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Lyrics & meaning

Irandu Kiligal Sernthu

From Sorkkam Naragam · 1977

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Sorkkam Naragam1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Irandu kiligal saernthu nadaththumTwo parrots together enact
Inba kadhal naadagamA blissful drama of love
Oo….indru thodangum kaaviyamO... a grand epic that begins today
Female
Irandu kiligal saernthu nadaththumTwo parrots together enact
Inba kadhal naadagamA blissful drama of love
Oo….indru thodangum kaaviyamO... a grand epic that begins today
Female
Thiranda paruvm aadi paadumIn full bloom of youth, dancing and singing
Sittu kuruvi oviyamA portrait of a tiny sparrow
Oo….thiranda paruvam aadi paadumO... in full bloom of youth, dancing and singing
Sittu kuruvi oviyamA portrait of a tiny sparrow
Serum sugangal aayiramGathering a thousand pleasures
Female
Irandu kiligal saernthu nadaththumTwo parrots together enact
Inba kadhal naadagamA blissful drama of love
Oo….indru thodangum kaaviyamO... a grand epic that begins today
Female
Iraivan potta vithiyinIn the framework of destiny drawn by God
Kottil idhuvum oru veeduWithin these lines, this too is a home
Thalaivi ingae thunaivan engaeThe heroine is here, but where is her partner?
Naduvil oru koduThere stands a dividing line in between
Female
Ingae aadal paadal sarasa koodalHere there is dancing, singing, and sensual intimacy
Nadana pennoduWith the dancing woman
Amma idhuvum panpaaduOh my, this too is called culture!
Amma idhuvum panpaaduOh my, this too is called culture!
Female
Thanga padhumai angam muzhuthum thazhuvum kairasiThe magical touch that embraces every part of this golden doll
Thazhuvi thazhuvi thannai maranthu mayakkum magarasiEmbracing repeatedly, forgetting herself, the enchanting queen mesmerizes
Ingae koodal illai shanthi illaiHere there is no true union, no inner peace
Kungumam poosi amma paavam ival rasiAdorned with vermilion, oh poor thing, such is her fate
Amma paavam ival rasiOh poor thing, such is her fate
Female
Ulla poruththam udalum poruthamA harmony of minds and a harmony of bodies
Ondru saernthaarkal urakkam indriThey joined together without sleep
Vidiya vidiya magizhnthu vaazhnthaargalThey lived joyfully until the break of dawn
Ingae thaali ondrae intha kazhuththuHere, only the sacred marital thread on her neck
Thaanga vaiththaargal paavam yaenga vaiththaargalThey made her bear it, poor thing, they left her yearning

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Sorkkam Naragam' (1977) uses allegorical imagery of parrots and sparrows to reflect on love, destiny, and the melancholy underlying superficial entertainment. It portrays a dancing woman who performs stories of romance and passion on stage, yet suffers from personal loneliness, separated from true marital peace and genuine companionship. Through poignant imagery, lyricist Kannadasan critiques societal double standards that treat intimate dance and superficial allure as 'culture' while denying real emotional fulfillment to the performer.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Irandu kiligal saernthu nadaththum

Comparing lovers to 'two parrots' (Irandu kiligal) and the woman to a 'portrait of a tiny sparrow' (Sittu kuruvi oviyam).

Repetition / Adukku Thodar

Thazhuvi thazhuvi thannai maranthu mayakkum magarasi

The deliberate repetition of words like 'Thazhuvi thazhuvi' (embracing again and again) and 'Vidiya vidiya' (until dawn breaks) to emphasize intensity and duration.

Irony / Satire

Amma idhuvum panpaadu

Sarcastic commentary on societal norms describing transactional performance as 'panpaadu' (culture/heritage).

Did you know?

Trivia

'Sorkkam Naragam' (1977) features music composed by the veteran duo Shankar-Ganesh with lyrics written by Kannadasan. Sung passionately by P. Susheela, this song stands out for its deep social commentary masked under a light melodic arrangement.

Keep listening

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