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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ethaiyum Thanguven

From Thangaikaga · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Thangaikaga1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Edhaiyum thaanguvaen anbukkaagaI will bear anything for love
Naan idhaiyum thaanguvaen thangaikkaagaI will bear even this for my sister
Thangaikkaga thangaikkaga thangaikkagaFor my sister, for my sister, for my sister
Male
Edhaiyum thaanguvaen anbukkaagaI will bear anything for love
Naan idhaiyum thaanguvaen thangaikkaagaI will bear even this for my sister
Imaigal vaazhvatahe kannukkaagaEyelids exist only to protect the eyes
En idhaiyum vaazhvatahe thangaikkagaMy heart lives only for my sister
Male
Edhaiyum thaanguvaen anbukkaagaI will bear anything for love
Naan idhaiyum thaanguvaen thangaikkaagaI will bear even this for my sister
Thangaikkaga….For my sister…
Male
Anbaal kuzhanthai kadikkindrathuA child bites out of pure affection
Adhuvum konjam valikkindrathuEven that hurts just a little bit
Anbaal kuzhanthai kadikkindrathuA child bites out of pure affection
Adhuvum konjam valikkindrathuEven that hurts just a little bit
Thadavi paarththaal inikkindrathuWhen caressed gently, it feels sweet
Thaaimai ullam thudikkindrathuA mother's heart throbs with maternal love
Male
Edhaiyum thaanguvaen anbukkaagaI will bear anything for love
Naan idhaiyum thaanguvaen thangaikkaagaI will bear even this for my sister
Thangaikkaga….For my sister…
Male
Pattalthaanae therigindrathuOnly when experienced firsthand is it understood
Paasam enapathu ennavendruWhat deep affection truly means
Suttaalthaanae therigindrathuOnly when burned does one realize
Thottaal suduvathu neruppendruThat fire burns upon contact
Suttaalthaanae therigindrathuOnly when burned does one realize
Male
Edhaiyum thaanguvaen anbukkaagaI will bear anything for love
Naan idhaiyum thaanguvaen thangaikkaagaI will bear even this for my sister
Thangaikkaga….For my sister…
Male
Aintharivaana paravaikkellaamEven birds with five senses
Anbum uravum purigindrathuUnderstand love and relationships
Aintharivaana paravaikkellaamEven birds with five senses
Anbum uravum purigindrathuUnderstand love and relationships
Male
Aararivaana manitharukkoYet as for humans with six senses
Adhuthaan konjam kuraigindrathuThat understanding seems somewhat lacking
Adhuthaan konjam kuraigindrathuThat understanding seems somewhat lacking
Male
Edhaiyum thaanguvaen anbukkaagaI will bear anything for love
Naan idhaiyum thaanguvaen thangaikkaagaI will bear even this for my sister
Thangaikkaga thangaikkaga thangaikkagaFor my sister, for my sister, for my sister

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Edhaiyum thaanguvaen anbukkaaga' from the 1971 film Thangaikaga is a poignant anthem of unconditional brotherly affection and self-sacrifice. Sung by T. M. Soundararajan for Sivaji Ganesan, the protagonist expresses his readiness to endure any pain, burden, or misunderstanding for the well-being of his sister. He draws a vivid parallel, stating that just as eyelids live to guard the eyes, his heart exists solely to protect his sister.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Analogy / Metaphor

Imaigal vaazhvatahe kannukkaaga / En idhaiyum vaazhvatahe thangaikkaga

Compares the protagonist's devotion to his sister with eyelids existing purely to guard and serve the eyes.

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Suttaalthaanae therigindrathu / Thottaal suduvathu neruppendru

The second consonant sound 'ட்' (tt) is repeated across lines ('Suttaal' and 'Thottaal'), creating a rhythmic Tamil poetic rhyme.

Muran / Contrast (Antithesis)

Aintharivaana paravaikkellaam... / Aararivaana manitharukko...

Contrasts 5-sensed birds (who understand affection naturally) with 6-sensed humans (who lack emotional understanding), emphasizing social irony.

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Trivia

The movie 'Thangaikaga' (1971) starred Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalithaa, and Lakshmi, directed by P. Madhavan. It is one of the quintessential Tamil films exploring intense sibling bonds, a recurring and popular trope in Sivaji Ganesan's filmography. The lyrics by Kannadasan highlight his trademark philosophical depth combined with relatable everyday imagery.

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