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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Manamadura Thanthen (Sad)

From Irandil Ondru · 1988

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
K. S. Chitra
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Irandil Ondru1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Maanaa madurai thanthaen maduraiyila paathi thanthaenI gave Manamadurai, and I gave half of Madurai.
Maanaa madurai thanthaen maduraiyila paathi thanthaenI gave Manamadurai, and I gave half of Madurai.
Thallaakolamum thanthaen thangachchi meenaavukkuI gave Tallakulam too, for my younger sister Meena.
Thallaakolamum thanthaen thangachchi meenaavukkuI gave Tallakulam too, for my younger sister Meena.
Female
Velli mala viraalimala verakedukkum naagamalaSilver Hill, Viralimalai, and Nagamalai where firewood is collected,
Kolli mala kodagu malaKolli Hills and Kodagu Hills,
Kondu thanthaen thanaiyanukkuI brought and gave them to my son.
Female
Iththanaiyum intha manasukkullaeAll of these, inside this heart of mine,
Ezhuthu vachchaen en kannugalaeI have written down, oh my precious eyes.
Iththanaiyum intha manasukkullaeAll of these, inside this heart of mine,
Ezhuthu vachchaen en kannugalaeI have written down, oh my precious eyes.
Saththiyamaa adhuthaan palikka saami varam thaaratheppoTruly, when will God grant the boon for all this to come true?
Saththiyamaa adhuthaan palikka saami varam thaaratheppoTruly, when will God grant the boon for all this to come true?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This folk-flavored song expresses deep familial love and grand aspirations through poetic hyperbole. The narrator symbolically gifts entire regions, famous towns, and mountain ranges (such as Madurai, Tallakulam, Viralimalai, and Kolli Hills) to her loved ones—her younger sister Meena and her son. These generous gifts represent the infinite love and blessings she wishes to bestow upon her family. Ultimately, she reveals that these grand gestures are sacred wishes written within her heart, and she prays devoutly to God, asking when He will grant the boon to make these dreams a reality.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Hyperbole (Uyarnavu Navirtchi Ani)

Maanaa madurai thanthaen maduraiyila paathi thanthaen

The speaker metaphorically gifts entire towns, mountain ranges, and cities like Madurai to her relatives to express boundless love.

Monai (Alliteration)

Velli mala viraalimala verakedukkum naagamala

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'V' in 'Velli' and 'Viraalimala'.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Velli mala viraalimala verakedukkum naagamala / Kolli mala kodagu mala

Repetition of the suffix '-mala' (mountain) across the names of various places for rhythmic emphasis.

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Trivia

This track from the 1988 Tamil movie 'Irandil Ondru' features music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by his brother Gangai Amaran. Sung by K. S. Chithra, the song mimics the traditional Tamil folk lulla-by and maternal praise style ('Thaalaattu' / 'Pooppu Paattu'), listing geographical landmarks to showcase warmth and endearment.

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