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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Etho Nadagam Nadanthathu

From Santhosa Kanavugal · 1985

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Shyam
Details
Santhosa Kanavugal1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Edho nadagamSome drama
Nadanthathu polae gyabagamIt feels like it happened, a memory
Edho nadagamSome drama
Nadanthathu polae gyabagamIt feels like it happened, a memory
Kadal oramaai andhi neramaaiBy the seashore, during dusk time
Ondru koodinom sindhu paadinomWe came together and sang melodies
Unakkillaiyaa andha vedhanaiDon't you feel that pain?
Kaadhal sodhanaiThe ordeal of love
Female
Edho nadagamSome drama
Nadanthathu polae gyabagamIt feels like it happened, a memory
Female
Imaigalum mullaai maarumEven eyelashes turn into thorns
Vizhigalil kaayam seiyumAnd inflict wounds upon the eyes
Kaalam vandhadhaeSuch a time has arrived
Ninaithida sonna nenjamThe heart that asked me to remember
Marandhida sollum vanjamNow vengefully asks me to forget
Gnyayam allavaeIs this fair or just?
Female
Kaatrum paadhai maaralaamEven the wind may alter its direction
Gangai thaazhndhum pogalaamEven the river Ganges may sink low
Uyir kalandha sondham idhuThis relationship where souls intertwined
Poiyaaai povadhooWill it turn out to be a lie?
Female
Edho nadagamSome drama
Nadanthathu polae gyabagamIt feels like it happened, a memory
Female
Ullam ullam ondruHeart and mind are one
Oruvanukkaaga endruMeant for just one man
Vaazhum penn manamSuch is the living woman's heart
Maedaiyil podum vaeshamLike a disguise worn on stage
Kalaippadhu alla paasamTrue affection isn't meant to be stripped away
Kaadhal sathiyamLove is a sacred vow
Female
Neeyae endhan sannidhiYou alone are my holy shrine
Neeyae endhan nimmadhiYou alone are my peace of mind
Iniyae yedhu en vaanilaeWhat else remains in my sky hereafter?
Kaadhal pournamiThe full moon of love
Female
Edho nadagamSome drama
Nadanthathu polae gyabagamIt feels like it happened, a memory
Kadal oramaai andhi neramaaiBy the seashore, during dusk time
Ondru koodinom sindhu paadinomWe came together and sang melodies
Unakkillaiyaa andha vedhanaiDon't you feel that pain?
Kaadhal sodhanaiThe ordeal of love
Female
Edho nadagamSome drama
Nadanthathu polae gyabagamIt feels like it happened, a memory
Edho nadagamSome drama
Nadanthathu polae gyabagamIt feels like it happened, a memory

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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