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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naan Unnai Ninai

From Paavai Vilakku · 1960

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Paavai Vilakku1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undooIs there ever a moment when I do not think of you?
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undooIs there ever a moment when I do not think of you?
Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandroAre you not the hero and lord of my life?
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undooIs there ever a moment when I do not think of you?
Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandroAre you not the hero and lord of my life?
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undooIs there ever a moment when I do not think of you?
Female
Kaanbavai yaavum un vadivamandrooIsn't everything I see a manifestation of your form?
Kaanbavai yaavum un vadivamandrooIsn't everything I see a manifestation of your form?
En karuthinil uravaadum deivamandrooAren't you the deity mingling in my thoughts?
Karuthinil uravaadum deivamandrooAren't you the deity mingling in my thoughts?
Nee en deivamandrooAren't you my divine deity?
Female
Naan aadum aatamellam unakkagavandrooIsn't every dance I perform dedicated only to you?
Naan aadum aatamellam unakkagavandrooIsn't every dance I perform dedicated only to you?
Naan vaeru nee vaeru…haa..aa….I am different, you are different... haa... aa...
Naan vaeru nee vaeru enbathum ini undooWill there ever be a distinction between you and me anymore?
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undooIs there ever a moment when I do not think of you?
Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandroAre you not the hero and lord of my life?
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undooIs there ever a moment when I do not think of you?
Female
Maunam yaeno sollum saamiWhy this silence? Tell me, my lord.
Maunam yaeno sollum saamiWhy this silence? Tell me, my lord.
En manam vittu naan paadiEven after seeing me sing openly from my heart,
Aadiyadhai kanda pinnumAnd dance with complete devotion,
Maunam yaeno sollum saamiWhy this silence? Tell me, my lord.
Female
Ayalil ulla manidharWithout the people around us,
Yaarum arindhidamalaeWithout anyone coming to know,
Nenjin aasai thannaiThe yearning desires of my heart,
Kangalaalae pesidamalaeWithout even speaking through my eyes,
Ayalil ulla manidharWithout the people around us,
Yaarum arindhidamalaeWithout anyone coming to know,
Nenjin aasai thannaiThe yearning desires of my heart,
Kangalaalae pesidamalaeWithout even speaking through my eyes,
Female
Thayavu indriye tamil isaiyil ondriyaeWithout showing mercy, becoming one with Tamil music,
Thayavu indriye tamil isaiyil ondriyaeWithout showing mercy, becoming one with Tamil music,
Idhu tharunam enai marandhuAt this opportune moment, forgetting myself,
Un manadhilae iruppadhu enadhuyireResiding inside your heart is my very life!
Female
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undooIs there ever a moment when I do not think of you?
Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandroAre you not the hero and lord of my life?
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undooIs there ever a moment when I do not think of you?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo' is a classic romantic song from the 1960 Tamil film Paavai Vilakku, composed by K. V. Mahadevan and sung by P. Susheela with lyrics penned by A. Maruthakasi. The protagonist expresses her profound love and spiritual surrender to her beloved, viewing him not just as a partner but as a divine presence that permeates her every thought, visual perception, and artistic expression. She questions his silence despite witnessing her devotion manifested in song and dance. The song beautifully explores the concept of spiritual non-duality in romance, where the distinction between the lover and the beloved vanishes entirely. Through delicate Tamil poetic imagery, it portrays love as a total immersion in melody and emotion, where existing within the beloved's heart becomes her ultimate purpose.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa)

Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo

The refrain 'Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo' uses a rhetorical question to passionately emphasize that there is never a single second when she isn't thinking of him.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

En karuthinil uravaadum deivamandroo

The speaker equates her beloved directly to a divine lord ('deivam') living within her mind and thoughts.

Initial Rhyme / Alliteration (Moonaai)

Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo / Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandro

Repetition of the initial 'Na' sound across lines creating a rhythmic, musical opening.

Did you know?

Trivia

Paavai Vilakku (1960) was adapted from the acclaimed novel of the same name written by Akilan. Starring Sivaji Ganesan and Sowcar Janaki, the film's soundtrack composed by K. V. Mahadevan became a benchmark for Carnatic-influenced classical Tamil film music.

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