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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Manadhil Irukkudhu Onnu

From Sabaash Mapillai · 1961

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
Seerkazhi Govindarajan, P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Sabaash Mapillai1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mm….mm…mm…mm…Mm....mm...mm...mm...
Mm .. mmm…mm…mm mm mm huhumMm .. mmm...mm...mm mm mm huhum
Male
Manadhil irukkudhu onnuThere is something residing in the heart,
Adhai kanakkaai kaattudhu kannuAnd the eye reveals it accurately.
Aa…aa….aa…aa…aa..aa…Aa...aa....aa...aa...aa..aa...
Manadhil irukkudhu onnuThere is something residing in the heart,
Adhai kanakkaai kaattudhu kannuAnd the eye reveals it accurately.
Manadhil irukkudhu onnuThere is something residing in the heart,
Adhai kanakkaai kaattudhu kannuAnd the eye reveals it accurately.
Maraikka muyandraalum mudiyallaeEven if I try to conceal it, I cannot,
Vaai thirandhu sollatthaan thuniyallaeI lack the courage to open my mouth and say it aloud.
Maraikka muyandraalum mudiyallaeEven if I try to conceal it, I cannot,
Vaai thirandhu sollatthaan thuniyallaeI lack the courage to open my mouth and say it aloud.
Manadhil irukkudhu onnuThere is something residing in the heart,
Adhai kanakkaai kaattudhu kannuAnd the eye reveals it accurately.
Female
Inikkum kanvugal marakkumaWill sweet dreams ever be forgotten?
Manam enni paarkkaamal irukkumaaWill the mind refrain from contemplating them?
Inikkum kanvugal marakkumaWill sweet dreams ever be forgotten?
Manam enni paarkkaamal irukkumaaWill the mind refrain from contemplating them?
Manakkum malar cholai mayakkum ilanthendralCan a fragrant flower garden ever forget
Varavai engaenum marakkumaaThe arrival of the intoxicating gentle breeze?
Manakkum malar cholai mayakkum ilanthendralCan a fragrant flower garden ever forget
Varavai engaenum marakkumaaThe arrival of the intoxicating gentle breeze?
Female
Manadhil irukkudhu onnuThere is something residing in the heart,
Adhai kanakkaai kaattudhu kannuAnd the eye reveals it accurately.
Manadhil irukkudhu onnuThere is something residing in the heart,
Adhai kanakkaai kaattudhu kannuAnd the eye reveals it accurately.
Male
Enni paarthaalae podhumaaIs it enough to merely keep thinking about it?
Mei inbam adhanaalae nerumaaWill true bliss manifest through that alone?
Male
Enni paarthaalae podhumaaIs it enough to merely keep thinking about it?
Mei inbam adhanaalae nerumaaWill true bliss manifest through that alone?
Kannil vilaiyaadum karuthil uravaadumWill the dream that dances in the eyes and bonds with thoughts
Kanavum nanavaaga maarumaaEver transform into reality?
Kannil vilaiyaadum karuthil uravaadumWill the dream that dances in the eyes and bonds with thoughts
Kanavum nanavaaga maarumaaEver transform into reality?
Male
Manadhil irukkudhu onnuThere is something residing in the heart,
Adhai kanakkaai kaattudhu kannuAnd the eye reveals it accurately.
Female
Elidhil pen manam virumbaadhuA woman's heart does not fall in love easily,
Adhu virumbiya pinnaal verukkaadhuBut once it loves, it will never learn to hate.
Elidhil pen manam virumbaadhuA woman's heart does not fall in love easily,
Adhu virumbiya pinnaal verukkaadhuBut once it loves, it will never learn to hate.
Male
Kodiyai kilaiyum thallaadhu adhuA tree branch will not push away the clinging vine,
Thadaigal edhuvum sollaadhuIt will offer no objections whatsoever.
Kodiyai kilaiyum thallaadhu adhuA tree branch will not push away the clinging vine,
Thadaigal edhuvum sollaadhuIt will offer no objections whatsoever.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic track expresses the delicate hesitation and profound emotion of newly blossomed love. The speaker reflects on how feelings hidden deep within the heart inevitably betray themselves through expressional glances of the eyes. Though words fail due to shyness, the eyes communicate the unexpressed sweet dreams and longing. The song further uses natural imagery—such as a garden welcoming the gentle southern breeze and a sturdy tree branch supporting a creeping vine—to signify natural harmony, unwavering commitment, and unconditional acceptance in love. It highlights the steadfastness of a woman's love, which, once bestowed, remains eternal.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Manadhil irukkudhu onnu / Adhai kanakkaai kaattudhu kannu

The rhyming of line endings 'onnu' (one/something) and 'kannu' (eye) creates a catchy melodic cadence throughout the refrain.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Kodiyai kilaiyum thallaadhu adhu / Thadaigal edhuvum sollaadhu

Comparing the union of lovers to a creeper (kodiyai) clinging onto a tree branch (kilaiyum), symbolizing reliance, acceptance, and togetherness.

Ethukai (Second-letter Assonance)

Inikkum kanvugal marakkuma / Manakkum malar cholai mayakkum ilanthendral

Matching second letters in 'Inikkum' and 'Manakkum' across verses enhances rhythmic musicality.

Did you know?

Trivia

Sabaash Mapillai (1961) featured music composed by K. V. Mahadevan, with lyrics penned by the renowned poet A. Maruthakasi. The movie stars M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Malini in lead roles.

Keep listening

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