- Lyricist
- Nethaji
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Janani
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Aug 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Mannikka Maataaya' from the 1985 film Janani is a deeply emotional song composed by M. S. Vishwanathan, written by Nethaji, and rendered by P. Susheela. The speaker earnestly begs her loved one for forgiveness, acknowledging his wisdom ('medhai') while humbly calling herself naive ('pedhai'). She recalls how he was her source of comfort during tough times—wiping her tears and removing obstacles from her path—yet asks that his affection does not turn into an overwhelming bond that restricts her life. In the second stanza, she elevates her reverence for him to a divine level, pleading with tear-filled eyes. Despite her deep love, she selflessly asks him to move on and make the best decision for his own life, even if that means forgetting her. The song beautifully captures themes of remorse, gratitude, humility, and selfless devotion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis (Edhirai)
“Nee oru medhai / Naan oru pedhai”
Contrasts the wisdom of the beloved with the speaker's own perceived naivety to express humility.
Rhyme & Assonance (Iyaibu / Monorhythm)
“Nee tharum sodhanai / Naan padum vedhanai podhum”
The rhyming pair 'sodhanai' (trial) and 'vedhanai' (agony) enhances the emotional intensity of the anguish.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“En vazhiyil mul marangal / Kalaindhadhum nee allavaa”
'Mul marangal' (thorny trees) is used as a metaphor for difficulties and obstacles encountered in life's journey.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Un anbai ennudaiya / Kaalukku vilangavadha”
'Kaalukku vilangavadha' metaphorically treats affection as a physical restraint or chain on her freedom.
Poetic Imagery (Uruvagam)
“Kann malargal neer soriya”
'Kann malargal' compares eyes to delicate flowers shedding tears.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song features music composed by M. S. Vishwanathan and is performed by P. Susheela for the film Janani (1985). Lyricist Nethaji crafted the lines emphasizing emotional humility and self-sacrifice.
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