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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Seethavai Thedi

From Unnai Sutrum Ulagam · 1977

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Unnai Sutrum Ulagam1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Seethaavai thaedi sri raman vanthaanLord Rama came searching for Sita.
Neethaanae en vaazhvu endraanHe declared, 'You alone are my life.'
Seethaavai thaedi sri raman vanthaanLord Rama came searching for Sita.
Neethaanae en vaazhvu endraanHe declared, 'You alone are my life.'
Female
Mai konda kannum malar konda kuzhalumEyes adorned with kohl and hair adorned with flowers,
Mai konda kannum malar konda kuzhalumEyes adorned with kohl and hair adorned with flowers,
Sollaamal sollum vaithaegi nenjamVaidehi's heart expresses love without speaking words.
Female
Seethaavai thaedi sri raman vanthaanLord Rama came searching for Sita.
Neethaanae en vaazhvu endraanHe declared, 'You alone are my life.'
Female
Panthal melam kalyaana kolamThe canopy, drums, and wedding decorations,
Ellaamum naan kaana vendumI wish to witness all of these.
Ooraargal ullam nalvaazhththu sollumThe auspicious day when townspeople bless from their hearts,
Thirunaalai naam kaana vendumWe must witness that grand occasion.
Female
Panthal melam kalyaana kolamThe canopy, drums, and wedding decorations,
Ellaamum naan kaana vendumI wish to witness all of these.
Ooraargal ullam nalvaazhththu sollumThe auspicious day when townspeople bless from their hearts,
Thirunaalai naam kaana vendumWe must witness that grand occasion.
Female
Naan manamaalai soodiAdorning the wedding garland,
Nalam pera vendum kodiI wish to receive millions of blessings.
Female
Seethaavai thaedi sri raman vanthaanLord Rama came searching for Sita.
Neethaanae en vaazhvu endraanHe declared, 'You alone are my life.'
Female
Poovum pottum kondaadum penmaiWomanhood celebrating flowers and the sacred bindi,
Pala kaalam uyir vaazha vendumShould live long for many years.
Unnodu naanum ennodu neeyumYou with me and I with you,
Piriyaamal uravaada vendumMust cherish our bond without ever separating.
Female
Intha varam vendum endruAsking for this very boon,
Enthan manam ketkkum indruMy heart asks today.
Female
Seethaavai thaedi sri raman vanthaanLord Rama came searching for Sita.
Neethaanae en vaazhvu endraanHe declared, 'You alone are my life.'
Female
Vannam konjum valaiyosai ellaamThe colorful sound of tinkling bangles,
Vilaiyaattu pennendru sollumCalls me a playful young girl.
Akkaavin anbum aval pola panbumThe affection of an elder sister and character like hers,
Maravaamal kalanthaadum ullamIntermingle endlessly without being forgotten.
Female
Endrum neengaatha uravuA relationship that never fades,
Nenjil nizhalaadum ninaivuA memory that hovers constantly in the heart.
Female
Seethaavai thaedi sri raman vanthaanLord Rama came searching for Sita.
Neethaanae en vaazhvu endraanHe declared, 'You alone are my life.'
Female
Mai konda kannum malar konda kuzhalumEyes adorned with kohl and hair adorned with flowers,
Mai konda kannum malar konda kuzhalumEyes adorned with kohl and hair adorned with flowers,
Sollaamal sollum vaithaegi nenjamVaidehi's heart expresses love without speaking words.
Female
Seethaavai thaedi sri raman vanthaanLord Rama came searching for Sita.
Neethaanae en vaazhvu endraanHe declared, 'You alone are my life.'

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Seethaavai Thaedi Sri Raman Vanthaan' is a melodic classic from the 1977 Tamil film 'Unnai Sutrum Ulagam', sung by P. Susheela with music composed by Shankar-Ganesh and lyrics penned by Vaali. The song draws a poetic parallel between the protagonist's love and the iconic devotion between Lord Rama and Sita (Vaidehi). Through evocative lyrics, the song paints a picture of traditional marital bliss, auspiciousness, and spiritual romance. In addition to romantic longing, the song emphasizes family values, particularly sisterly love and righteous character. The narrator reflects on her upbringing, her playful youth symbolized by the sound of bangles, and her deep desire for a everlasting union blessed by her elders and community.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Mythological Allusion (புராணக் குறியீடு)

Seethaavai thaedi sri raman vanthaan

Compares the romantic longing and devotion of the protagonist to Lord Rama searching for Sita (Vaidehi).

Visual Imagery (காட்சிப் படிமம்)

Mai konda kannum malar konda kuzhalum

Creates a vivid image of traditional female beauty with kohl-lined eyes and flower-adorned hair.

Initial Alliteration / Monaai (மோனை)

Poovum pottum kondaadum penmai

Repetition of the 'P' sound at the beginning of words for melodic flow ('Poovum', 'pottum', 'penmai').

End Rhyme / Iyaibu (இயைபு)

Intha varam vendum endru / Enthan manam ketkkum indru

Rhyming end words 'endru' and 'indru' creating rhythmic harmony.

Auditory Imagery (செவிப் படிமம்)

Vannam konjum valaiyosai ellaam

Evokes the sound of wedding drums (melam) and tinkling bangles (valaiyosai).

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Trivia

'Unnai Sutrum Ulagam' (1977) was directed by G. Subramaniya Reddiar and featured an ensemble cast including Jayalalithaa, Vidhubala, Kamal Haasan, and K. R. Vijaya. The film was notable for winning the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film, and this song remains one of P. Susheela's popular classical numbers from the late 1970s.

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