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Lyrics & meaning

Mannavane Azhalama

From Karpagam · 1963

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Karpagam1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
…………………….....
Female
MannavanaeOh my king,
Azhalama kanneeraiShould tears be shed?
Vidalama unnuyiraaiShould your life be given up,
Naaniruka ennuyiraaiWhen I am here as your life,
Nee iruka mannavaaAnd you are here, oh king?
Mannavaa mannavaa aaaaaOh king, oh king, aaaaa
Female
MannavanaeOh my king,
Azhalama kanneeraiShould tears be shed?
Vidalama unnuyiraaiShould your life be given up,
Naaniruka ennuyiraaiWhen I am here as your life,
Nee irukaAnd you are here?
Female
…………………....
Female
{ Kannai{ Even if left from
Vitu ponalum karuthaithe eyes, from the thoughts
Vitu pogavillai } (2)it has not left } (2)
Female
{ Mannai{ Even if left from
Vitu ponalum unnaithis earth, from you
Vitu pogavillai } (2)it has not left } (2)
Female
InnoruthiAs another woman
Udaleduthu irupavalumtaking bodily form,
Naan allava kaneduthumis it not me? Even with eyes open,
Paaramal kalanguvadhum veenallavais it not in vain to grieve without seeing?
Female
MannavaaOh king,
Mannavaa mannavaa aaaaaaaOh king, oh king, aaaaaaa
Female
MannavanaeOh my king,
Azhalama kanneeraiShould tears be shed?
Vidalama unnuyiraaiShould your life be given up,
Naaniruka ennuyiraaiWhen I am here as your life,
Nee irukaAnd you are here?
Female
{ Un mayakam{ The woman who came to cure
Theerka vandha penyour deep longing,
Mayilai puriyadha } (2)do you not understand this peahen? } (2)
Female
{ Than{ Her own
Mayakam theeraamallonging remaining unfulfilled,
Thavikindral theriyadha } (2)she suffers, do you not know? } (2)
Female
En udalilIf it is desire
Aasai endral ennaifor my physical body,
Nee marandhu viduthen forget me;
Female
En uyiraiIf you respect
Mathithirundhaalmy soul,
Vanthavalai vaazha vidulet the woman who came live her life!
Female
MannavaaOh king,
Mannavaa mannavaa aaaaaaaOh king, oh king, aaaaaaa
Female
MannavanaeOh my king,
Azhalama kanneeraiShould tears be shed?
Vidalama unnuyiraaiShould your life be given up,
Naaniruka ennuyiraaiWhen I am here as your life,
Nee irukaAnd you are here?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Mannavanae Azhalama Kanneerai' is an emotional and poignant tender plea from a beloved to her grieving husband. She questions his endless sorrow and desire to give up on life, reminding him that though physical form may pass, their deep spiritual connection remains forever alive. She urges him to open his eyes and recognize that love endures beyond death. She further counsels him to embrace the present and allow the new woman in his life to live in peace and happiness. She points out that true respect for her memory lies in treasuring her soul rather than clinging to physical attachment, encouraging him to overcome his grief and fulfill his duties in life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyming)

{ Kannai / { Mannai

Matching second consonants in corresponding lines ('nn' in Kannai and Mannai).

Anaphora (Repetition)

Vitu ponalum karuthai / Vitu pogavillai

Repetition of the phrase 'Vitu ponalum' and 'Vitu pogavillai' creates a rhythmic emphasis on eternal bonding.

Metaphor

Mayilai puriyadha

Describing the gentle and innocent nature of the woman as a peahen ('pen mayilai').

Rhetorical Question

Azhalama kanneerai

Questions asked to prompt self-reflection rather than seeking an answer ('Azhalama kanneerai').

Did you know?

Trivia

This song belongs to the iconic 1963 Tamil hit movie 'Karpagam', directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan, which marked the silver screen debut of legendary actress K. R. Vijaya. The music was composed by the celebrated duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics penned by Vaali and vocals rendered by P. Susheela.

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