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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Jeevan En Jeevan

From Coimbatore Mappillai · 1996

Lyricist
P. R. C. Balu
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Vidyasagar
Details
Coimbatore Mappillai1996

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Jeevan en jeevan enai neengi pogalaamaaCan my life, my very life, leave and depart from me?
Kadhal en kadhal adhu yaengi pogalaamaaCan my love, my deep love, suffer longing and fade away?
Iravodu pagal indru pidivaatham thanaikonduToday, night and day have taken a stubborn stance together,
Inai theeyil veezhalaamaaShould we fall together into a raging fire?
Male
Jeevan en jeevan enai neengi pogalaamaaCan my life, my very life, leave and depart from me?
Kadhal en kadhal adhu yaengi pogalaamaaCan my love, my deep love, suffer longing and fade away?
Male
Vaanam veru megam veru piriththu paarkka koodumaaIs it possible to separate and view the sky distinct from the clouds?
Neeyum naanum veru verendru pirikka nenjam thaangumaaCan my heart bear it if you and I are torn apart as different entities?
Thaamaraiyai neer thodaathathaal sonthamindri pogumaaJust because water does not wet the lotus leaf, does its bond disappear?
Udhaduthaanae poigal pesumaa uyirum poigal pesumaaOnly the lips might speak lies; can the soul ever speak lies?
Nizhal edhu nijam edhu ariyaathu ilamaathuUnable to distinguish what is a shadow and what is reality, the young girl is lost.
Male
Jeevan en jeevan enai neengi pogalaamaaCan my life, my very life, leave and depart from me?
Kadhal en kadhal adhu yaengi pogalaamaaCan my love, my deep love, suffer longing and fade away?
Male
Karaiyil mothum alaigal oyalaam kadhal nenjam oyumaaWaves crashing on the shore may subside, but can a loving heart ever rest?
Vaanil thondrum kadhirum theyalaam kadhal ninaivu theyumaaThe sun shining in the sky may fade, but can the memories of love ever wane?
Nilavil kooda kalangam kaanalaam nenjil adhu yaedhammaaEven on the moon a stain can be seen, but is there any blemish in the heart?
Vaanavil kooda nirangal maaralaam nesam niram maarumaaEven a rainbow's colors may alter, but will true affection ever change its color?
Thalai saaikka madi thaedi yugam thorum varuvaenaeSeeking your lap to rest my head, I will come searching through every era!
Male
Jeevan en jeevan enai neengi pogalaamaaCan my life, my very life, leave and depart from me?
Kadhal en kadhal adhu yaengi pogalaamaaCan my love, my deep love, suffer longing and fade away?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Jeevan En Jeevan is a deeply poignant track from the film Coimbatore Mappillai that explores the agony of separation, misunderstood devotion, and eternal bond between two lovers. The protagonist questions the possibility of parting from his beloved, using powerful metaphors drawn from nature—such as the inseparable sky and clouds, the unsoiled lotus in water, the unending waves of the sea, and the timeless sun and moon. He emphasizes that while physical words or shadows may deceive, the affection residing in the soul is pure, unblemished, and constant. The song culminates in an affirmation of timeless love that transcends ages and obstacles.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Metaphorical Analogy)

Vaanam veru megam veru piriththu paarkka koodumaa

Compares the inseparable nature of the lovers to the sky and clouds, asserting that separating them is impossible.

Alliteration & Antithesis (Edhukai / Nizhal vs Nijam)

Nizhal edhu nijam edhu ariyaathu ilamaathu

Contrasts 'Nizhal' (shadow/illusion) and 'Nijam' (reality/truth) with matching phonetic structure to highlight confusion.

Rhetorical Question (Vinath Thalai)

Karaiyil mothum alaigal oyalaam kadhal nenjam oyumaa

Uses a series of rhetorical questions regarding nature's phenomena to emphasize that love's strength surpasses natural changes.

Refrain / Anaphora

Jeevan en jeevan enai neengi pogalaamaa

Repetition of the opening line throughout the song reinforces the emotional turmoil and central query of the protagonist.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although Coimbatore Mappillai (1996) starring Vijay and Goundamani is primarily remembered as a full-fledged romantic comedy, 'Jeevan En Jeevan' stands out as its most dramatic and soul-stirring melody. Composed by Vidyasagar and rendered with intense emotion by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, the song remains one of the most celebrated sad melodies in 90s Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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