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Lyrics & meaning

Unakkum Enakkum Song Lyrics – Amma Kanakku

From Amma Kanakku · 2016

Lyricist
Isaignani Ilayaraja
Singers
Ramya NSK, Vandana Srinivasan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Amma Kanakku2016

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Unakkum enakkumFor you and for me
Ennenna kanavugalWhat endless dreams exist
Adhu nadakkum varaikkumUntil they come true
Ennenna unarvugalWhat diverse emotions arise
Female
Ingu ezhaiHere, a poor person's
Kaanum kanavuCherished dream
Adhu noottril ondruOnly one in a hundred
NadakkumWill ever be fulfilled
Adhai nambi nambi thaanaeBelieving in that hope again and again
Nam naatkal ingu pogumOur days pass by here
Chorus
Kadandhu pogum vazhigalThe paths we tread in life
Pala pudhirgal sollumWill present many riddles
Adhu kodukkum paadam unnaiThe lessons taught by them
Vazhi nadaththi sellumWill guide you forward
Female
Kanavae kanavaeOh dream, oh dream!
Ellorkkum annai neeYou are a mother to everyone
Anbaal anaikkumEmbracing all with affection
Azhagaana kanni neeYou are a beautiful maiden
Female
{Kuzhandhai pola manadhaiLike a child, our mind
Naam paadhukaakka vendumWe must protect and nurture
Oru kurai illaadhu valarndhaalIf one grows without any flaws
Oor pottri pugala vendum..} (2)The whole town should praise and honor them
Chorus
Ullukkullae urudhi vendumWe must have inner determination
Kaiyil eduthadhellaamWhatever task we take in our hands
Naam mudikka vendumWe must complete it successfully
Female
{Kuzhandhai pola manadhaiLike a child, our mind
Naam paadhukaakka vendumWe must protect and nurture
Oru kurai illaadhu valarndhaalIf one grows without any flaws
Oor pottri pugala vendum..} (2)The whole town should praise and honor them
Chorus
Ullukkullae urudhi vendumWe must have inner determination
Kaiyil eduthadhellaamWhatever task we take in our hands
Naam mudikka vendumWe must complete it successfully
Female
Manadhaal madhiyaalWith heart and intellect
Nee selva magaladiYou are a beloved daughter
Gunaththaal unarvaalBy character and deep feelings
Endrum uyarndha pennadiYou are ever an elevated woman

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Amma Kanakku (2016) centers on the deep bond between an underprivileged mother and her daughter, emphasizing the transformative power of education and aspirations. This song serves as a soulful reflection on dreams and willpower. It notes that even if very few dreams come true for those living in poverty, the act of dreaming and hoping keeps life moving forward despite life's complex riddles.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification (Uruvagam)

Ellorkkum annai nee / Anbaal anaikkum / Azhagaana kanni nee

Dreams are personified as a mother ('Ellorkkum annai nee') who nurtures everyone and an affectionate maiden ('Azhagaana kanni nee').

Simile (Uwamai)

Kuzhandhai pola manadhai

The innocence and purity of the human heart/mind are directly compared to a child using the word 'pola'.

Repetition / Anaphora (Adukku Thodar)

Adhai nambi nambi thaanae

The word 'nambi' (trusting/believing) is repeated consecutively to emphasize unwavering faith in one's dreams.

Rhyme / Assonance (Edhukai & Monai)

Manadhaal madhiyaal / Gunaththaal unarvaal

Rhyming structure with '-aal' instrumental suffix creates a rhythmic flow highlighting noble qualities.

Did you know?

Trivia

Amma Kanakku is the Tamil remake of the critically acclaimed Hindi film 'Nil Battey Sannata'. Maestro Ilaiyaraaja not only composed the music for the film but also penned the lyrics for this uplifting track, infusing it with philosophical wisdom on perseverance and women's empowerment.

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