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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mana Kolam Thedum

From Chinna Chinna Veedu Katti · 1980

Lyricist
Muthu Bharathi
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Chinna Chinna Veedu Katti1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
……………..Eyes that search for marriage attire,
Female
Manakkolam thedum kangalWhy have they taken the pattern of rain?
Mazhaikkolam kondathennaToday, the lamp in the temple of the heart,
Manakkoyil dheepam indruOh king, belongs entirely to you.
Mannaa un sonthamaeThe heart that bonds intimately sings
Female
Uravaadum idhayam paadumAll noble and lofty thoughts.
Uyarvaana ennam yaavumThe heart that bonds intimately sings
Uravaadum idhayam paadumAll noble and lofty thoughts.
Uyarvaana ennam yaavumLike the changing tide on the seashore,
Kadaloram alaiyil nilaimaarumWill it become a fragile house of sand?
Manal veedu aagumoMusic joins with melody,
Female
Pannodu raagam serumMe, a Veena in the form of a woman,
Pennaana veenai ennaiWill your hands play me in a dream?
Kanaa un kaigal meettumWill such times not arrive?
Kaalangal vaaraatho….Did the moon join you thinking you were its companion?
Female
Nilla ondru thunaiyendru unai saernthathoDid separation happen just as two hearts were uniting?
Manam ondru saerumpothae pirivaagi ponathoA skylark living its life in search of a future,
Edhirkaalam ondrai thaedi uyir vaazhum vaanampaadiSeeking the shadow of relationship, won't it live in your love?
Uravendra nizhalai naadi un anbil vaazhaathoRelatives over there are placing obstacles,
Female
Thadai podum sontham angaeThe heart over here is searching for answers.
Vidai thedum nenjam ingaeRelatives over there are placing obstacles,
Thadai podum sontham angaeThe heart over here is searching for answers.
Vidai thedum nenjam ingaeIn between, a woman's heart here
Idaiyinil pennin manam ingaeWithers in tears.
Kanneeril vaaduthaeEyes that search for marriage attire,
Female
Manakkolam thedum kangalWhy have they taken the pattern of rain?
Mazhaikkolam kondathennaToday, the lamp in the temple of the heart,
Manakkoyil dheepam indruOh king, belongs entirely to you.
Mannaa un sonthamae
Female
………………

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This emotional track expresses the deep grief and romantic yearning of a woman caught between her devotion to her lover and societal or familial opposition. Her eyes, which originally hoped for a joyful wedding, are now flooded with tears like relentless rain. She questions whether her dreams will end up like a fragile sandcastle washed away by sea waves, while still holding onto the hope that her beloved will one day play the 'music' of her life like a Veena. Despite relatives creating barriers and causing her grief, her heart remains unshakeably devoted to her partner, searching for a ray of hope amidst separation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Pennaana veenai ennai

Comparing the female narrator to a Veena waiting to be played by her beloved's hands.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Manakkoyil dheepam indru

Comparing the heart to a temple and devotion to a sacred lamp.

Edhukai (Second-letter rhyme)

Manakkolam thedum kangal / Mazhaikkolam kondathenna

Rhyming of the second letter 'na' in Manakkolam and Mazhaikkolam.

Edhukai (Second-letter rhyme)

Thadai podum sontham angae / Vidai thedum nenjam ingae

Rhyming of the second consonant sound 'da' in Thadai and Vidai.

Monaai (First-letter alliteration)

Manakkolam / Mazhaikkolam / Manakkoyil / Mannaa

Alliteration of the initial letter 'Ma' across consecutive lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song features music composed by the prolific duo Shankar-Ganesh for the 1980 Tamil film Chinna Chinna Veedu Katti. Rendered by legendary playback singer Vani Jairam, the song is revered for its emotional range and rich classical cadence.

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