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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Shenbagame Shenbagame (Female Version)

From Enga Ooru Pattukaran · 1987

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
Asha Bhosle
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Enga Ooru Pattukaran1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aaaa….aaaa…aaaaAaaa....aaaa...aaaa
Aaaaaaaaa….aaaaa….aaa….Aaaaaaaaa....aaaaa....aaa....
Female
Shenbagamae shenbagamaeO Shenbagam flower, O Shenbagam flower
Thenpodhigai sandhanamaeFragrant sandalwood of the Southern Podhigai hills
Thedi varum en manamaeMy heart comes searching for you
Serndhirundhaa sammadhamaeIf we are united, I readily consent
Female
Shenbagamae shenbagamaeO Shenbagam flower, O Shenbagam flower
Thenpodhigai sandhanamaeFragrant sandalwood of the Southern Podhigai hills
Female
{Un paadham pogum paadhai{The path where your feet tread
Naanum poga vandhenaeI came longing to walk along the same path
Un melae aasaipattuHaving fallen in love with you
Kaathu kaathu ninnenae} (2)I stood waiting patiently}
Female
Un mugam parthuSeeing your face
Nimmadhi aachuBrought tranquility to my soul
En manaam yenoYet why has my heart
VaadidalaachuWithered away in pain?
Female
Ennoda pattu sathamThe sound of my song
Thedum unna pinnalaWill follow you from behind
Eppo nee enna thottuWhen will you touch me
Pesaporae munnalaAnd speak directly in front of me?
Female
Shenbagamae shenbagamaeO Shenbagam flower, O Shenbagam flower
Thenpodhigai sandhanamaeFragrant sandalwood of the Southern Podhigai hills
Female
Aaaa…aaaa….aaa….aaaaAaaa...aaaa....aaa....aaaa
Aaaaaa…aaaaaa…aaaaa….Aaaaaa...aaaaaa...aaaaa....
Female
Poovachu pottumvachuAdorned with flowers and the sacred bindi
Melamkotti kalyanamA wedding celebrated with beating drums
Poomanjam pottukooda engaeEven with a floral bed arranged, where is...
Andha sandhosham...that genuine happiness?
Female
Un adi thediSearching for your presence
Naan varuvenaeI shall come to you
Un vazhi parthuWatching out for your arrival
Naan iruppenaeI shall remain waiting
Female
Raasavae unnai thottuMy beloved king, touching you
Naanum vaaramattenaaWill I not also come along?
En veetukaaran pattuThe song sung by my husband
Kaadhil ketkamattenaaWill I not hear it ringing in my ears?
Female
Shenbagamae shenbagamaeO Shenbagam flower, O Shenbagam flower
Thenpodhigai sandhanamaeFragrant sandalwood of the Southern Podhigai hills
Thedi varum en manamaeMy heart comes searching for you
Serndhirundhaa sammadhamaeIf we are united, I readily consent
Female
Shenbagamae shenbagamaeO Shenbagam flower, O Shenbagam flower
Thenpodhigai sandhanamaeFragrant sandalwood of the Southern Podhigai hills
Laa laa laaaa la la laa..laaaLaa laa laaaa la la laa..laaa
Laa laa laaaa la la laaa….Laa laa laaaa la la laaa....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Shenbagamae Shenbagamae is a classic Tamil romantic song from the film Enga Ooru Pattukaran (1987). The lyrics express deep, tender affection and painful longing between two lovers. Metaphorically comparing the beloved to the sweet-scented Shenbagam flower and southern sandalwood, the speaker reflects on how sight of the lover brings immense peace, yet distance and societal obstacles cause emotional despair.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Shenbagamae shenbagamae / Thenpodhigai sandhanamae

Compares the beloved to a fragrant Shenbagam flower and sandalwood from the Podhigai hills to highlight sweet purity and beauty.

Repetition / Reduplication (Adukku Thodar)

Kaathu kaathu ninnenae

Repeats 'Kaathu' to emphasize the endurance and long duration of waiting for love.

Second-Letter Rhyme (Edhugai)

Nimmadhi aachu / Vaadidalaachu

The second consonant sound matches across lines (mm in Nimmadhi / Vaadidalaachu).

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Gangai Amaran, 'Shenbagamae Shenbagamae' became a massive cultural hit in Tamil Nadu upon its release in 1987. Set in the rare Carnatic raga Sunadhavinodhini, the soundtrack features distinct solo renditions by singers Mano, Asha Bhosle, and Sunanda.

Keep listening

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