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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ennai Pol Pennallavo

From Vanangamudi – 1957 Film · 1957

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Vanangamudi – 1957 Film1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ennai pol pennallavooAre you not a woman just like me?
Nee ennai pol pennallavooAre you not a woman like me?
Ulaga irul neengum kannallavoo deviO Goddess, are you not the eye that dispels the world's darkness?
Ennai pol pennallavooAre you not a woman like me?
Ulaga irul neengum kannallavoo deviO Goddess, are you not the eye that dispels the world's darkness?
Ennai pol pennallavooAre you not a woman like me?
Female
Ponnodu porul yaavum irundhaalumEven though I possess gold and all kinds of wealth,
Thaaye…yeO Mother...
Ponnodu porul yaavum irundhaalumEven though I possess gold and all kinds of wealth,
Naan minnadha sudar pola vaazhndhen ammaI lived like a flame that does not shine, O Mother.
Ponnodu porul yaavum irundhaalumEven though I possess gold and all kinds of wealth,
Naan minnadha sudar pola vaazhndhen ammaI lived like a flame that does not shine, O Mother.
Sonnaalum puriyaadha ulagathilaeIn a world that does not understand even when told,
Kuraiyai sonnaalum puriyaadha ulagathilaeIn a world that fails to comprehend even when one voices grief,
Ini en vaazhvil unai indri thunai yedhammaaFrom now on in my life, who else is my support besides you, O Mother?
Female
Ennai pol pennallavooAre you not a woman like me?
Ulaga irul neengum kannallavoo deviO Goddess, are you not the eye that dispels the world's darkness?
Ennai pol pennallavooAre you not a woman like me?
Female
Malarodu manam sera vilai vendumaaDoes a flower require a price to blend with its fragrance?
Manadhodu manam sera nilai vendumaaDoes a heart require status to connect with another heart?
Malarodu manam sera vilai vendumaaDoes a flower require a price to blend with its fragrance?
Manadhodu manam sera nilai vendumaaDoes a heart require status to connect with another heart?
Malai pondra idar theera gadhiyarammaWho else is my refuge to overcome these mountain-like troubles, O Mother?
Malai pondra idar theera gadhiyarammaWho else is my refuge to overcome these mountain-like troubles, O Mother?
Maadha un arul thandhu kurai theerammaaO Mother, bestow your divine grace and relieve my sorrow.
Female
Ennai pol pennallavooAre you not a woman like me?
Ulaga irul neengum kannallavoo deviO Goddess, are you not the eye that dispels the world's darkness?
Ennai pol pennallavooAre you not a woman like me?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This emotional devotional song from 'Vanangamudi' (1957) portrays a woman pouring out her heart to the Divine Mother. She appeals directly to the Goddess by emphasizing their shared identity as women, seeking maternal empathy. Despite having abundance in material wealth like gold, she laments that her life feels dim and unfulfilled, like an unlit flame in a cold, uncomprehending world.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Naan minnadha sudar pola vaazhndhen amma

Compares her unfulfilled life despite having wealth to a flame ('sudar') that fails to shine ('minnadha pola').

Simile (Upamai)

Malai pondra idar theera gadhiyaramma

Compares her immense life troubles ('idar') to a mountain ('malai pondra').

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Malarodu manam sera vilai vendumaa / Manadhodu manam sera nilai vendumaa

Repetition of the initial letter/sound 'Ma' across consecutive lines creating melodic cadence.

Metaphor / Analogy

Malarodu manam sera vilai vendumaa

Draws an analogy between the natural connection of a flower with its fragrance ('manam') and the deep emotional connection between human hearts without needing price or status.

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Trivia

'Vanangamudi' (1957) is a notable historical drama starring Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri. The music was composed by legendary music director G. Ramanathan, who was celebrated for blending pure Carnatic ragas into film soundtracks. This song highlights P. Susheela's early career vocal brilliance, demonstrating her capability to emote profound sorrow and devotion with pristine diction.

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