- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Avalukendru Oru Manam
- Movie release year
- 1971
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Jun 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen' is a classic romantic composition that portrays total self-surrender and passionate love. The protagonist expresses how completely they have given their heart and soul to their lover, picturing millions of dreams blooming within their sacred bond. The song beautifully traces the evolution of intimacy, from gentle romantic longing and flower garlands whispering of womanhood, to intense union comparing the heart's passion to a surging flood. It captures the classical Sangam literary themes of 'Oodal' (playful lover's quarrel) and 'Koodal' (sweet reunion), leaving the lovers frozen in artistic bliss like statues. Kannadasan's lyrical craft elevates physical intimacy into a transcendent, dreamlike experience.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Second-letter Rhyme (Ethukai)
“Idhazhudan idhazhada / Thaduthaal kooda tharuven”
Repetition of the second consonant sound 'dha'/'th' across lines for rhythmic harmony.
Epanalepsis / Refrain
“Unnidathil ennai koduthen / Unnai ullamengum alli thelithen”
Repetition of the core couplet throughout the song to reinforce the central theme of total surrender.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vellam sellum vegam enthan ullam sendrathu / Iruvar nilaiyum silaiyae”
Comparing the passionate thrill of love to a rushing flood stream ('Vellam sellum vegam') and the lovers' stillness to statues ('silaiyae').
Personification
“Kaatril aadum maalai ennai penmai endrathu”
Attributing speech and perception to a garland swaying in the wind, declaring womanhood and love's truth.
Sangam Literary Contrast (Oodal & Koodal)
“Oodal konda penmai angae thaniyae nindrathu / Koodal kolla mannan ullam arugae vanthathu”
Use of classical Tamil poetic themes depicting 'Oodal' (romantic feigned anger) resolving into 'Koodal' (passionate reunion).
Did you know?
Trivia
'Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen' features in the 1971 Tamil film 'Avalukendru Oru Manam', directed by C. V. Sridhar. The song's memorable music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, featuring vocals by S. Janaki and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. The track is renowned for its rich orchestration and Kannadasan's classic usage of Sangam poetry motifs like 'Oodal' and 'Koodal'.
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