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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Unnai Kaana Yengum

From Manimekalai · 1959

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
T. R. Mahalingam
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Manimekalai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Unnai kaana yengum…anbaeLonging to see you, my love...
En kannum endru thoongum…kanneWhen will my eyes sleep, my darling?
Unnai kaana yengum…Longing to see you...
En kannum endru thoongum…When will my eyes sleep?
Kannum endru thoongum…When will my eyes sleep...
Unnai kaana yengum…Longing to see you...
En kannum endru thoongum…When will my eyes sleep?
Oli minnal maari ilang kanniyaagiLike a flash of bright lightning, becoming a young maiden,
Enai kollai konda anbeMy love, who robbed my heart!
Oli minnal maari ilang kanniyaagiLike a flash of bright lightning, becoming a young maiden,
Enai kollai konda anbeMy love, who robbed my heart!
Unnai kaana yengum…Longing to see you...
En kannum endru thoongum…When will my eyes sleep?
Male
Enna poigaiyil annam polaveLike a swan swimming joyfully
Inbamaaga neendhiIn a pond of thought
Enna poigaiyil annam polaveLike a swan swimming joyfully
Inbamaaga neendhiIn a pond of thought
Pudhu anbu paarvai yendhiHolding a fresh look of affection
Pudhu anbu paarvai yendhiHolding a fresh look of affection
Aanandham thandha sooryagaandhiYou sunflower who gave me bliss!
Thandha sooryagaandhiSunflower who gave delight!
Suvai kannal kenjidum un sollai kaettuHearing your sweet words that melt like sugarcane juice,
Naan kaanbathendru saanthiWhen will I find peace?
Suvai kannal kenjidum un sollai kaettuHearing your sweet words that melt like sugarcane juice,
Naan kaanbathendru saanthiWhen will I find peace?
Unnai kaana yengum…Longing to see you...
En kannum endru thoongum…When will my eyes sleep?
Male
Sindhu paadiyae haa..aa..aa…aa…haa..aaa..aaSinging a melody... haa... aa... aa...
Sindhu paadiye vandhu ennaiyeSinging a melody, you came and made me
Sondhamaakki kondaaiYour very own!
Un sondhamaakki kondaaiMade me your very own!
Meikaadhal bandhathaale vendraaiYou conquered me with the bond of true love;
Namm sondha bandhathai sindhiyaamaleWithout considering our close bond,
Indru engu sendraaiWhere did you go today?
Namm sondha bandhathai sindhiyaamaleWithout considering our close bond,
Indru engu sendraaiWhere did you go today?
Unnai kaana yengum…Longing to see you...
En kannum endru thoongum…When will my eyes sleep?
Oli minnal maari ilang kanniyaagiLike a flash of bright lightning, becoming a young maiden,
Enai kollai konda anbeMy love, who robbed my heart!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful classic from Manimekalai (1959) expresses the deep yearning and agonizing sorrow of a lover separated from his beloved. He reminisces about how she entered his life like a radiant flash of lightning, stole his heart, and brought him radiant joy akin to a blooming sunflower or a swan swimming in a pristine pond. Her sweet words and affection once brought him immense happiness, but her sudden absence leaves him restless and sleepless. In despair, he questions where she has gone, leaving behind their powerful bond of true love. The lyrics beautifully capture the tenderness of romantic devotion blended with the pain of separation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Enna poigaiyil annam polave

Compares the beloved's graceful presence to a swan swimming joyfully in a pond ('Enna poigaiyil annam polave').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Aanandham thandha sooryagaandhi

Compares the heroine to a sunflower that bestows delight ('Aanandham thandha sooryagaandhi').

Hyperbole (Adukkuthodar / Imagative description)

Oli minnal maari ilang kanniyaagi

Compares the arrival of the maiden to a flash of lightning that captivated the lover's heart ('Oli minnal maariilang kanniyaagi').

Rhetorical Question

En kannum endru thoongum…

Expresses deep anguish and longing by asking when his eyes will finally find sleep ('En kannum endru thoongum').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Unnai Kaana Yengum' is a classic melody composed by legendary music director G. Ramanathan and sung by T. R. Mahalingam for the 1959 epic film 'Manimekalai', based on the ancient Tamil Buddhist epic of the same name. The song showcases T. R. Mahalingam's distinctive high-pitched theatrical vocal style and emotional depth.

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