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Lyrics & meaning

Poi Vaa Magale

From Karnan · 1964

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Sulamangalam Rajalakshmi
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Karnan1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Poi vaa magalae poi vaaFarewell, my daughter, farewell.
Kannil punnagai sumandhuCarrying a smile in your eyes.
Poi vaa poi vaa poi vaaFarewell, farewell, farewell.
Female
Thaai veedenbadhu than veedaeA mother's home is one's own home.
Thandhaiyin naadum nam naadaeAnd a father's land is our land.
Saeiyum saeiyum vara kandaalWhen seeing the children coming together,
Thiravaa kadhavum thiravaadhoWon't even an unopenable door open wide?
Female
Poi vaa magalae poi vaaFarewell, my daughter, farewell.
Kannil punnagai sumandhuCarrying a smile in your eyes.
Poi vaa poi vaa poi vaaFarewell, farewell, farewell.
Female
Oru naal kobam oru naalaeA day's anger lasts only for a day,
Adhil uttravar kobam valaraadhaeAnger among loved ones will never grow.
Mana naal mannan unai kanduSeeing you on the wedding day, the king of your heart...
Madhi mayangugiraanae thalaraadhaeIs swooning in joy, do not lose heart.
Female
: Poi vaa magalae poi vaaFarewell, my daughter, farewell.
Kannil punnagai sumandhuCarrying a smile in your eyes.
Poi vaa poi vaa poi vaaFarewell, farewell, farewell.
Female
Kaadhalan saenai nindru irukkumThe lover's army stands in waiting,
Thandhai kanngalum unnai kandirukkumThe father's eyes too will be watching over you.
Paavalar thozhiyar isai ketkkumThe music of poets and friends will be heard,
Anbu paarvai ellaam unnai varaverkkumEvery loving gaze will welcome you.
Female
Poi vaa magalae poi vaaFarewell, my daughter, farewell.
Kannil punnagai sumandhuCarrying a smile in your eyes.
Poi vaa poi vaa poi vaaFarewell, farewell, farewell.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song represents a poignant farewell (Vidaipueravu) to a daughter leaving for her groom's family after marriage in the epic movie Karnan. Lyricist Kannadasan captures the deep affection and reassurance of parents, reminding her that her parental home and father's kingdom will always be open to her, and that transient anger among kin never tarnishes true love. The song encourages the bride to embrace her new journey with a smile, assuring her of a grand and loving welcome in her husband's home where poets and friends celebrate her arrival.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Poi vaa poi vaa poi vaa

The repetition of 'Poi vaa' heightens the emotional resonance of bidding farewell to a daughter.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Thaai veedenbadhu than veedae

The rhyming of 'than veedae' and 'nam naadae' creates a melodious and rhythmic harmony across the lines.

Moonaai (Alliteration)

Mana naal mannan unai kandu

Repetition of the 'Ma' sound ('Mana', 'mannan', 'madhi', 'mayangugiraanae') enhances the poetic cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy for the 1964 magnum opus Karnan, this tear-jerking bridal send-off song features vocals by Sulamangalam Rajalakshmi and S. Janaki, becoming an enduring anthem for Tamil wedding farewell ceremonies.

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