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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naan Unnai Azhaikkavillai

From Engirundho Vandhaal · 1970

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Engirundho Vandhaal1970

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Naan unnai azhaikkavillaiI am not calling you
En uyirai azhaikkirenI am calling my own life
Naan unnai azhaikkavillaiI am not calling you
En uyirai azhaikkirenI am calling my own life
Kannai maraithukkondaalEven if you cover your eyes
Manadhil ennam maraivadhillaiThe thoughts in the heart do not vanish
Male
Naan chinna kuzhandhaiyammaI am a small child, mother
Solla theriyavillaiI do not know how to express it
Pillai mazhalaiyilae unakkumEven in a child's innocent prattle
Ullam puriyavillaiYou fail to understand my heart
Male
Naan unnai azhaikkavillaiI am not calling you
En uyirai azhaikkirenI am calling my own life
Kannai maraithukkondaalEven if you cover your eyes
Manadhil ennam maraivadhillaiThe thoughts in the heart do not vanish
Male
Enna thavaru seidhenWhat mistake did I commit?
Adhu dhaan enakkum puriyavillaiEven I do not understand that
Enna thavaru seidhenWhat mistake did I commit?
Adhu dhaan enakkum puriyavillaiEven I do not understand that
Vandhu pirandu vitten aanaalI was born into this world, but
Vazha theriyavillaiI do not know how to live
Arugil irundhu solli koduthaalIf you stay beside me and guide me
Ulagam theriyaadhaa ammaaaWouldn't I understand the world, mother?
Vivaram puriyaadha…Wouldn't I understand the details?
Male
Naan unnai azhaikkavillaiI am not calling you
En uyirai azhaikkirenI am calling my own life
Kannai maraithukkondaalEven if you cover your eyes
Manadhil ennam maraivadhillaiThe thoughts in the heart do not vanish
Male
Ennai padaitha dheivam innumThe God who created me has not yet
Kannai thirakkavillaiOpened His eyes
Ennai padaitha dheivam innumThe God who created me has not yet
Kannai thirakkavillaiOpened His eyes
Unnai anuppi vaithaan aanaalHe sent you here, but
Unakkum karunayillaiYou too have no mercy
Irunda veettil anbu vilakkuIn a dark house, a lamp of love
Irukka koodadhaa ammammaaCan it not be present, oh mother?
Irakkam pirakkaadhaWon't compassion be born?
Male
Naan unnai azhaikkavillaiI am not calling you
En uyirai azhaikkirenI am calling my own life
Kannai maraithukkondaalEven if you cover your eyes
Manadhil ennam maraivadhillaiThe thoughts in the heart do not vanish

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song expresses a deeply emotional plea from a character yearning for maternal affection, understanding, and guidance. By stating that calling the beloved mother figure is akin to calling one's own soul, the protagonist highlights complete emotional dependence. The lyrics touch upon innocence, helplessness, and the pain of being misunderstood despite possessing no malice.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

En uyirai azhaikkiren

Equating the person being called to one's own soul/life ('En uyirai azhaikkiren'), emphasizing intense emotional bond.

Metaphor

Irunda veettil anbu vilakku

Comparing love and hope in a desolate life to a lamp lighting up a dark house ('Irunda veettil anbu vilakku').

Anaphora / Repetition

Naan unnai azhaikkavillai / En uyirai azhaikkiren

Repetition of the opening refrain across stanzas to reinforce the central theme of desperation and longing.

Mohnai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Irunda veettil anbu vilakku / Irukka koodadhaa ammammaa / Irakkam pirakkaadha

Matching initial vowel sounds in consecutive lines ('Irunda', 'Irukka', 'Irakkam').

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is from the 1970 blockbuster Tamil film 'Engirundho Vandhaal', starring Sivaji Ganesan and Jayalalithaa. The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, with iconic lyrics crafted by Kannadasan expressing deep melancholic emotion.

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