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Lyrics & meaning

Yennai Maatrum Kadhale

From Naanum Rowdy Dhaan · 2015

Lyricist
Vignesh Shivan
Singer
Sid Sriram
Music director
Anirudh Ravichander
Details
Naanum Rowdy Dhaan2015

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Edhukkaga kitta vandhaalo..Why did she come near me?
Edha thedi vittu ponaalo..What was she searching for when she left me?
VizhundhalumEven if I fall,
Naan odanje poyirunthalumEven if I am completely broken,
Un ninaivirundhalae podhumJust your memories are enough,
Nimirinthiduvenae naanumI will stand tall again.
Male
{Ada kadhal enbadhu maayavalai..Ah, love is an illusionary net...
Sikkamal ponavan yaarum illaiThere is no one who hasn't been trapped in it.
Sidhaiyamal vaazhum vaazhkaiyae thevaiiilai..thevaiillai..thevaiillai..}(2)A life lived without being broken is unnecessary... unnecessary... unnecessary...
Male
{Ennai maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes me...
Ennai maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes me...
Ennai maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes me...
Kadhalae..aee..aee..} (2)Oh love... oh... oh...
Male
Ennai maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes me...
Ennai maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes me...
Ennai maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes me...
Kadhalae..aee..aee..Oh love... oh... oh...
Male
Edhukkaga kitta vandhaalo..Why did she come near me?
Edha thedi vittu ponaalo..What was she searching for when she left me?
VizhundhalumEven if I fall,
Naan odanje poyirunthalumEven if I am completely broken,
Un ninaivirundhalae podhumJust your memories are enough,
Nimirinthiduvenae naanumI will stand tall again.
Male
{Ada kadhal enbadhu maayavalai..Ah, love is an illusionary net...
Sikkamal ponavan yaarum illaiThere is no one who hasn't been trapped in it.
Sidhaiyamal vaazhum vaazhkaiyae thevaiiilai..thevaiillai..thevaiillai..}(2)A life lived without being shattered is unnecessary... unnecessary... unnecessary...
Male
{Ennai maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes me...
Ennai maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes me...
Edhayum maatrum kadhalae..Oh love that changes anything...
Kadhalae..aee..aee..} (2)Oh love... oh... oh...
Male
{Kaththi illa ratham illa rowdy dhaanA rowdy without a knife or blood,
Kaadhalikka neram ulla rowdy dhaanA rowdy who has time to love,
Vettu kuthu venam sollum rowdy dhaanA rowdy who says no to violence and stabbing,
Vella ullam konda nalla rowdy dhaan} (4) Nanum rowdy dhaan (4)A good rowdy with a pure heart... I am a rowdy too!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Ennai Maatrum Kadhale' explores the transformative and overwhelming nature of love. The protagonist ponders why his lover entered his life only to leave him broken, yet he finds resilience in her cherished memories. Love is described as an inevitable, illusionary trap ('maayavalai') that every human succumbs to, asserting that a life without experiencing emotional turmoil or vulnerability is incomplete. Simultaneously, the lyrics humorously define the protagonist's identity as a 'good rowdy'—someone who aspires to be tough yet refuses violence, has a pure heart, and makes time for love. Ultimately, love serves as a powerful force that changes him, transforming his pain into strength and defining his unique persona.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Ada kadhal enbadhu maayavalai..

Love is directly compared to a 'maayavalai' (illusionary/magical net) that entangles everyone.

Oxymoron / Paradox

Vella ullam konda nalla rowdy dhaan

Combines 'rowdy' (typically associated with violence and crime) with 'vella ullam' (pure/white heart) and 'nalla' (good), creating a humorous contrast.

Anaphora (Repetition)

Ennai maatrum kadhalae..

The phrase 'Ennai maatrum kadhalae' is repeated sequentially to emphasize the core theme of love's power to alter a person.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kaththi illa ratham illa rowdy dhaan / Kaadhalikka neram ulla rowdy dhaan

Both lines begin with the similar sound ('Ka'), creating a rhythmic flow in the verse.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan' (2015) was written and directed by Vignesh Shivan, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara. Although listed as unknown in the query, the film's soundtrack was composed by Anirudh Ravichander and became a massive blockbuster success. This particular track highlights the quirky, lighthearted narrative of a soft-spoken man pretending to be a feared gangster to win his love.

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Yennai Maatrum Kadhale Lyrics | English Translation | Meaning | Isaimozhi