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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mannikka Maattaya Male

From Janani · 1985

Lyricist
Nethaji
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Janani1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Mannikka maataaya un manam irangiWon't you forgive me, taking pity in your heart?
Mannikka maataaya un manam irangiWon't you forgive me, taking pity in your heart?
Nee oru medhaiYou are a genius
Naan oru pedhaiI am a fool
Nee tharum sodhanaiThe trials you give me
Naan padum vedhanai podhum podhumAnd the pain I suffer are enough, enough
Mannikka maataayaWon't you forgive me?
Male
Mannikka maataaya un manam irangiWon't you forgive me, taking pity in your heart?
Nee oru medhaiYou are a genius
Naan oru pedhaiI am a fool
Nee tharum sodhanaiThe trials you give me
Naan padum vedhanai podhum podhumAnd the pain I suffer are enough, enough
Mannikka maataayaWon't you forgive me?
Male
En vizhigal deepangalaiI lit the lamps of my eyes
Unakena yetrivaithenJust for your sake
Ponnalagu devi undhanOh golden beautiful goddess,
Dharisanam parthu vandhenI came seeking a glimpse of you
Male
En vizhigal deepangalaiI lit the lamps of my eyes
Unakena yetrivaithenJust for your sake
Ponnalagu devi undhanOh golden beautiful goddess,
Dharisanam parthu vandhenI came seeking a glimpse of you
Male
Un adimai un arulaiFor your servant to receive your grace,
Pera oru vazhli illaiyaIs there no way at all?
Un arugil vazhala undhanTo live near you, is there no place
Nizhalukku idam illayaEven for your shadow?
Male
Mannikka maataaya un manam irangiWon't you forgive me, taking pity in your heart?
Nee oru medhaiYou are a genius
Naan oru pedhaiI am a fool
Nee tharum sodhanaiThe trials you give me
Naan padum vedhanai podhum podhumAnd the pain I suffer are enough, enough
Mannikka maataayaWon't you forgive me?
Male
En manadhil naal muludhumIn my heart all day long,
Iruppathu nee allavaIsn't it you who resides?
En kuralil ragangalaiMaking melody ring in my voice,
Olippathum moochallavaIsn't it your breath?
Male
En manadhil naal muludhumIn my heart all day long,
Iruppathu nee allavaIsn't it you who resides?
En kuralil ragangalaiMaking melody ring in my voice,
Olippathum moochallavaIsn't it your breath?
Male
En idhayam un udamaiMy heart is your possession,
Unakadhu puriyadhaaDon't you understand that?
Ennum adhai ne mithithalYet if you trample upon it,
Unakadhu valikadhaDoesn't it hurt you too?
Male
Mannikka maataaya un manam irangiWon't you forgive me, taking pity in your heart?
Nee oru medhaiYou are a genius
Naan oru pedhaiI am a fool
Nee tharum sodhanaiThe trials you give me
Naan padum vedhanai podhum podhumAnd the pain I suffer are enough, enough
Mannikka maataayaWon't you forgive me?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Mannikka Maataaya' is a heartfelt emotional plea for forgiveness where the protagonist implores his beloved to show mercy and soften her heart. He compares her to a wise, divine goddess while viewing himself as a humble devotee who has endured endless pain and trials, asking if the torment he has suffered is not yet enough. Throughout the song, he expresses how deeply entangled his life and soul are with hers—describing his eyes as lamps waiting for her presence, his voice carrying her breath, and his heart belonging entirely to her. He poignantly questions if trampling on his heart doesn't hurt her as well, since it ultimately belongs to her.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Contrast

Nee oru medhai / Naan oru pedhai

Contrasts the intellect and superiority of the beloved ('medhai' - genius) with the speaker's own humility and foolishness ('pedhai' - fool).

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Nee tharum sodhanai / Naan padum vedhanai podhum podhum

Rhyming end words 'sodhanai' (trial/test) and 'vedhanai' (agony/pain) create a rhythmic echo highlighting distress.

Uvamai (Metaphor)

En vizhigal deepangalai / Unakena yetrivaithen

Metaphorically compares the act of watching eagerly with eyes to lighting ceremonial lamps for a deity.

Rhetorical Question

Ennum adhai ne mithithal / Unakadhu valikadha

Uses a poignant question asking if stepping on his heart doesn't hurt her, emphasizing that his heart and her essence are one.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by M. S. Vishwanathan for the 1985 film 'Janani', this song is remembered for K. J. Yesudas's deeply expressive rendition that captures both romantic surrender and devotional humility.

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