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Lyrics & meaning

Naan Kaanbeno Sodhariyaale

From Devaki (1951) · 1951

Lyricist
Ka. Mu. Sheriff
Singers
P. Leela, Jikki
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Devaki (1951)1951

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Naan kaanpeno sothariyaalai paar meethilaeWill I see my sister on this earth?
Kaanaathu vaazhvilae veenaavenoWill I waste away in life without seeing her?
Naan kaanpeno sothariyaalai paar meethilaeWill I see my sister on this earth?
Kaanaathu vaazhvilae veenaavenoWill I waste away in life without seeing her?
Female
Naan kaanpeno sothariyaalaiWill I see my sister?
Female
Aa…aa…aah…aa…[Vocalizations]
Thuyaraal naanum vaadiyae paazhaaginaenWithered by grief, I have been ruined,
Aathaaramae kaangilaen leelaaI find no refuge or support, Leela.
Thuyaraal naanum vaadiyae paazhaaginaenWithered by grief, I have been ruined,
Aathaaramae kaangilaen leelaaI find no refuge or support, Leela.
Female
Kaanaamalunnai veenae mann melaeWithout seeing you, in vain upon this earth,
Kaanaamalunnai veenae mann melaeWithout seeing you, in vain upon this earth,
Naadodi pol naan vaazhgiraenaeI am living wandering like a nomad.
Female
Naan kaanpeno sothariyaalai paar meethilaeWill I see my sister on this earth?
Kaanaathu vaazhvilae veenaavenoWill I waste away in life without seeing her?
Female
Oo….oo…aa…aa….[Vocalizations]
Unaiyae kaanum aavalae melaaguthaeMy longing to see you grows ever stronger,
Unaiyae kaanum aavalae melaaguthaeMy longing to see you grows ever stronger,
Naalthorum naan sogamae aanaenWith every passing day, I am consumed by sorrow.
Thelaaga thanthai aanaal antho naamThough our father has become clear and kind, alas,
Thelaaga thanthai aanaal antho naamThough our father has become clear and kind, alas,
Seraamalae veenaaguvomo…..Will we be ruined without ever reuniting?
Female
Naan kaanpeno sothariyaalai paar meethilaeWill I see my sister on this earth?
Kaanaathu vaazhvilae veenaavenoWill I waste away in life without seeing her?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This emotional song from Devaki (1951) expresses the profound sorrow and longing of separation between sisters. The speaker feels lost, helpless, and compares her aimless existence to that of a nomad without a home or support system. Despite positive changes in their family circumstances, she fears that life may slip away before she gets a chance to embrace her sister once again.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Naadodi pol naan vaazhgiraenae

Compares her aimless, lonely life of separation to that of a wandering nomad using the comparison word 'pol'.

Vinaa Aani (Rhetorical Question)

Naan kaanpeno sothariyaalai paar meethilae

Uses dramatic questions to highlight deep anguish and uncertainty about whether she will ever see her sister again.

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Kaanaamalunnai veenae mann melae

Repetition of the 'K' consonant sound at the start of words ('Kaanaamalunnai' / 'Kaanaamalunnai') creating a rhythmic, sorrowful cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by G. Ramanathan with lyrics by Ka. Mu. Sheriff, Devaki (1951) showcased early playback perfection by vocal legends P. Leela and Jikki. Songs centered around sibling separation were a popular thematic element in 1950s Tamil melodrama cinema.

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