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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Jeeva Gana Veenai

From Boologa Rambai – 1958 · 1958

Lyricist
Villiputhan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
C. N. Pandurangan
Movie name
Boologa Rambai – 1958
Movie release year
1958
Lyrics added on
31 Jul 2024

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Aa aa aa aa aa aa
Jeeva gaana veenai naan
Thaen suvai nadham neer
Serndhaal vaazhvilae
Samarasa geetha gyaaname
Jeeva gaana veenai naan
Thaen suvai nadham neer
Serndhaal vaazhvilae
Samarasa geetha gyaaname
Aaruyir thozhanin aasaiyinaale
Aaruyir thozhanin aasaiyinaale
Sogam meeri naalumae
Yaazhin sruthiyil veen baedhama
Jeeva gaana veenai naan
Thaen suvai nadham neer
Serndhaal vaazhvilae
Samarasa geetha gyaaname
Anbenum vaanilae inbam kaanavae
Anbenum vaanilae inbam kaanavae
Idhuvelai sahana raaga geetham yeno
Idhuvelai sahana raaga geetham yeno
Inimai kalyani
Jeeva gaana veenai naan
Thaen suvai nadham neer
Serndhaal vaazhvilae
Samarasa geetha gyaaname
Jeeva gaana veenai naan
Thaen suvai nadham neer
Serndhaal vaazhvilae
Samarasa geetha gyaaname
Aa... aa... aa... aa... aa... aa...
I am the veena of life's song,
You are its sweet, honeyed sound;
When we unite in life,
It is the wisdom of a harmonious melody...
I am the veena of life's song,
You are its sweet, honeyed sound;
When we unite in life,
It is the wisdom of a harmonious melody...
Because of the longing of my dearest companion,
Because of the longing of my dearest companion,
With sorrow overflowing every day,
Why is there a needless discord in the lute's tune?
I am the veena of life's song,
You are its sweet, honeyed sound;
When we unite in life,
It is the wisdom of a harmonious melody...
To find joy in the sky of love,
To find joy in the sky of love,
Why a song in Sahana raga at this hour?
Why a song in Sahana raga at this hour,
When Kalyani raga is so sweet?
I am the veena of life's song,
You are its sweet, honeyed sound;
When we unite in life,
It is the wisdom of a harmonious melody...
I am the veena of life's song,
You are its sweet, honeyed sound;
When we unite in life,
It is the wisdom of a harmonious melody...
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

In this classic composition from Boologa Rambai (1958), the protagonist compares herself to a veena—the musical instrument of life—and her beloved to the sweet sound of music. The lyrics express how the union of instrument and sound yields harmony and spiritual wisdom in life. Amidst longing, love, and sadness, the song eloquently weaves references to classical Carnatic ragas like Sahana and Kalyani to represent changing emotional landscapes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagham)

Jeeva gaana veenai naan

The singer metaphorically describes herself as a veena (instrument) playing the song of life.

Metaphor (Uruvagham)

Thaen suvai nadham neer

The beloved is equated directly to honey-sweet musical sound.

Metaphor (Uruvagham)

Anbenum vaanilae inbam kaanavae

Love is conceptualized as an expansive sky in which true happiness is discovered.

Raga Mention / Cultural Allusion

Idhuvelai sahana raaga geetham yeno

References Sahana and Kalyani ragas to evoke emotional nuances of longing and sweet grace.

Did you know?

Trivia

Boologa Rambai (1958) was a popular Tamil fantasy film starring Gemini Ganesan and Anjali Devi, directed by D. Yoganand. The music for this track was composed by C. N. Pandurangan and rendered with classical precision by legendary singer P. Susheela.

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