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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Enthan Kannal

From Nalanthana · 1982

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Nalanthana1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Endhan kannaal kadidham pottenI sent a letter through my eyes
Adhai kaanavillai badhil podavillaiYou did not see it, nor did you send a reply
Ilamai thoongha vidumooWill youth allow me to sleep peacefully?
Innum sollavoo idhu penmai allavooShould I say more? Is this not the nature of womanhood?
Innum sollavoo idhu penmai allavooShould I say more? Is this not the nature of womanhood?
Female
Endhan kannaal kadidham pottenI sent a letter through my eyes
Adhai kaanavillai badhil podavillaiYou did not see it, nor did you send a reply
Ilamai thoongha vidumooWill youth allow me to sleep peacefully?
Innum sollavoo idhu penmai allavooShould I say more? Is this not the nature of womanhood?
Innum sollavoo idhu penmai allavooShould I say more? Is this not the nature of womanhood?
Endhan kannaal kadidham pottenI sent a letter through my eyes
Female
Kallum theeyum konduWith stone and fire
Kaadhal endru nenjil indruToday in my heart, in the name of love
Kallum theeyum konduWith stone and fire
Kaadhal endru nenjil indruToday in my heart, in the name of love
Enai vattum noiyai thandhaaiYou gave me a tormenting affliction
Sellum paadhai engum nindraaiYou stood everywhere on the path I walked
Mella nee paarpaai ulla noi theerppaaiHoping you would glance gently and cure the affliction within
Endru naanaaga rombha naalaagaI have been waiting like this for a long time
Female
Endhan kannaal kadidham pottenI sent a letter through my eyes
Adhai kaanavillai badhil podavillaiYou did not see it, nor did you send a reply
Ilamai thoongha vidumooWill youth allow me to sleep peacefully?
Innum sollavoo idhu penmai allavooShould I say more? Is this not the nature of womanhood?
Innum sollavoo idhu penmai allavooShould I say more? Is this not the nature of womanhood?
Endhan kannaal kadidham pottenI sent a letter through my eyes
Female
Edho solla vandhu mella nindruComing to say something, stopping gently
Munam kondu hmmHesitating inside... hmm
Edho solla vandhu mella nindruComing to say something, stopping gently
Munam konduHesitating inside
Sendra natkkal nooru agumA hundred days have passed by
Adhil paadham serndhu pogumAnd my feet follow along that path of time
Kannum kanaamal ondrum kooraamalWithout even looking my way, without saying a word
Indrum poovaayoo endru kaanbaaayooWill you leave today as well, or will you notice me?
Female
Endhan kannaal kadidham pottenI sent a letter through my eyes
Adhai kaanavillai badhil podavillaiYou did not see it, nor did you send a reply
Ilamai thoongha vidumooWill youth allow me to sleep peacefully?
Innum sollavoo idhu penmai allavooShould I say more? Is this not the nature of womanhood?
Innum sollavoo idhu penmai allavooShould I say more? Is this not the nature of womanhood?
Innum sollavoo mhmm mmm hmmm mmmShould I say more? Mhmm mmm hmmm mmm

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic track expresses a young woman's delicate longing and unspoken love for her beloved. She describes her silent glances as letters written from her eyes, lamenting that he remains oblivious to her silent messages. Her restless youth keeps her awake, while the inherent shyness (naanam) of womanhood prevents her from voicing her desires directly. She feels that love was ignited in her heart like a spark from flint, creating a sweet torment that only his caring gaze can heal. As days pass in anticipation, she hesitates whenever she gathers the courage to speak. The song beautifully captures the emotional turbulence of secret romantic yearning and traditional feminine bashfulness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Endhan kannaal kadidham potten

Expressing subtle glances and eye contact as sending a 'written letter' is an evocative visual metaphor for unspoken romantic communication.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Adhai kaanavillai badhil podavillai

The words 'kaanavillai' and 'podavillai' end with the exact same rhyming sound, creating a pleasing rhythmic repetition.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kallum theeyum kondu / Kaadhal endru nenjil indru

The initial consonant sounds ('Kallum' and 'Kaadhal') match across consecutive lines to establish rhythmic structure.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Endhan kannaal kadidham potten' is a memorable track from the 1982 Tamil movie 'Nalanthana', composed by the popular music director duo Shankar–Ganesh. Set to lyrics penned by Pulamaipithan, the song relies heavily on P. Susheela's expressive vocals, seamlessly conveying both subtle hesitation and passionate yearning.

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