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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maayamae Naanariyaen

From Missiamma · 1955

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
Rajeswara Rao
Details
Missiamma1955

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Maayamae naanariyen oo…Illusion, I do not understand it, oh...
Than madhi raajaa vennilaa raajaaOh cool-headed king, white moon king!
Maayamae naanariyen hoo…ooIllusion, I do not understand it, hoo...oo
Than madhi raajaa vennilaa raajaaOh cool-headed king, white moon king!
Maayamae naanariyenIllusion, I do not understand it.
Female
Azhaghu nilaavae unadhu magimaiyaiO beautiful moon, your glorious radiance,
Azhaghu nilaavae unadhu magimaiyaiO beautiful moon, your glorious radiance,
Arindhirundhaalum anubaviyenaeEven if I understood it, I could not experience it!
Arindhirundhaalum anubaviyenaeEven if I understood it, I could not experience it!
Maraindhae thoovidum kalayin jothiyaeO light of art that sheds its glow while remaining hidden,
Maraindhae thoovidum kalayin jothiyaeO light of art that sheds its glow while remaining hidden,
Maraimugamaagavae naanarivenaeI come to know of it only indirectly!
Female
Maayamae naanariyen hoo…ooIllusion, I do not understand it, hoo...oo
Than madhi raajaa vennilaa raajaaOh cool-headed king, white moon king!
Maayamae naanariyenIllusion, I do not understand it.
Female
Kannil kalikkamidum kadhiralaiyaalaeBy the gentle beam-waves that bring delight to the eyes,
Kannil kalikkamidum kadhiralaiyaalaeBy the gentle beam-waves that bring delight to the eyes,
Karaindhida ullamae kanindhenaeMy heart softened and dissolved in tender warmth,
Karaindhida ullamae kanindhenaeMy heart softened and dissolved in tender warmth,
Anbaiyae kori aruginil yaaroSeeking love, as though someone close by,
Anbaiyae kori aruginil yaaroSeeking love, as though someone close by,
Azhaippadhu polae naan unarndhenaeI felt as if they were calling out to me!
Female
Maayamae naanariyen hoo…ooIllusion, I do not understand it, hoo...oo
Than madhi raajaa vennilaa raajaaOh cool-headed king, white moon king!
Maayamae naanariyenIllusion, I do not understand it.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song expresses a deep sense of poetic wonder and romantic mystique. The protagonist addresses the bright full moon, hailing it as a majestic cool king ('Than madhi raajaa'). She speaks of the illusions of life and love, marveling at how the moonlight secretly bathes everything in artistic radiance while remaining distant and unseen. As the moonlight caresses her eyes, her heart melts with tenderness. She experiences a profound sensation that someone nearby is calling out to her for love, leaving her in a state of enchanting bewilderment and romantic yearning.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Than madhi raajaa vennilaa raajaa

The moon is metaphorically addressed as 'Than madhi raajaa' (cool-minded king) and 'kalayin jothiyae' (light of art).

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kannil kalikkamidum kadhiralaiyaalae

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Ka' across lines for rhythmic melody ('Kannil' / 'Karaindhida').

Personification

Anbaiyae kori aruginil yaaro / Azhaippadhu polae naan unarndhenae

The moon and its soothing presence are personified as a person standing nearby and softly calling out for affection.

Anaphora / Refrain

Maayamae naanariyen

The opening line 'Maayamae naanariyen' serves as a repeating refrain reinforcing the central theme of mystique.

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Trivia

Missiamma (1955) is a landmark bilingual romantic comedy film produced by Vijaya Vauhini Studios. The Tamil soundtrack was composed by the iconic S. Rajeswara Rao, with memorable lyrics by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass. This iconic song was rendered by legendary playback singer P. Leela.

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