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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thene Thenpaandi Female

From Udhaya Geetham · 1985

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Udhaya Geetham1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thaenae thenpaandi meenaeSweet one like honey, fish of the southern Pandyan land,
Isai thenae isai thenaeMusical honey, musical honey!
Female
Thaenae thenpaandi meenaeSweet one like honey, fish of the southern Pandyan land,
Isai thenae isai thenaeMusical honey, musical honey!
Maanae ila maanaeOh gentle deer, tender young deer,
Female
Needhaan sendhaamaaraiYou are indeed a red lotus blossom,
AareeraarooLullaby sound (Aareeraaroo),
Netri moondraampiraiYour forehead is like the third-day crescent moon,
ThaalaelaelooLullaby sound (Thaalaelaeloo).
Female
Thaenae thenpaandi meenaeSweet one like honey, fish of the southern Pandyan land,
Isai thenae isai thenaeMusical honey, musical honey!
Maanae ila maanaeOh gentle deer, tender young deer,
Female
Paal kudutha nenjilaeIn the heart that nurtured and fed you milk,
Eeram innum kaayalaeThe warmth of affection hasn't dried up yet.
Paal manaththai paarkkirenI see the pure, innocent scent of milk
Pillai undhan vaayilaeStill present in your mouth, my child.
Female
Paadhai konjam maari ponaalJust because paths diverge a little,
Paasam vittu pogumaaWill deep affection ever fade away?
Thaazham poovai dhoora vaithaalIf a fragrant screwpine flower is kept at a distance,
Vaasam vittu pogumaaWill its natural aroma ever vanish?
Raaja needhaanYou are a king,
Naan edutha muthu pillaiThe precious pearl child I raised in my arms!
Female
Thaenae thenpaandi meenaeSweet one like honey, fish of the southern Pandyan land,
Isai thenae isai thenaeMusical honey, musical honey!
Maanae ila maanaeOh gentle deer, tender young deer,
Female
Needhaan sendhaamaaraiYou are indeed a red lotus blossom,
AareeraarooLullaby sound (Aareeraaroo),
Netri moondraampiraiYour forehead is like the third-day crescent moon,
ThaalaelaelooLullaby sound (Thaalaelaeloo).
Female
Thaenae thenpaandi meenaeSweet one like honey, fish of the southern Pandyan land,
Isai thenae isai thenaeMusical honey, musical honey!
Maanae ila maanaeOh gentle deer, tender young deer.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic lullaby-style song expresses deep emotional affection and unconditional love towards a cherished person, addressing them with gentle endearments like honey, a young deer, and a red lotus. The lyrics reflect on the enduring nature of maternal love and deep personal bonds, emphasizing that even if life forces people down different paths or separates them physically, true affection never fades—just as moving a screwpine flower does not diminish its natural fragrance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Thaenae thenpaandi meenae

Directly equating the loved one to honey ('Thaenae'), fish ('Meenae'), a deer ('Maanae'), and a red lotus ('Sendhaamaarai') to emphasize beauty and sweetness.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Paadhai konjam maari ponaal / Paasam vittu pogumaa

Repetition of the initial letter 'P' in consecutive lines ('Paadhai', 'Paasam') creating rhythmic harmony.

Analogy / Rhetorical Question

Thaazham poovai dhoora vaithaal / Vaasam vittu pogumaa

Using the analogy of a screwpine flower's scent staying intact regardless of distance to convey that true affection never dies.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed with unknown details in the context, 'Thaenae Thenpaandi Meenae' from Udhaya Geetham (1985) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and famously rendered by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (with a female version sung by K. S. Chithra). It remains one of Tamil cinema's most iconic and hauntingly beautiful lullabies.

Keep listening

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