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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaedi Ennai Kaanave

From Oru Oorla · 2014

Lyricist
Mu. Metha
Singer
Senthil
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Oru Oorla
Movie release year
2014
Lyrics added on
23 May 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Thaedi ennai kaanavae
Theruvil vandha dheivamae
Thaedi ennai kaanavae
Theruvil vandha dheivamae
Theru puzhudhi pola
En vaazhkkai poga
Artham ena vandhaayo
Annai ena nindraayo
Thaedi ennai kaanavae
Theruvil vandha dheivamae
Anbukkena enakkaaro
Engum adhai kandaenaa
Annai mugathai arindhaalum
Anbin aazham arivaenaa
Kallam illaa ullam thannai
Kaatta vandha dheivamae
Sol izhandhae sorndhu nindren
Nalla vaakku thaa
Thaedi ennai kaanavae
Theruvil vandha dheivamae
Thaedi ennai kaanavae
Theruvil vandha dheivamae
Searching just to find me,
O God who came into my street,
Searching just to find me,
O God who came into my street,
Like the dust upon the street,
as my life was drifting away,
did you come to give it meaning?
Did you stand by me like a mother?
Searching just to find me,
O God who came into my street,
Who was there to give me love?
Did I ever find it anywhere?
Even if I knew a mother's face,
could I ever know the depth of love?
A heart without a trace of deceit,
O God who came to show me that!
At a loss for words, I stand exhausted,
give me a comforting word.
Searching just to find me,
O God who came into my street,
Searching just to find me,
O God who came into my street...
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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').

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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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