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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Santhanakiliye Senbagapoove

From Ingeyum Oru Gangai · 1984

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. P. Shailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ingeyum Oru Gangai1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Santhanakiliyae senbaga poovaeOh sandalwood parrot, oh fragrant champak flower,
Kannula yaenthaan kalakkamoWhy is there such sorrow in your eyes?
Pen malarae nee valarnthaa kanneeru thevappadamOh female flower, as you grow up, tears will inevitably be required,
Kannula neeru vaenaa kannuDo not shed tears from your eyes, my dear child.
Female
Santhanakiliyae senbaga poovaeOh sandalwood parrot, oh fragrant champak flower,
Kannula yaenthaan kalakkamoWhy is there such sorrow in your eyes?
Female
Ennenna naalila ennaenna nadakkumWhat will happen on which day,
Enbathu yaarukkum theriyaathammaaIs something that nobody knows, my dear.
Boomiyil nee oru pennaaga poranthaaIf you are born as a woman on this earth,
Onakunnu aasaiyum koodaathammaaYou shouldn't even harbour your own desires, my dear.
Female
Penn manaso pon manasu solavatha nee keluA woman's heart is a heart of gold; listen to what people say,
Peththavar perunkadan ponnaala theeerumThe grand debt of parents gets cleared through gold,
Uththaman manakkora eppothum maarumThe grievance in a noble person's mind will surely change over time.
Female
Santhanakiliyae senbaga poovaeOh sandalwood parrot, oh fragrant champak flower,
Kannula yaenthaan kalakkamoWhy is there such sorrow in your eyes?
Pen malarae nee valarnthaa kanneeru thevappadamOh female flower, as you grow up, tears will inevitably be required,
Kannula neeru vaenaa kannu….Do not shed tears from your eyes, my dear child.
Female
Santhanakiliyae senbaga poovaeOh sandalwood parrot, oh fragrant champak flower,
Kannula yaenthaan kalakkamo…Why is there such sorrow in your eyes?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Ingeyum Oru Gangai features this soothing yet poignant song where a tender young girl is consoled with deep affection. The speaker lovingly addresses her using tender metaphors like 'sandalwood parrot' and 'champak flower', asking why her eyes are filled with anxiety and sadness. The lyricist reflects on the traditional, hard truths of womanhood, explaining that life's future is uncertain and societal obligations often demand that women compromise their personal desires. Despite acknowledging the hardship inherent in life, the singer gently urges the child not to weep, offering emotional solace and hope that distress will ultimately clear away.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Santhanakiliyae senbaga poovae

The young girl is affectionately addressed as 'Santhanakili' (sandalwood parrot) and 'Senbaga poov' (champak flower), symbolizing purity, innocence, and delicate beauty.

Ethukai (Second-Letter Assonance)

Penn manaso pon manasu solavatha nee kelu / Peththavar perunkadan ponnaala theeerum

Tamil poetic device where the second letter of consecutive lines match ('Penn' / 'Peththavar').

Paradox / Emotional Contrast

Pen malarae nee valarnthaa kanneeru thevappadam / Kannula neeru vaenaa kannu

Acknowledges that tears are an inevitable part of growing up as a woman, yet immediately pleads with her not to shed a single tear.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Ingeyum Oru Gangai' (1984) was directed by Manivannan, starring Murali and Tara. The film's musical score was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, featuring lyrics penned by his brother Gangai Amaran, who captured traditional familial sentiments in this song.

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