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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nithirai Illaiyadi Sagiye

From Kathavarayan · 1958

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Kathavarayan1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyaeI have no sleep, my friend
Nimmathu illaiyadiI have no peace of mind
Antha uththamanai thedi sagiyae urugi vaaduthadiSearching for that noble man, my friend, my heart melts and wilts
Ullam urugi vaaduthadiMy heart melts and wilts
Female
Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyaeI have no sleep, my friend
Nimmathu illaiyadiI have no peace of mind
Antha uththamanai thedi sagiyae urugi vaaduthadiSearching for that noble man, my friend, my heart melts and wilts
Ullam urugi vaaduthadiMy heart melts and wilts
Female
Anbin idhayaththilae sagiyae..In the heart of love, my friend..
Aaa….aa….aa….aa….Aaa....aa....aa....aa....
Anbin idhayaththilae sagiyae..In the heart of love, my friend..
Female
Anbin idhayaththilae sagiyae..In the heart of love, my friend..
Amarntha koyiladiIs the temple where he resides
Inba udhayaththilae sagiyaeAt the dawn of joy, my friend
Inaintha dheivamadiHe is the divine soul who joined me
Female
Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyaeI have no sleep, my friend
Nimmathu illaiyadiI have no peace of mind
Antha uththamanai thedi sagiyae urugi vaaduthadiSearching for that noble man, my friend, my heart melts and wilts
Ullam urugi vaaduthadiMy heart melts and wilts
Female
Pesum vizhithanilaeIn those speaking eyes
Pesum vizhithanilae sagiyaeIn those speaking eyes, my friend
Aasai valarnthathadiDesire grew
Pesum vizhithanilae sagiyaeIn those speaking eyes, my friend
Avan veesiya valaithanilaeIn the net that he cast
Intha maan veezhnthathu maayamadiThis deer falling into it is sheer magic, my friend
Female
Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyaeI have no sleep, my friend
Nimmathu illaiyadiI have no peace of mind
Antha uththamanai thedi sagiyae urugi vaaduthadiSearching for that noble man, my friend, my heart melts and wilts
Ullam urugi vaaduthadiMy heart melts and wilts
Female
Vaan nilavum kaanalaai sagiyaeEven the moon in the sky feels like a mirage, my friend
Nimmathi illaiyadiThere is no peace of mind
Antha uththamanai thedi sagiyae urugi vaaduthadiSearching for that noble man, my friend, my heart melts and wilts
Ullam urugi vaaduthadiMy heart melts and wilts
Female
Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyaeI have no sleep, my friend
Nimmathu illaiyadiI have no peace of mind
Antha uththamanai thedi sagiyae urugi vaaduthadiSearching for that noble man, my friend, my heart melts and wilts
Ullam urugi vaaduthadiMy heart melts and wilts

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic composition expresses the emotional turmoil of a woman experiencing deep romantic separation (Viraha). Addressing her close companion (sagi), she laments her inability to sleep or find peace because her mind is constantly fixated on her virtuous beloved. She describes her heart as a sacred temple where love resides and honors her lover as the deity who blessed her life with happiness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Avan veesiya valaithanilae / Intha maan veezhnthathu maayamadi

The lover's charm and expressive eyes are compared to a cast net, and the heroine compares herself to a helpless deer trapped within it.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyae / Nimmathu illaiyadi

The lyrical lines frequently end with the affectionate colloquial suffix 'adi' (illaiyadi, vaaduthadi, koyiladi, dheivamadi) creating a rhythmic end-rhyme.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyae / Nimmathu illaiyadi

Repetition of the initial sound 'Ni' (நி) in consecutive lines.

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Trivia

Kathavarayan (1958) was a blockbuster Tamil mythological-folkloric film starring Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri. The soundtrack composed by maestro G. Ramanathan features rich Carnatic classical roots, with P. Leela delivering an iconic vocal performance penned by popular lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass.

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