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Lyrics & meaning

Penn Pirantha Pavathai

From Arunagirinathar · 1964

Lyricist
T. K. Krishnasami
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Arunagirinathar1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Penn pirandha paavathaiI have heard others speak of the misfortune of being born a woman,
Pirar pesa kettadhunduI have heard others talk about it.
Naan pirandha paavathaiThe misfortune of my own birth,
Naanae arindhu kondenI have now realized all by myself.
Female
Penn pirandha paavathaiI have heard others speak of the misfortune of being born a woman,
Pirar pesa kettadhunduI have heard others talk about it.
Naan pirandha paavathaiThe misfortune of my own birth,
Naanae arindhu kondenI have now realized all by myself.
Female
Penn pirandha paavathaiI have heard others speak of the misfortune of being born a woman,
Pirar pesa kettadhunduI have heard others talk about it.
Female
Kannukkum pennukkumBetween eyes and a woman,
Uravundu endru sonnarThey said there exists a deep bond;
Kannukkum pennukkumBetween eyes and a woman,
Uravundu endru sonnarThey said there exists a deep bond;
Kanneer vadipadhaiOnly after considering her endless tears,
Enniyae sollivittaarMust they have stated this truth.
Female
Penn pirandha paavathaiI have heard others speak of the misfortune of being born a woman,
Pirar pesa kettadhunduI have heard others talk about it.
Female
Pennoru thaaiyaagiA woman became a mother,
Kanavarai pettreduthaarAnd brought forth even her husband into this world;
Ennai oru thaayakkaTo grant me the joy of motherhood,
Yen avar maruthu vittaarWhy did he refuse me?
Pennoru thaaiyaagiA woman became a mother,
Kanavarai pettreduthaarAnd brought forth even her husband into this world;
Ennai oru thaayakkaTo grant me the joy of motherhood,
Yen avar maruthu vittaarWhy did he refuse me?
Female
Kadavulil pengalaiThe goddess forms of womanhood,
Kaal thottu kumbitaarHe worshipped by touching their feet;
Kadavulil pengalaiThe goddess forms of womanhood,
Kaal thottu kumbitaarHe worshipped by touching their feet;
Manaiviyai pen endruYet his own wife as a human woman,
Madhikavae marandhu vitaarHe completely forgot to respect.
Female
Penn pirandha paavathaiI have heard others speak of the misfortune of being born a woman,
Pirar pesa kettadhunduI have heard others talk about it.
Naan pirandha paavathaiThe misfortune of my own birth,
Naanae arindhu kondenI have now realized all by myself.
Female
Penn pirandha paavathaiI have heard others speak of the misfortune of being born a woman,
Pirar pesa kettadhunduI have heard others talk about it.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song expresses the deep sorrow and anguish of a woman neglected by her husband, set against societal irony. She reflects on the general saying that being born a woman is a misfortune, a harsh reality she now experiences firsthand. She points out the tragic connection between eyes and women, implying that weeping is an inevitable part of a woman's life. Furthermore, she highlights the hypocrisy of a husband who reveres female deities with extreme devotion while utterly failing to show basic respect, affection, and the dignity of motherhood to his wedded wife.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

Kannukkum pennukkum / Kanneer vadipadhai

The second letter consonant 'nn' matches across consecutive lines, creating a rhythmic harmony in Tamil poetry.

Moonaai (Initial letter/sound alliteration)

Penn pirandha paavathai / Pirar pesa kettadhundu

Alliteration of the initial letter 'P' across words in the line.

Irony / Paradox

Kadavulil pengalai kaal thottu kumbitaar / Manaiviyai pen endru madhikavae marandhu vitaar

Contrasts the husband's devout worship of female goddesses with his total neglect and disrespect toward his living wife.

Did you know?

Trivia

This melancholic song from the 1964 biographical film 'Arunagirinathar' features music composed by the legendary G. Ramanathan, with playback singing by P. Susheela. The film stars singer-actor T. M. Soundararajan as Saint Arunagirinathar.

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