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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Unnaiye Anbudan

From Ashok Kumar · 1941

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singer
M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar
Music director
Alandur Sivasubramaniyam
Details
Ashok Kumar1941

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Unnaiyaae anbudanWith love towards you
VaariyanaikkumEmbracing warmly
Unnaiyaae anbudanWith love towards you
VaariyanaikkumEmbracing warmly
AnnaiyaeO Mother
Ooninai thaedavumTo search for sustenance
Sendraal…aa…As she went...
Male
Vidhi vasamidhaeOh, it is the decree of destiny
Kannai izhandhaenI lost my sight
KaanavumillaenI cannot see anymore
En kannai izhandhaenI lost my sight
KaanavumillaenI cannot see anymore
Kanmani neeyaeYou are the apple of my eye
KannurangaayaeSleep gently
Kanmani neeyaeYou are the apple of my eye
KannurangaayaeSleep gently
Male
Vaanamudhae thaenaeO heavenly nectar, sweet honey
Vaazh kula seemaanaeO lord of our noble clan
Vaanamudhae thaenaeO heavenly nectar, sweet honey
Vaazh kula seemaanaeO lord of our noble clan
Valar kann thaalaeloLullaby to my growing child
Valar kann thaalaeloLullaby to my growing child
Male
Punnagai maamugaO radiant smiling face
Kani pizhi rasamae..ae…O pure squeezed fruit juice
Kani pizhi rasamaeO pure squeezed fruit juice
Male
Thaadhiyar soozha thangaSurrounded by maidservants on a golden
Manjamaeluranga…aa…Bed as you rest...
ManjamaelurangaaAs you sleep upon the couch
Male
Thaadhiyar soozha thangaSurrounded by maidservants on a golden
Manjamaeluranga…aa…Bed as you rest...
Vizhigal kulirakkaanumTo behold you warmly with soothing eyes
Poojai seidhilomaeDid we not perform holy worship?
Poojai seidhilomaeDid we not perform holy worship?
Thangamae ezhaiO pure gold, to this poor soul
Yemadhaaviyum neeyaeYou are our very spirit
Thangamae ezhaiO pure gold, to this poor soul
Yemadhaaviyum neeyaeYou are our very spirit
Aaviyum neeyaeYou are our life

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song captures a poignant blend of deep tragedy and soothing tender affection. The speaker laments a cruel twist of fate that resulted in the loss of sight while searching for sustenance. Despite the physical blindness and sorrow, the narrative transforms into a loving lullaby directed at a beloved child, comparing the child to heavenly nectar, sweet honey, and the very life force of a poor home.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagaimai (Metaphor)

Vaanamudhae thaenae

Compares the child directly to 'Vaanamudhu' (heavenly nectar) and 'Kani pizhi rasam' (squeezed fruit juice) to express intense love and sweetness.

Moonaigal (Initial Alliteration)

Kanmani neeyae / Kannurangaayae

Repetition of the initial 'K' sound across consecutive lines creates rhythmic musicality.

Anaphora (Repetition)

Kannai izhandhaen / Kaanavumillaen

Repetition of lines to emphasize emotional desperation and tender affection.

Did you know?

Trivia

Ashok Kumar (1941) was a major early Tamil cinema hit starring M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT) and Pasupuleti Kannamba. The lyrics by Udumalai Narayanakavi highlight classic Tamil literary metaphors used in traditional lullabies (Thaalaattu) mixed with tragic melodrama.

Keep listening

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