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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Manidhiramo Maayamo

From Kannin Manigal · 1956

Lyricist
Kambadasan
Singer
Saroja
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Kannin Manigal1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Manthiramo maayamo theriyallaeI do not know if it is a spell or magic,
Enna marunthu vachchirukkaano puriyallaeI do not understand what potion he has given me.
Female
Manthiramo maayamo theriyallaeI do not know if it is a spell or magic,
Enna marunthu vachchirukkaano puriyallaeI do not understand what potion he has given me.
Female
Sonnaalum kekkaamae aaduthuWithout listening to advice, it dances,
Enna sonnaalum kekkaamae aaduthuNo matter what is said, it disobeys and dances,
Aththaan pinnaalae thannaalae oduthuIt automatically runs behind my beloved,
Manam sonaalaum kekkaama aaduthuThe heart disobeys and dances on its own.
Female
Manthiramo maayamo theriyallaeI do not know if it is a spell or magic,
Enna marunthu vachchirukkaano puriyallaeI do not understand what potion he has given me.
Female
Ennaatha ennamum ennuthuIt contemplates all kinds of thoughts,
Adhu yaettikku pottiyaai yaedhetho pannuthuIt acts contrarily and does unpredictable things,
Ingumangum engum suththuthuIt wanders here, there, and everywhere,
Avan iruppidam theriyaamae yaemaanthu thavikkuthuNot knowing his whereabouts, it feels deceived and suffers.
Female
Manthiramo maayamo theriyallaeI do not know if it is a spell or magic,
Enna marunthu vachchirukkaano puriyallaeI do not understand what potion he has given me.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song expresses the overwhelming feelings of a woman deeply in love. Playfully wondering if her beloved has cast a spell or fed her a secret love potion, she describes how her restless heart no longer listens to reason and constantly wanders off in search of him.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Refrain / Anaphora

Manthiramo maayamo theriyallae

The line 'Manthiramo maayamo theriyallae' is repeated throughout the song to emphasize her central dilemma and confusion caused by love.

Internal Rhyme / Alliteration (Iyaibu & Etukai)

Ingumangum engum suththuthu

The quick rhythmic repetition of 'Ingumangum engum' uses matching nasal sounds ('ng') to represent the frantic, restless movement of her heart.

Metaphor

Enna marunthu vachchirukkaano puriyallae

Comparing love to 'marunthu' (potion/medicine) and 'manthiram' (spell) illustrates the intoxicating, uncontrollable nature of romantic attraction.

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Trivia

Composed by S. V. Venkatraman for the 1956 film 'Kannin Manigal', the song features lyrics by the renowned poet Kambadasan, whose folk-style phrasing gained immense popularity in early Tamil cinema.

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