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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thendralo Theeyo

From Raagangal Maaruvathillai · 1983

Lyricist
M. G. Vallaban
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Raagangal Maaruvathillai1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Mmm… ahaha ahaa ahaha ahaaMmm… ahaha ahaa ahaha ahaa (Melodious humming)
Ahaha ahaa mm… mm… mm…Ahaha ahaa mm… mm… mm… (Melodious humming)
Male
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Kondaval thaano yaenoIs she really the one who wedded me? Why is it so?
Naalai malarum kaadhal maganaalThrough the daughter of love blooming tomorrow,
Nyaayam varumoWill justice be served?
Male
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Kondaval thaano yaenoIs she really the one who wedded me? Why is it so?
Naalai malarum kaadhal maganaalThrough the daughter of love blooming tomorrow,
Nyaayam varumoWill justice be served?
Male
En manam unnai endrumMy heart will always,
Pon malar poojai seiyumWorship you with golden flowers.
En manam unnai endrumMy heart will always,
Pon malar poojai seiyumWorship you with golden flowers.
Karaigal kaanaa alaigal aanaenI became waves that can never find their shores.
Karaigal kaanaa alaigal aanaenI became waves that can never find their shores.
Thanimaiyae…Oh loneliness…
Thanimaiyae.. thanal malar aanaen naanaeIn loneliness, I became a blossom of hot embers.
Male
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Kondaval thaano yaenoIs she really the one who wedded me? Why is it so?
Naalai malarum kaadhal maganaalThrough the daughter of love blooming tomorrow,
Nyaayam varumoWill justice be served?
Male
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Male
Nimmadhi indru illaiThere is no peace of mind today,
En vizhi sindhum mazhaiMy eyes pour down rain (tears).
Nimmadhi indru illaiThere is no peace of mind today,
En vizhi sindhum mazhaiMy eyes pour down rain (tears).
Ilamai kaalam uravu kolamYouthful days are like patterns of relationships.
Ilamai kaalam uravu kolamYouthful days are like patterns of relationships.
Manadhilae… haaIn my mind… ah,
Manadhilae …aval verum kaanal neeroIn my mind… is she merely a mirage?
Male
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?
Kondaval thaano yaenoIs she really the one who wedded me? Why is it so?
Naalai malarum kaadhal maganaalThrough the daughter of love blooming tomorrow,
Nyaayam varumoWill justice be served?
Male
Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naanoIs it a gentle breeze or a scorching fire? Was it me who touched it?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Thendralo Theeyo' from 'Raagangal Maaruvathillai' conveys deep emotional anguish, confusion, and existential angst in love. The protagonist ponders whether love has brought him soothing comfort like a cool breeze ('thendral') or intense pain like a burning fire ('theeyo'). He feels stranded in life, comparing his inner state to endless ocean waves unable to reach a shore, and his heart to a flower consumed by fire.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Rhetorical Question

Thendralo theeyo theendiyadhu naano

Contrasts soothing wind ('thendral') with burning fire ('theeyo') to portray internal emotional conflict.

Metaphor

En vizhi sindhum mazhai

Compares continuous crying/tears to falling rain.

Metaphor

Thanimaiyae.. thanal malar aanaen naanae

Compares his state of loneliness to a flower made of burning embers.

Metaphor

Manadhilae …aval verum kaanal neero

Compares the beloved or lost relationship to an elusive mirage ('kaanal neer').

Did you know?

Trivia

Though listed as unknown in the prompt, 'Raagangal Maaruvathillai' (1983) features music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with vocals rendered by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and lyrics penned by M.G. Vallaban.

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