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Lyrics & meaning

Enna Vithiyasam

From Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai · 1982

Lyricist
Jayakanthan
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, Gangai Amaran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasam …haaA small difference... haa!
Male
Aanukkum ponnukkum enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference between a man and a woman?
Male
Aandavan padaippinilae chinna vithiyaasamIn God's creation, it is just a small difference.
Male
Anbukkum veruppukkum enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference between love and hate?
Male
Anubavithu sollugiren chinna vithiyaasam manduI speak from experience, it is a small difference, fool!
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Inbathukkum thunbathukkum enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference between pleasure and pain?
Male
Idhayam iruppavarkku chinna vithiyaasamFor those who possess a heart, it is a small difference.
Male
Edadhukkum valadhukkum enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference between left and right?
Male
Indha pakkam andha pakkam chinna vithiyaasamThis side and that side, just a small difference.
Hmm hmmHmm hmm
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasam epdi daaA small difference, how is that, buddy?
Male
Porappukkum yerappukkum enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference between birth and death?
Male
Ponavar varuvadhu pol chinna vithiyaasamLike someone leaving and returning, it is a small difference.
Male
Samsaarikkum sanniyaasikkum enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference between a householder and a renunciate?
Male
Sandhaanam illai endraal chinna vithiyaasamIf there are no children, it is a small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasam mela poA small difference, go further up!
Male
Amangalikkum sumangalikkum enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference between an inauspicious woman and a married woman?
Male
Azhagaaga pottu vechaa chinna vithiyaasamIf a beautiful pottu (bindi) is placed, it is a small difference.
Male
Enakkum ungalukkum enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference between me and you?
Male
Irukkum idan thanilae chinna vithiyaasamOnly in the place we occupy, it is a small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.
Male
Enna vithiyaasamWhat is the difference?
Male
Chinna vithiyaasamA small difference.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from 'Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai', penned by the acclaimed Tamil writer Jayakanthan, ponders the nature of duality in human life. Through a repetitive Q&A structure ('Enna vithiyaasam' / 'Chinna vithiyaasam'), the song lightheartedly yet deeply dismantles fundamental human dichotomies: man and woman, love and hatred, joy and sorrow, left and right, birth and death, family man and ascetic, and even social standing.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethugai (Second-letter rhyme)

Inbathukkum thunbathukkum enna vithiyaasam / Idhayam iruppavarkku chinna vithiyaasam

The second letter 'dha/tha' creates a rhythmic harmony between lines.

Muran (Antithesis)

Aanukkum ponnukkum enna vithiyaasam

Contrasts opposites like man and woman, love and hate, birth and death throughout the song.

Repetition / Refrain

Enna vithiyaasam / Chinna vithiyaasam

Used consistently to reinforce the overarching philosophical theme of minimal distinction between apparent opposites.

Did you know?

Trivia

Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai (1982) is a film based on the celebrated novel of the same name written by Jayakanthan. The legendary writer wrote the lyrics himself for this film, infusing his signature philosophical pragmatism and social commentary into the song.

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