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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Samba Naathu

From Cheran Pandiyan · 1991

Lyricist
Soundaryan
Singer
Swarnalatha
Music director
Soundaryan
Details
Cheran Pandiyan1991

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Thannae naanae thaanae naaneFolk rhythmic refrain (Thannae naanae...)
{Yemma thannae nannaeOh dear, folk rhythmic refrain
Thaanae nannae thannae naanae} (2)Folk refrain repeated
Chorus
Thannae naanae thaanae naaneFolk rhythmic refrain
{Yemma thannae nannaeOh dear, folk rhythmic refrain
Thaanae nannae thannae naanae} (2)Folk refrain repeated
Female
Ye samba naathu saarakkaathuHey, the cool breeze blowing over the Samba paddy saplings,
{Machaan sallunuthaan veesudhungaOh beloved, it blows with a chilly gust,
Angam pooraa} (2)All over the body.
Female
Ye ponnu vaasam poovu vaasamHey, the fragrance of the girl and the fragrance of flowers,
{Scent poosikkalaam kattikkanghaWe can embrace without needing to apply artificial perfume,
Kaalam pooraa } (2)For an entire lifetime!
Chorus
Thananaanae thananaanaeFolk rhythmic refrain
Thananaanae thananaanaeFolk rhythmic refrain
Female
{Theruvellam kolamittuDecorating the entire street with kolam patterns,
Chorus :KolamittuChorus: Decorating with kolam,
Female :Thiriyeththi kuththuvilakku vechchuLighting the wick and placing the sacred oil lamp,
Chorus :Velakku vechchu} (2)Chorus: Placing the oil lamp.
Female
Onakkaaga machchaan kaathiruppenI will be eagerly waiting for you, my beloved,
Orangaama kannu muzhichiruppenI will stay awake with wide eyes without sleeping.
Chorus
Onakkaaga machchaan kaathiruppenI will be eagerly waiting for you, my beloved,
Orangaama kannu muzhichiruppenI will stay awake with wide eyes without sleeping.
Female
Ye samba naathu saarakkaathuHey, the cool breeze blowing over the Samba paddy saplings,
{Machaan sallunuthaan veesudhungaOh beloved, it blows with a chilly gust,
Angam pooraa} (2)All over the body.
Chorus
Thananaanae thananaanaeFolk rhythmic refrain
Thananaanae thananaanaeFolk rhythmic refrain
Female
{Kann paarththu mayangividumJust looking into those eyes makes one swoon,
Chorus :MayangividumChorus: Makes one swoon,
Female :Karungallum karainjuvidumEven solid black granite stones will melt away,
Chorus :Karainjuvidum} (2)Chorus: Will melt away.
Female
En magaraasan azhagaalaBecause of the mesmerizing beauty of my king,
Manasellaam kulirndhuvidumMy heart feels completely comforted and cool.
Chorus
En magaraasan azhagaalaBecause of the mesmerizing beauty of my king,
Manasellaam kulirndhuvidumMy heart feels completely comforted and cool.
Female
Ye samba naathu saarakkaathuHey, the cool breeze blowing over the Samba paddy saplings,
{Machaan sallunuthaan veesudhungaOh beloved, it blows with a chilly gust,
Angam pooraa} (2)All over the body.
Female
Ye ponnu vaasam poovu vaasamHey, the fragrance of the girl and the fragrance of flowers,
{Scent poosikkalaam kattikkanghaWe can embrace without needing to apply artificial perfume,
Kaalam pooraa } (2)For an entire lifetime!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a joyful Tamil folk duet expressing deep romance, yearning, and devotion set against a rural agricultural backdrop. The female singer celebrates her love for her beloved (machaan / magaraasan), describing how the gentle chilly breeze blowing through the Samba rice saplings causes a sweet shiver through her body, mirroring her feelings of love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethukai (Monai/Rhyme - Second Letter Assonance)

Theruvellam kolamittu / Thiriyeththi kuththuvilakku vechchu

The second consonant sound 'ri' matches between 'Theruvellam' and 'Thiriyeththi', creating traditional Tamil poetic meter.

Hyperbole (Uvamai / Nadappukku Appaarpatta)

Karungallum karainjuvidum

Exaggeration used for romantic effect, claiming that the hero's mesmerizing gaze and beauty could melt even hard black granite stone.

Onomatopoeia / Tactile Imagery

Machaan sallunuthaan veesudhunga

The colloquial word 'sallunu' mimics and evokes the sensory feeling of a sharp, cold breeze hitting the skin.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Samba Naathu Saarakkaathu' from the 1991 blockbuster 'Cheran Pandiyan' (directed by K. S. Ravikumar) marked the breakthrough of composer Soundaryan, who wrote both the music and lyrics. The village folk rhythm and Swarnalatha's vibrant vocal delivery made it an enduring classic in Tamil rural cinema music.

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