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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Neeyindri Naan (Sad)

From Nalla Mudivu · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nalla Mudivu1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Neeyindri naanillaiI do not exist without you,
Vaada rangaiyyaaCome, oh Rangayya!
Nenjamindri ennamillaiNo thoughts exist without a heart,
Vaada rangaiyyaaCome, oh Rangayya!
Female
Ullam ketta maantharkkuTo the people whose minds are corrupted,
Unmai sollum rangaiyyaaOh Rangayya, who speaks the truth!
Unnai kanda kannil endrumIn the eyes that have beholding you,
Thunbam illai rangaiyyaaThere is never any sorrow, oh Rangayya!
Female
Neeyindri naanillaiI do not exist without you,
Vaada rangaiyyaaCome, oh Rangayya!
Nenjamindri ennamillaiNo thoughts exist without a heart,
Vaada rangaiyyaaCome, oh Rangayya!
Female
Malai pol maeni engaeWhere is that mountain-like body?
Malar pol kangal engaeWhere are those flower-like eyes?
Velliratham polaeLike a silver chariot,
Siru nadai engae….Where is that graceful gentle walk?
Female
Neeyindri naanillaiI do not exist without you,
Vaada rangaiyyaaCome, oh Rangayya!
Nenjamindri ennamillaiNo thoughts exist without a heart,
Vaada rangaiyyaaCome, oh Rangayya!
Female
Ullam ketta maantharkkuTo the people whose minds are corrupted,
Unmai sollum rangaiyyaaOh Rangayya, who speaks the truth!
Unnai kanda kannil endrumIn the eyes that have beholding you,
Thunbam illai rangaiyyaaThere is never any sorrow, oh Rangayya!
Female
Neeyindri naanillaiI do not exist without you,
Vaada rangaiyyaaCome, oh Rangayya!
Nenjamindri ennamillaiNo thoughts exist without a heart,
Vaada rangaiyyaaCome, oh Rangayya!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional yet emotive track from 'Nalla Mudivu' (1973) expresses deep yearning and total surrender to Lord Ranganatha (Rangayya). The singer articulates that her entire existence depends on the Lord, drawing a parallel that just as thoughts cannot exist without a heart, she cannot exist without Him. She seeks His presence, reminiscing about His divine form—His majestic physique, soft eyes, and chariot-like graceful walk.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamaani)

Malai pol maeni engae / Malar pol kangal engae

Compares the divine form to a mountain ('Malai pol maeni') and eyes to flowers ('Malar pol kangal').

Alliteration / Rhyme (Monai and Ethirai)

Neeyindri naanillai / Nenjamindri ennamillai

Use of matching consonant/vowel sounds at line beginnings like 'Neeyindri' / 'Nenjamindri' and 'Ullam' / 'Unmai'.

Anaphora / Refrain

Vaada rangaiyyaa

Repetition of the line 'Vaada rangaiyyaa' throughout the song to emphasize earnest yearning.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song features iconic phrasing by lyricist Kannadasan, blending traditional bhakti poetry conventions with accessible film music style set to tune by M. S. Viswanathan.

Keep listening

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