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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oorengum Thedinen

From Then Nilavu · 1961

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Jikki
Music director
A. M. Rajah
Details
Then Nilavu1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kandenI found one special person
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kanden andhaI found one special person, and
Oruvaridam thedinenIn that one person, I searched for
Ullathai kandenI found a true heart
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kandenI found one special person
Female
Ullamengum thedinenI searched all across my heart
Uravinai kanden andhaI found a deep bond, and
Uravinilae moozhginenImmersed in that relationship
Pirivinai kandenI experienced separation
Female
Ullamengum thedinenI searched all across my heart
Uravinai kanden andhaI found a deep bond, and
Uravinilae moozhginenImmersed in that relationship
Pirivinai kandenI experienced separation
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kandenI found one special person
Female
{Kai kodutha dheivam indru{The divine helper who extended a hand today
Engu sendradhoWhere did he go?
Ennai kaathirukka vaithuvittuLeaving me waiting here
Engae nindradho} (2)Where is he standing?} (2)
Female
Indru kann kalanga nindrirundhenToday, as I stood with tearful eyes
Sedhi vandhadhuA glad tidings arrived
Naan kadandhu vandha vaanilIn the sky I crossed through
Vidi velli mulaithadhuThe morning star blossomed
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kandenI found one special person
Female
{Kaana endra maaligaiyin{In the palace of vision
Kadhavu thirandhadhuThe doors swung open
Perum karunaiyodu arul vilangumShining with vast mercy and grace
Kann thirandhadhu} (2)The divine eyes opened} (2)
Female
Aatru vellam pola nenjilLike a river flood in my heart
Madai thirandhadhuThe sluice gates burst open
Nalla amara deepam pola vaazhvilLike an eternal sacred light in life
Oli pirandhadhuBrightness was born
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kandenI found one special person
Female
{Thazhvenilum vazhvenilum{Whether in hardship or in prosperity
Ungal kaiyilaeMy fate is in your hands
En sanjalamum nimadhiyumMy turmoil and my tranquility
Ungal sollilae} (2)Reside within your words} (2)
Female
Vaazhga endru neengal sonnaalIf you say 'live long'
Vaazhum en manamMy heart shall live
Vaazhga endru neengal sonnaalIf you say 'live long'
Vaazhum en manamMy heart shall live
Illai maraiga endru varam koduthaalIf you grant a decree saying 'disappear'
Maraiya sammathamI willingly consent to vanish
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kandenI found one special person
Female
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kanden andhaI found one special person, and
Oruvaridam thedinenIn that one person, I searched for
Ullathai kandenI found a true heart
Oorengum thedinenI searched all over the town
Oruvarai kandenI found one special person

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from Then Nilavu (1961) depicts the emotional journey of a devoted soul searching for love, experiencing painful separation, and ultimately surrendering to unconditional devotion. The narrator recounts searching everywhere to find a soulmate, discovering deep love only to be tested by distance and longing. When hope returns like a morning star, her spirit overflows with joy and light. The climax of the song emphasizes total dedication and surrender, where the narrator leaves her happiness, peace, and very existence entirely in the hands and words of her beloved.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaal / Initial Alliteration (மோனை)

Oorengum thedinen / Oruvarai kanden

Repetition of initial vowels/consonants in words within the same line, such as 'Oorengum' and 'Oruvarai'.

Upamai / Simile (உவமை)

Aatru vellam pola nenjil / Madai thirandhadhu

Comparing the rush of joy in the heart to a river overflowing its floodgates using the word 'pola'.

Metaphor / Light Imagery (உருவகம்)

Nalla amara deepam pola vaazhvil / Oli pirandhadhu

Comparing renewed hope in life to an eternal lamp ('amara deepam') bringing illumination.

Anaphora / Repetition (இரட்டைக்கிளவி / அடுக்குத்தொடர்)

Vaazhga endru neengal sonnaal / Vaazhum en manam

Repetition of lines expressing total devotion and readiness to live or perish upon the beloved's word.

Did you know?

Trivia

Then Nilavu (1961), directed by C. V. Sridhar and starring Gemini Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala, was notably one of the earliest Tamil films to be extensively shot on location in Jammu & Kashmir. The film's evergreen soundtrack was composed by A. M. Rajah, with vocals by P. Susheela and poignant lyrics penned by Kannadasan.

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