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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pen Manasu Azham Endru

From En Rasavin Manasile · 1991

Lyricist
Isaignani Ilayaraja
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
En Rasavin Manasile1991

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Penn manasu azhamendruThat a woman's mind is deep
Aambalaiku theriyumMen know this
Adhu pombalaikkum theriyumWomen know this as well
Antha azaththula enna unduWhat lies in those depths
Yaarukku than theriyumWho really knows?
Adhu yaarukku than theriyumWho indeed knows that?
Male
Penn manasu azhamendruThat a woman's mind is deep
Aambalaiku theriyumMen know this
Adhu pombalaikkum theriyumWomen know this as well
Antha azaththula enna unduWhat lies in those depths
Yaarukku than theriyumWho really knows?
Adhu yaarukku than theriyumWho indeed knows that?
Male
Adhil muthirukkaWhether there is a pearl inside
Mullu kuththirukkaOr whether a thorn pricks inside
Adhu yaarukku than theriyumWho really knows?
Adhu yaarukku than theriyumWho indeed knows that?
Male
Penn manasu azhamendruThat a woman's mind is deep
Aambalaiku theriyumMen know this
Adhu pombalaikkum theriyumWomen know this as well
Male
Kallaanalum kanavanEven if he is a stone, he is the husband
Siru pullanalum purushanEven if he is mere grass, he is the husband
Kall illaiyaeHe is not a stone
Indha magan kall illaiyaeThis son is not a stone
Male
Ullukkul kalangum manaiviThe wife who grieves deep within
Dhinam thalli vachuPushing him away every day
Manam vethumbiWith an aching heart
Sollaliyae paavi maga sollaliyaeDidn't speak out, this poor woman didn't speak out
Male
Raaniya pol vachirukkaTo treat her like a queen
Aasa patta kuthamillaeDesiring so is not a crime
Thaeniyapol kottipputtaIf she stung like a honeybee
Chinna ponnu thappumillaeIt is not the young girl's fault either
Male
Katti vacha maalaigalaThe bound garlands
Athuputta yaar thavaruIf torn apart, whose fault is it?
Kotti vacha muthukkalaThe scattered pearls
Korppadhingae yaar poruppuWhose responsibility is it to thread them here?
Male
Penn manasu azhamendruThat a woman's mind is deep
Aambalaiku theriyumMen know this
Adhu pombalaikkum theriyumWomen know this as well
Antha azaththula enna unduWhat lies in those depths
Yaarukku than theriyumWho really knows?
Adhu yaarukku than theriyumWho indeed knows that?
Male
Adhil muthirukkaWhether there is a pearl inside
Mullu kuththirukkaOr whether a thorn pricks inside
Adhu yaarukku than theriyumWho really knows?
Adhu yaarukku than theriyumWho indeed knows that?
Male
Penn manasu azhamendruThat a woman's mind is deep
Aambalaiku theriyumMen know this
Adhu pombalaikkum theriyumWomen know this as well
Antha azaththula enna unduWhat lies in those depths
Yaarukku than theriyumWho really knows?
Adhu yaarukku than theriyumWho indeed knows that?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Penn Manasu Azhamendru from En Rasavin Manasile (1991) is a poignant, philosophical song exploring the unfathomable depth of a woman's mind and emotion. Although everyone recognizes that a woman's mind runs deep, no one can easily discern whether those hidden depths harbor priceless pearls of affection or painful thorns of unexpressed grief. The song ponders the misunderstandings that arise in marriage, contrasting traditional societal expectations with the unspoken suffering of a young wife.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Adhil muthirukka / Mullu kuththirukka

Compares the inner emotions and secrets of a woman's mind to hidden pearls ('muthu') or painful pricking thorns ('mullu').

Proverb / Cultural Allusion

Kallaanalum kanavan / Siru pullanalum purushan

Refers to the traditional Tamil adage 'Kallaanalum kanavan, pullaanalum purushan' to highlight marital duty and commitment.

Simile

Thaeniyapol kottipputta

Compares the woman's sharp, defensive reaction to the sudden sting of a honeybee ('Thaeniyapol').

Extended Metaphor

Katti vacha maalaigala Athuputta yaar thavaru / Kotti vacha muthukkala Korppadhingae yaar poruppu

Uses broken garlands and scattered pearls as a metaphor for fractured marital harmony and damaged relationships.

Did you know?

Trivia

En Rasavin Manasile (1991), directed by Kasthuri Raja, featured Rajkiran and Meena in leading roles. The music for the film was composed by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja, who also penned lyrics and sang prominent tracks in the film. This song stands out for its folk-infused melody and reflective commentary on rural marital dynamics.

Keep listening

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