aaduvadhai kaanavarum

Metaphorically compares a woman's graceful, moving physique to a swaying golden temple tower ('Thanga gopuram').

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Aanaal thedi thedi paarkkum

The word 'thedi' is repeated twice consecutively to emphasize the endless act of searching and yearning.

Did you know?

Trivia

In 1960s Tamil cinema, singer L. R. Eswari was celebrated as the ultimate voice for cabaret, club, and seductive dance tracks. Working frequently with composer M. S. Vishwanathan, her unique vocal timbre gave songs like 'Yei Enakku Theriyum' a stylish, high-energy modern appeal. Lyricist Kannadasan was known for infusing subtle philosophy even into westernized club numbers, portraying passion not as a vice, but as an uncontrollable law of nature.

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