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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Etho Nadagam Nadanthathu

From Santhosa Kanavugal · 1985

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Shyam
Movie name
Santhosa Kanavugal
Movie release year
1985
Lyrics added on
19 Aug 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Edho nadagam
Nadanthathu polae gyabagam
Edho nadagam
Nadanthathu polae gyabagam
Kadal oramaai andhi neramaai
Ondru koodinom sindhu paadinom
Unakkillaiyaa andha vedhanai
Kaadhal sodhanai
Edho nadagam
Nadanthathu polae gyabagam
Imaigalum mullaai maarum
Vizhigalil kaayam seiyum
Kaalam vandhadhae
Ninaithida sonna nenjam
Marandhida sollum vanjam
Gnyayam allavae
Kaatrum paadhai maaralaam
Gangai thaazhndhum pogalaam
Uyir kalandha sondham idhu
Poiyaaai povadhoo
Edho nadagam
Nadanthathu polae gyabagam
Ullam ullam ondru
Oruvanukkaaga endru
Vaazhum penn manam
Maedaiyil podum vaesham
Kalaippadhu alla paasam
Kaadhal sathiyam
Neeyae endhan sannidhi
Neeyae endhan nimmadhi
Iniyae yedhu en vaanilae
Kaadhal pournami
Edho nadagam
Nadanthathu polae gyabagam
Kadal oramaai andhi neramaai
Ondru koodinom sindhu paadinom
Unakkillaiyaa andha vedhanai
Kaadhal sodhanai
Edho nadagam
Nadanthathu polae gyabagam
Edho nadagam
Nadanthathu polae gyabagam
It feels like a play
that happened in my memory.
It feels like a play
that happened in my memory.
By the edge of the sea, at twilight,
we came together and sang our songs.
Don't you feel that same pain?
This painful test of love...
It feels like a play
that happened in my memory.
My eyelids turn into thorns
and wound my very eyes—
such a time has arrived.
The heart that once told me to remember
now cruelly tells me to forget;
this is just not fair.
Even the wind may change its path,
and the river Ganga may run dry,
but this bond where our souls merged—
can it ever turn into a lie?
It feels like a play
that happened in my memory.
Giving her heart completely,
living for only one man—
that is a woman's true nature.
Love is not a costume worn on stage,
to be wiped away when the play ends;
love is a sacred truth.
You alone are my sanctuary,
you alone are my peace.
From now on, how will there ever rise in my sky
a full moon of love?
It feels like a play
that happened in my memory.
By the edge of the sea, at twilight,
we came together and sang our songs.
Don't you feel that same pain?
This painful test of love...
It feels like a play
that happened in my memory.
It feels like a play
that happened in my memory.
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

The song 'Edho Nadagam' expresses the profound sorrow and disorientation of a woman reflecting on a love that now feels like an unreal drama or dream. She recalls the serene times spent with her lover by the beach at dusk, agonizing over whether he feels the same painful trial of separation that she endures. She laments how memories once treasured have become painful thorns, questioning the harsh irony of a heart forced to forget what it once cherished.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

“Imaigalum mullaai maarum Vizhigalil kaayam seiyum”

The line compares delicate eyelashes to sharp thorns that wound the eyes, metaphorically describing how gentle memories have turned into painful thoughts.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navortchi)

“Kaatrum paadhai maaralaam Gangai thaazhndhum pogalaam”

Exaggerates cosmic and natural impossibilities—such as the wind changing course or the Ganges drying up—to highlight the absolute truth and eternal bond of love.

Contrast / Anthesis

“Maedaiyil podum vaesham Kalaippadhu alla paasam”

Contrasts temporary theatrical acts on stage with enduring love and devotion that cannot be discarded like a costume.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

“Neeyae endhan sannidhi Neeyae endhan nimmadhi”

Uses parallel ending rhyming words ('sannidhi' and 'nimmadhi') to reinforce the spiritual devotion and peace associated with the lover.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Edho Nadagam' features music composed by Shyam, a prominent composer known for his soulful melodies across Tamil and Malayalam cinema in the late 70s and 80s. With poignant lyrics written by Tamil poet Pulamaipithan and emotional vocal delivery by veteran singer P. Susheela, the song captures the essence of heartbreak in the 1985 film Santhosa Kanavugal.

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