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Lyrics & meaning

Unakkum Enakkum

From Edhaiyum Thangum Ithayam · 1962

Lyricist
M. K. Aathmanathan
Singer
Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Edhaiyum Thangum Ithayam1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Unakkum enakkum vegudhooram illaiThere is not much distance between you and me
Naan ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no time I do not think
Unnai ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no moment I do not think of you
Unakkum enakkum vegudhooram illaiThere is not much distance between you and me
Naan ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no time I do not think
Unnai ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no moment I do not think of you
Female
Inikka inikka nee pesavillaiEven if you did not speak sweet words to me
Endraalum en nenjam marakkavillaiEven so, my heart has not forgotten
Female
Unakkum enakkum vegudhooram illaiThere is not much distance between you and me
Naan ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no time I do not think
Unnai ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no moment I do not think of you
Female
Selva parambaraiyil pirandhaalumEven though born into a wealthy lineage
Adhan singaara pidiyil valarnthathillaiI did not grow up wrapped in its luxurious embrace
Selva parambaraiyil pirandhaalumEven though born into a wealthy lineage
Adhan singaara pidiyil valarnthathillaiI did not grow up wrapped in its luxurious embrace
Ullasa ulagathil irundhaalumEven while existing in a world of luxury
Naan uzhaippavar thuyarathai maranthathillaiI have never forgotten the hardship of the working people
MaranthathillaiI have never forgotten
Female
Unakkum enakkum vegudhooram illaiThere is not much distance between you and me
Naan ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no time I do not think
Unnai ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no moment I do not think of you
Female
Iravukku nilavaal azhagu varumThe night gains beauty because of the moon
En idhayam un ninaivaal amaidhi perumMy heart finds peace thinking of you
Iravukku nilavaal azhagu varumThe night gains beauty because of the moon
En idhayam un ninaivaal amaidhi perumMy heart finds peace thinking of you
Uyirukku udalaal perumai varumThe soul gains honor through the body
Namm uravum orunal pudhumai perumOur relationship too will attain a new glory one day
Pudhumai perumWill attain a new glory
Female
Unakkum enakkum vegudhooram illaiThere is not much distance between you and me
Naan ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no time I do not think
Unnai ninaikkadha neramillaiThere is no moment I do not think of you

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Unakkum Enakkum Vegudhooram Illai is a thoughtful melody from the 1962 Tamil film Edhaiyum Thangum Ithayam, featuring music by T. R. Pappa and rendered by Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi. The song expresses deep emotional closeness and constant remembrance between lovers, emphasizing that true affection remains unshakeable even when sweet words are unsaid or distance intervenes. Beyond romantic devotion, the protagonist articulates a strong social consciousness—reflecting that despite her privileged background, she has never forgotten the struggles of the working class. Using poetic analogies such as the moon enriching the night sky, she conveys how thoughts of her loved one grant her inner peace, holding on to the hope that their bond will achieve a bright and refined future.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Inikka inikka nee pesavillai

The word 'Inikka' is repeated consecutively to emphasize the intensity of sweetness in speech.

Edukai (Second-Letter Rhyme)

Ullasa ulagathil irundhaalum

The second consonant 'l' (ல்) rhymes across 'Selva' and 'Ullasa' across the stanzas, creating rhythmic harmony.

Uwamai (Analogy / Metaphor)

Iravukku nilavaal azhagu varum

Draws a poetic parallel between the moon giving beauty to the night and thoughts of the beloved bringing tranquility to the heart.

Monaai (Initial Assonance / Alliteration)

Unakkum enakkum vegudhooram illai

Repetition of initial vowel sounds ('U' in Unakkum and 'e' in enakkum) creates a smooth lyrical flow.

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Trivia

Edhaiyum Thangum Ithayam (1962) was written by C. N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In keeping with his Dravidian political ideology, lyricist M. K. Aathmanathan subtly embedded socialist sentiments regarding working-class empathy ('uzhaippavar thuyarathai maranthathillai') directly within this romantic composition.

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