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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Enna Ninaithu Ennai

From Nenjil Or Aalayam · 1962

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nenjil Or Aalayam1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
{ Enna{ What
Ninaithu ennaidid you think of when you
Azhaithaayo yencalled me? Why
Indha kolathai koduthaayodid you give me this plight?
Female
MunnamThe past
Irundha nilai ninaithaayostate, did you remember?
Mugathai paarthukolla thudithaayo } (2)Did your heart yearn to see my face? }
Female
{ Vaazhkai{ Did you shatter
Kanavugalai kalaithaayothe dreams of life?
Oru vaasal thiranthadhendruThat a doorway had opened,
Ninaithaayo } (2)did you think? }
Female
MaayaAn illusionary
Paravai ondrubird
Vaanil parandhuflying in the sky,
Vandhu vaavenacame and called 'Come',
Azhaithadhai kettayodid you hear it call?
Female
EnnaWhat
Ninaithu ennaidid you think of when you
Azhaithaayo yencalled me? Why
Indha kolathai koduthaayodid you give me this plight?
Female
MunnamThe past
Irundha nilai ninaithaayostate, did you remember?
Mugathai paarthukolla thudithaayoDid your heart yearn to see my face?
Female
{ Paravai{ That bird
Parandhu sellato fly away,
Viduvena andhawill I let it? Even if that
Paramporul vandhaalumSupreme Almighty comes,
Tharuvena } (2)will I surrender you? }
Female
UnnaiTo take you
Azhaithu chellaaway
Ennum thalaivanidamto the Lord who intends to,
Ennaiyae naan tharamyself
Marupenawould I refuse to offer instead?
Female
{ Enna{ What
Ninaithu ennaidid you think of when you
Azhaithaayo yencalled me? Why
Indha kolathai koduthaayodid you give me this plight?
Female
MunnamThe past
Irundha nilai ninaithaayostate, did you remember?
Mugathai paarthukolla thudithaayo } (2)Did your heart yearn to see my face? }

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song 'Enna Ninaithu Ennai Azhaithaayo' from 'Nenjil Or Aalayam' expresses profound emotional distress, heartbreak, and devotion amidst tragedy. The protagonist addresses her partner, questioning why fate brought them back together only to present such a cruel and painful condition. She wonders if he longed to see her face remembering their past bond, only to witness dreams shattering.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Maaya Paravai ondru

The 'Maaya Paravai' (illusionary bird) is used as a metaphor for death or destiny calling a soul away.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Paravai / Parandhu

Repetition of the initial sound 'Pa' in consecutive words creates a rhythmic flow.

Rhetorical Question

Indha kolathai koduthaayo

The speaker asks a poignant rhetorical question to express her emotional anguish rather than seeking a literal answer.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Nenjil Or Aalayam' (1962) was directed by C. V. Sridhar and features iconic music composed by the duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy. Sung by P. Susheela with lyrics by Kannadasan, the song is famed for its tragic depth and remains one of the most memorable melos of golden era Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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