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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Saranam Saranam Thalaivaa

From Pournami Alaigal · 1985

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Pournami Alaigal1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Saranam saranamRefuge, surrender,
Thalaiva saranamRefuge in you, my Lord.
Saranam saranamRefuge, surrender,
Thalaiva saranamRefuge in you, my Lord.
Vedhamae undhan paadhamaeYour feet are my holy scriptures,
En deivam neethaanaiyaaaYou alone are my God, my lord.
Male
Varanum varanumWelcome, welcome,
Thalaivi varanumWelcome, my queen.
Varanum varanumWelcome, welcome,
Thalaivi varanumWelcome, my queen.
Kaadhali endhan kanmaniMy lover, the apple of my eye,
En devi nee thaanammaaYou alone are my goddess, my lady.
Female
Saranam saranamRefuge, surrender,
Thalaiva saranamRefuge in you, my Lord.
Female
Kannan undhan ennam polaeAs per your wishes, my Krishna,
Sevai seiya vandhenaeI have come to serve you.
Mannan undhan kaali keezhaeBeneath your feet, my king,
Sorgam ondru kandenaeI discovered a heaven.
Male
Saelaadum kangal rendilIn your two eyes that dart like fish,
Kadhai pesum pen maanaeYou speak stories, my doe-like maiden.
Then pottrum pengal varalaaruThe history of women lauded by sweet honey,
Nee thaaanaeIs you alone.
Female
Kanna pazham thinna tharumOh Krishna, offering fruit to be enjoyed,
Vanji kodi naanaeI am like a delicate vine-like maiden.
Kattazhagu thotta udanAs soon as your striking beauty touches me,
Nenjam engum thaenaeSweet honey overflows throughout my heart.
Male
Varanum varanumWelcome, welcome,
Thalaivi varanumWelcome, my queen.
Female :Vedhamae undhan paadhamaeFemale: Your feet are my holy scriptures,
En deivam neethaanaiyaaaYou alone are my God, my lord.
Male :Varanum varanumMale: Welcome, welcome,
Thalaivi varanumWelcome, my queen.
Male
Naagalinga poovukullaeInside the Nagalinga flower,
Moga vandu paadathooWon't the bee of desire sing?
Nandhavana dhaegam engumAll over this flower-garden body,
Thaen valindhu oodaathoWon't honey flow and stream?
Female
Angangal engum undhanAll over my body, won't your
Viral veenai meetadhooFingers play me like a veena?
Ammammaa angam engumOh my, across my entire body,
Suga raagam ketkaadhooWon't a melody of pleasure be heard?
Male
Minnal idum chinna idaiWhen the slender, lightning-like waist
Pinnal idum neramEntwines in love,
Maeni engum inbamenumAcross the entire body,
Jeeva nadhi paayumA living river of bliss will flow.
Female
Saranam saranamRefuge, surrender,
Thalaiva saranamRefuge in you, my Lord.
Vedhamae undhan paadhamaeYour feet are my holy scriptures,
En deivam neethaanaiyaaaYou alone are my God, my lord.
Male
Varanum varanumWelcome, welcome,
Thalaivi varanumWelcome, my queen.
Kaadhali endhan kanmaniMy lover, the apple of my eye,
En devi nee thaanammaaYou alone are my goddess, my lady.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song from 'Pournami Alaigal' (1985) is a passionate, devotionally infused romantic duet between two lovers expressing their deep adoration for each other. The woman offers complete surrender, equating her lover's feet to sacred scriptures and viewing him as her deity. In turn, the man warmly receives her, extolling her beauty and elevating her to the status of his goddess and queen. The lyrics elegantly blend romantic affection with sensual imagery, comparing the physical connection to music played on a veena and flowing rivers of bliss.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Saranam saranam / Varanum varanum

The words 'Saranam saranam' and 'Varanum varanum' are repeated consecutively to express intense surrender and eager welcoming.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Vedhamae undhan paadhamae

The lover's feet are directly equated to holy scriptures (Vedas), expressing divine reverence in romance.

Imagery & Metaphor

Angangal engum undhan / Viral veenai meetadhoo

The lover's gentle touch on the body is metaphorically compared to playing music on a Veena, evoking tactile and auditory beauty.

Simile / Visual Metaphor

Minnal idum chinna idai

The slimness and quick movement of the waist are compared to a flash of lightning ('Minnal').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Pournami Alaigal' (1985) is a legal drama film starring Sivakumar and Ambika, directed by M. Bhaskar. The lyrics were written by legendary poet Pulamaipithan, known for blending classical literary Tamil metaphors with cinematic romantic tropes.

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