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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naan Yaar Theriyuma

From Koduthu Vaithaval · 1963

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Koduthu Vaithaval1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Naan yaar theriyumaa…Do you know who I am?
Naan yaar theriyumaa…Do you know who I am?
Naan yaar theriyumaa…Do you know who I am?
Naan yaar theriyumaa…Do you know who I am?
Male
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
En nilaimai enna puriyumaaDo you understand what my condition is?
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
En nilaimai enna puriyumaaDo you understand what my condition is?
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
Male
Yaar ennum kelvikkuTo the question of who I am,
Naan irandu uruvamaaam I two different identities?
Yaar ennum kelvikkuTo the question of who I am,
Naan irandu uruvamaaam I two different identities?
Andha irandungooda ondraiyondruWill even those two identities
Marandhu poghumaaforget each other completely?
Male
Naan yaar theriyumaa…Do you know who I am?
Male
Manadhu veru manidhan veruCan the mind become distinct
Aaga mudiyumaafrom the person himself?
Than madhi mayangi oruvaroduLosing one's own mental clarity,
Vaazha mudiyumaacan a person live with another?
Male
Manadhu veru manidhan veruCan the mind become distinct
Aaga mudiyumaafrom the person himself?
Than madhi mayangi oruvaroduLosing one's own mental clarity,
Vaazha mudiyumaacan a person live with another?
Male
Ulavugindra udambu koodaCan even a body that wanders around
Kanavu kaanumaadream dreams?
Ulavugindra udambu koodaCan even a body that wanders around
Kanavu kaanumaadream dreams?
Konda uravu kooda ninaivillaamalCan even a deeply cherished relationship
Marandhu pogumaabe forgotten without a trace of memory?
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
Male
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
En nilaimai enna puriyumaaDo you understand what my condition is?
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
Male
Ingum angum manadhu sendruMy mind wanders here and there
Pongugindradhaeand swells with emotions.
Oru inimaiyaana ninaivu mattumOnly one sweet memory
Thangugindradhaeremains lingering behind.
Male
Ingum angum manadhu sendruMy mind wanders here and there
Pongugindradhaeand swells with emotions.
Oru inimaiyaana ninaivu mattumOnly one sweet memory
Thangugindradhaeremains lingering behind.
Male
Ennavendru kandukollaTo decipher what that memory is,
MudiyavillaiyaeI am unable to do so.
Ennavendru kandukollaTo decipher what that memory is,
MudiyavillaiyaeI am unable to do so.
Adhai enni paarkkaTo contemplate and feel it,
Innumoru idhayamillaiyaeI do not have another heart.
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
Male
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?
En nilaimai enna puriyumaaDo you understand what my condition is?
Naan yaar theriyumaaDo you know who I am?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song captures the tragic psychological crisis of a man suffering from identity confusion and amnesia. Through repeated rhetorical queries about his own identity, he reflects on whether a body can exist detached from its mind and whether true love and past relationships can ever be erased completely from human consciousness. Despite the fog of memory loss, a single persistent sweet memory lingers in his heart, highlighting the deep emotional trace left by true love that survives even cognitive loss.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Alangaram)

Naan yaar theriyumaa / En nilaimai enna puriyumaa

The speaker repeatedly poses unanswered questions such as 'Naan yaar theriyumaa' and 'Manadhu veru manidhan veru aaga mudiyumaa' to accentuate his internal despair and existential helplessness.

Mohnai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Manadhu veru manidhan veru

The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Ma' in 'Manadhu' and 'Manidhan' creates a rhythmic sonic harmony.

Iyai (End Rhyme)

Pongugindradhae / Thangugindradhae

Matching ending rhyming syllables like 'Pongugindradhae' and 'Thangugindradhae' enhance the musical flow of the stanzas.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Koduthu Vaithaval' (1963) starred M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) alongside Savitri and E. V. Saroja, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. This track showcases lyricist Kannadasan's mastery in translating complex psychological states like amnesia and dual identity into poetic, philosophical Tamil verse.

Keep listening

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