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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen

From Avalukendru Oru Manam · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Avalukendru Oru Manam1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Unnidathil ennai koduthenI gave myself to you
Unnai ullamengum alli thelithenI gathered and sprinkled you all over my heart
Unnidathil ennai koduthenI gave myself to you
Unnai ullamengum alli thelithenI gathered and sprinkled you all over my heart
Female
Uravinil vilayadi varumPlaying within our relationship, there come
Kanavugal pala kodiMillions of dreams
Uravinil vilayadi varumPlaying within our relationship, there come
Kanavugal pala kodi…ee…..Millions of dreams...
Female
Unnidathil ennai koduthenI gave myself to you
Unnai ullamengum alli thelithenI gathered and sprinkled you all over my heart
Female
{Kaatril aadum maalai{The garland swaying in the wind
Ennai penmai endrathu} (2)Called me womanhood} (2)
{Kaadhal ondruthanae{That love alone
Vazhvil unmai endrathu} (2)Is the truth of life, it declared} (2)
Female
Idhazhudan idhazhadaAs lip touches lip
Nee ilamaiyil nadamaduDance in your youth
Ninaithaal pothum varuven…aa…Just a thought of me is enough, I shall come...
Thaduthaal kooda tharuvenEven if forbidden, I shall give
Female
Unnidathil ennai koduthenI gave myself to you
Unnai ullamengum alli thelithenI gathered and sprinkled you all over my heart
Female
Vellam sellum vegamThe speed with which the flood rushes
Enthan ullam sendrathuMy heart rushed with the same speed
Vegam vantha neramWhen that speed arrived
Inba illam kandathuIt found the abode of bliss
Female
Ini oru pirivethuHow can there be separation anymore?
Antha ninaivukku mudivethuHow can there be an end to those memories?
Iravum pagalum kalaiyae…aaaDay and night are works of art...
Iruvar nilaiyum silaiyaeThe stance of both of us is like a statue
Female
Unnidathil ennai koduthenI gave myself to you
Unnai ullamengum alli thelithenI gathered and sprinkled you all over my heart
Female
{Oodal konda penmai{The woman nursing a lover's tiff
Angae thaniyae nindrathu} (2)Stood there alone} (2)
{Koodal kolla mannan{Desiring union, the king's
Ullam arugae vanthathu} (2)Heart came close} (2)
Female
Ennadi vilayattu"What playful game is this?"
Endru sonnavan mozhi kettuHearing the words of the man who asked this
Aasaiyil vizhunthen angae.. aaa…I fell into desire right there...
Kalaiyil kanavugal engeWhere did those dreams go at dawn?
Female
Unnidathil ennai koduthenI gave myself to you
Unnai ullamengum alli thelithenI gathered and sprinkled you all over my heart
Uravinil vilayadi varumPlaying within our relationship, there come
Kanavugal pala kodi…ee…..Millions of dreams...
Female
Unnidathil ennai koduthenI gave myself to you
Unnai ullamengum alli thelithenI gathered and sprinkled you all over my heart

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'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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