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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaedi Ennai Kaanave

From Oru Oorla · 2014

Lyricist
Mu. Metha
Singer
Senthil
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Oru Oorla2014

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thaedi ennai kaanavaeTo search and find me,
Theruvil vandha dheivamaeOh deity who came to the street!
Thaedi ennai kaanavaeTo search and find me,
Theruvil vandha dheivamaeOh deity who came to the street!
Theru puzhudhi polaJust like the dust on the street,
En vaazhkkai pogaAs my life was drifting away,
Artham ena vandhaayoDid you arrive as its true meaning?
Annai ena nindraayoDid you stand by me like a mother?
Male
Thaedi ennai kaanavaeTo search and find me,
Theruvil vandha dheivamaeOh deity who came to the street!
Male
Anbukkena enakkaaroWho is truly there for me to shower love?
Engum adhai kandaenaaHave I ever witnessed such affection anywhere?
Annai mugathai arindhaalumEven if I am familiar with a mother's face,
Anbin aazham arivaenaaCan I ever comprehend the true depth of love?
Kallam illaa ullam thannaiA heart that harbors no deceit or guile,
Kaatta vandha dheivamaeOh deity who came to reveal such a heart!
Sol izhandhae sorndhu nindrenI stood exhausted, losing all my words,
Nalla vaakku thaaGrant me a word of blessing and hope.
Male
Thaedi ennai kaanavaeTo search and find me,
Theruvil vandha dheivamaeOh deity who came to the street!
Thaedi ennai kaanavaeTo search and find me,
Theruvil vandha dheivamaeOh deity who came to the street!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a soulful expression of gratitude and reverence towards a compassionate, savior-like figure who brings hope to a desolate life. The protagonist compares their existence to humble street dust—insignificant and lost—until a divine presence enters their world to provide purpose, shelter, and maternal warmth. The lyrics reflect deeply on the pure nature of unconditional love that asks for nothing in return. Feeling overwhelmed and helpless, the speaker seeks a soothing word of comfort and blessing from this guardian figure who manifested in their darkest hour.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Theru puzhudhi pola / En vaazhkkai poga

Compares a directionless, discarded life to the dust scattered on a street ('Theru puzhudhi pola').

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Theruvil vandha dheivamae

Elevates a human savior to a divine status who walked onto the street to bless the protagonist ('Theruvil vandha dheivamae').

Initial Rhyme / Alliteration (Monai)

Annai mugathai arindhaalum / Anbin aazham arivaenaa

Repetition of initial consonant sounds across lines ('Annai' and 'Anbin', 'Sol' and 'Sorndhu').

Rhetorical Question

Artham ena vandhaayo / Annai ena nindraayo

Uses reflective questions to emphasize the unfathomable depth of selfless love ('Anbin aazham arivaenaa').

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics are written by the celebrated Tamil poet and Sahitya Akademi awardee Mu. Metha, known for infusing deep emotional resonance and classical poetic touch into contemporary film songs.

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