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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sonnaal Thaan Theriyumaa

From Deivame Thunai · 1959

Lyricist
Velavan
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Deivame Thunai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Sonnaalthaan theriyumo annamaeWill it be known only if explicitly told, oh swan-like companion?
Ithai thannaal ariyaathavarHe who cannot understand this simple truth on his own,
Ennae aan pillai ivarWhat sort of a man is he!
Sonnaalthaan theriyumo annamaeWill it be known only if explicitly told, oh swan-like companion?
Ithai thannaal ariyaathavarHe who cannot understand this simple truth on his own,
Ennae aan pillai ivarWhat sort of a man is he!
Sonnaalthaan theriyumoWill it be known only if told?
Female
Ponnampala nadana mannan thirukumaranThe divine son of the king who dances in the golden hall of Chidambaram,
Pulli mayilonukku ullamellam thiranthuOpening my entire heart to the Lord riding the spotted peacock,
Sonnaalthaan theriyumo annamaeWill it be known only if explicitly told, oh swan-like companion?
Idhai sonnaalthaan theriyumoWill it be known only if told?
Female
Oodaiyilae neerodaiyilaeBy the stream, by the flowing stream,
Malar soodaiyilae vilaiyaadayilaeWhile playing adorned with floral garlands,
Vaasamalar kadhambinodu javvathaninthuDressed in fragrant kadamba flowers along with civet perfume,
Vanthan murugan antha vazhithanilaeLord Murugan came along that very pathway.
Female
Jaadai pala kaattinaen maiyal migunthuFilled with deep love, I showed him many subtle gestures,
Santhamigum padhanlum paadinanenI even sang rhythmic poetic verses for him,
Podi konjam avan purinthu kollavae illaiYet he failed to understand even a tiny bit!
Odi azhaiththukkondu vaadi manam thiranthuRun and fetch him here, my friend, with an open heart!
Female
Sonnaalthaan theriyumo annamaeWill it be known only if explicitly told, oh swan-like companion?
Ithai thannaal ariyaathavarHe who cannot understand this simple truth on his own,
Annamae ithai thannaal ariyaathavarOh swan, he who cannot understand this on his own,
Ennae aan pillai ivarWhat sort of a man is he!
Female
………………….[Instrumental Interlude]
Male
………………………[Instrumental Interlude]
Female
Sonnaalthaan theriyumo annamaeWill it be known only if explicitly told, oh swan-like companion?
Ithai thannaal ariyaathavarHe who cannot understand this simple truth on his own,
Sonnaalthaan theriyumo…..Will it be known only if told...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

In this classic song composed in the style of a traditional Tamil Bharatanatyam Padam, the heroine expresses her playful exasperation to her close confidante (addressed gracefully as 'annamae' or swan). She describes an encounter by a picturesque stream where she decked herself in fragrant Kadamba flowers and civet perfume, attempting to win Lord Murugan's attention through subtle gestures and rhythmic songs. Despite her romantic efforts, her beloved Lord Murugan remained oblivious to her affection. She humorously questions his emotional intelligence, wondering what kind of man needs romantic feelings explicitly spelled out, and begs her friend to go bring him to her so she can speak her mind.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai / Metaphor

Sonnaalthaan theriyumo annamae

Addressing the female companion as 'Annamae' (swan) compares her gracefulness and elegance to that of a swan.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Oodaiyilae neerodaiyilae / Malar soodaiyilae vilaiyaadayilae

Rhyming endings in consecutive phrases ('Oodaiyilae', 'soodaiyilae', 'vilaiyaadayilae') create a lyrical rhythm echoing the flow of water.

Alliteration / Monai

Ponnampala nadana mannan thirukumaran / Pulli mayilonukku ullamellam thiranthu

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'P' in 'Ponnampala' and 'Pulli' enhances musicality.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics follow the classical Nayaka-Nayaki bhava tradition of Tamil devotional literature, where the human soul (the heroine) longs for union with the divine (Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva who dances in the Ponnambalam of Chidambaram).

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