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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oruthi Oruvanai

From Saradha · 1962

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Movie name
Saradha
Movie release year
1962
Lyrics added on
4 Oct 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Oruthi oruvanai ninathu vittaal
Andha uravukku peyarenna
Kaadhal…
Andha oruvan orthiyai manandhu kondaal
Andha urimaikku peyar enna
Kudumbam…
Ninaithavan alavai marandhu vittaal
Andha nilamaiyin mudivenna
Thuyaram…mm..mm…mm…
Pirindhavar meendum serndhu vittaal
Angu penmaiyin nilai enna
Maunam…
Oruthi oruvanai ninathu vittaal
Andha uravukku peyarenna
Kaadhal…
Iravum pagalum unnuruvam
Adhil ingum angum unnuruvam
Iravum pagalum unnuruvam
Adhil ingum angum unnuruvam
Adakkam enbadhu pennuruvam
Adhai arindhaal maraiyum ennuruvam
Adakkam enbadhu pennuruvam
Adhai arindhaal maraiyum ennuruvam
Maraikka muyandren mudiyavillai unnai
Marakka muyandren nadakkavillai
Maraikka muyandren mudiyavillai unnai
Marakka muyandren nadakkavillai
Ninaikkum nilaiyilum naan illai
Unai nerungum thagudhiyum enakkillai
Oruthi oruvanai ninathu vittaal
Andha uravukku peyarenna
Kaadhal…
Ketten kettadhu kidaikkavillai
Ennai gaeli seidhaai manam porukkavillai
Ketten kettadhu kidaikkavillai
Ennai gaeli seidhaai manam porukkavillai
Vaadham seivadhu en kadamai
Adhil vazhiyai kaanbadhu un thiramai
Vaadham seivadhu yen kadamai
Adhil vazhiyai kaanbadhu un thiramai
Kanden kandadhu nalla vazhi
Adhu kaadhalan udanae sellum vazhi
Kanden kandadhu nalla vazhi
Adhu kaadhalan udanae sellum vazhi
Sonnen pala murai yaasikkiraai
Nee sonnadhai naanum yosikkiren
Oruthi oruvanai ninathu vittaal
Andha uravukku peyarenna
Kaadhal…
If a woman holds a man in her heart,
What is that relationship called?
Love...
If that man marries that woman,
What is that bond called?
Family...
If the one who loved forgets his limits,
What is the outcome of that state?
Sorrow... mm... mm... mm...
If those who parted come together again,
What is the state of a woman then?
Silence...
If a woman holds a man in her heart,
What is that relationship called?
Love...
Day and night, it is only your form I see,
And everywhere around, it is your image,
Day and night, it is only your form I see,
And everywhere around, it is your image,
Modesty is the true nature of a woman,
If you realize that, my form will fade away,
Modesty is the true nature of a woman,
If you realize that, my form will fade away,
I tried to hide it, but I could not,
I tried to forget you, but it was impossible.
I tried to hide it, but I could not,
I tried to forget you, but it was impossible.
I am not even in a state to think of you,
Nor do I have the worth to come near you.
If a woman holds a man in her heart,
What is that relationship called?
Love...
I asked, but did not get what I sought,
You teased me, and my heart could not bear it.
I asked, but did not get what I sought,
You teased me, and my heart could not bear it.
To argue is my duty,
And finding a way through is your skill.
Why should arguing be a duty?
And finding a way through is your skill.
I found it, and what I found is a good way,
It is the path to walk beside my lover.
I found it, and what I found is a good way,
It is the path to walk beside my lover.
I have told you, yet you keep pleading again and again,
And I too am thinking about what you said.
If a woman holds a man in her heart,
What is that relationship called?
Love...
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic song from 'Saradha' (1962) takes the form of a poetic conversation structured as a riddle and response between lovers. It systematically defines the progression of human relationships—from love to family, from crossing boundaries to sorrow, and finally, the dignifying 'silence' of womanhood upon reunion. Through this philosophical exchange, the lovers reflect on intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and mutual respect. The verse sections highlight deep yearning, playful banter, and humility. The female voice speaks of modesty, overwhelming love, and the inability to hide or forget her devotion. In response, the male voice acknowledges the playful conflict and finding resolution together. Ultimately, the song reinforces that true love transcends misunderstandings through understanding, patience, and shared destiny.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Vina-Vidai (Question and Answer Format)

“Oruthi oruvanai ninathu vittaal / Andha uravukku peyarenna / Kaadhal…”

Kannadasan uses a classical Tamil riddle/dialogue structure where rhetorical questions are posed in sequence and answered succinctly in one word (Love, Family, Sorrow, Silence).

Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyming)

“Maraikka muyandren mudiyavillai unnai / Marakka muyandren nadakkavillai”

The second letter 'ra' (ரா) rhymes in 'Maraikka' and 'Marakka', creating a rhythmic harmony between the two lines.

Monai (First-letter Alliteration)

“Oruthi oruvanai ninathu vittaal”

The repetition of the initial 'O' sound in 'Oruthi' and 'oruvanai' exemplifies Monai (alliteration) in Tamil verse.

Anaphora / Repetition

“Iravum pagalum unnuruvam / Adhil ingum angum unnuruvam”

The repetition of 'unnuruvam' (your form) reinforces the omnipresence of the beloved in the lover's mind.

Did you know?

Trivia

This iconic song from the 1962 film 'Saradha' features music composed by K. V. Mahadevan, with lyrics penned by the legendary poet Kannadasan. Sung as a duet by P. B. Sreenivas and P. Susheela, the track is celebrated for its deep philosophical lyricism packaged into a lighthearted and soulful melodious dialogue.

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