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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vanna Medaiyil

From Orey Vazhi · 1959

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. S. Bhagavathy
Music director
R. Govarthanam
Details
Orey Vazhi1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Vanna maedaiyil ennam polavaeOn the colorful stage, just as my heart desired,
Vandhu nindravar yaaroWho is the one who came and stood?
Manjal kungumam maalai sandhanamOffering turmeric, vermilion, garland, and sandalwood paste,
Thandhu sendravar yaaroWho is the one who gave them and left?
Female
Vanna maedaiyil ennam polavaeOn the colorful stage, just as my heart desired,
Vandhu nindravar yaaroWho is the one who came and stood?
Female
Kangal kaanum mun ilaiya nenjilaeEven before my eyes could see, into my young heart,
Kanavu serndhavar yaaroWho is the one who wove dreams?
Kanindhu vandhaval ezhai enbathaalBecause the affectionate maiden who came is poor,
Kadhavai moodi sendraarooDid he shut the door and leave?
Female
Kangal kaanum mun ilaiya nenjilaeEven before my eyes could see, into my young heart,
Kanavu serndhavar yaaroWho is the one who wove dreams?
Kanindhu vandhaval ezhai enbathaalBecause the affectionate maiden who came is poor,
Kadhavai moodi sendraarooDid he shut the door and leave?
Female
Vanna maedaiyil ennam polavaeOn the colorful stage, just as my heart desired,
Vandhu nindravar yaaroWho is the one who came and stood?
Female
Ilamai naadiyil pudhiya vaarthaiyilIn the pulse of youth, with new words,
Isaiyai serkka mattaayaWill you not add music?
Udhaya sooriyan kadhirgal polavaeLike the rays of the rising sun,
Oliyai veesa maattaayaWill you not shine light?
Female
Ilamai naadiyil pudhiya vaarthaiyilIn the pulse of youth, with new words,
Isaiyai serkka mattaayaWill you not add music?
Udhaya sooriyan kadhirgal polavaeLike the rays of the rising sun,
Oliyai veesa maattaayaWill you not shine light?
Female
Vanna maedaiyil ennam polavaeOn the colorful stage, just as my heart desired,
Vandhu nindravar yaaroWho is the one who came and stood?
Female
Thoongum kaadhalil thuvalum paavaiyinOf the maiden drooping in dormant love,
Thuyilai neekka matttaayaaWill you not dispel the slumber?
Yengum ullamae idhaya naadhanaiO longing heart, the master of your soul,
Endrum kaana maattaayaaWill you never get to see?
Female
Thoongum kaadhalil thuvalum paavaiyinOf the maiden drooping in dormant love,
Thuyilai neekka matttaayaaWill you not dispel the slumber?
Yengum ullamae idhaya naadhanaiO longing heart, the master of your soul,
Endrum kaana maattaayaaWill you never get to see?
Female
Vanna maedaiyil ennam polavaeOn the colorful stage, just as my heart desired,
Vandhu nindravar yaaroWho is the one who came and stood?
Manjal kungumam maalai sandhanamOffering turmeric, vermilion, garland, and sandalwood paste,
Thandhu sendravar yaaroWho is the one who gave them and left?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Vanna Maedaiyil Ennam Polavae is a poignant classic Tamil song from the 1959 movie Orey Vazhi, sung by T. S. Bhagavathy with music composed by R. Govarthanam and lyrics penned by Kannadasan. The song captures the deep melancholy, longing, and romantic yearning of a woman reflecting on an elusive lover. She wonders about the mysterious figure who entered her life, bestowed traditional auspicious symbols of union (turmeric, vermilion, garlands), and then departed, leaving her in heartbreak and uncertainty owing to her impoverished status. Through poetic imagery comparing youthful desire to music and hope to the morning sun rays, she questions if her beloved will ever return to awaken her slumbering love and shine light into her desolate life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kanindhu vandhaval ezhai enbathaal / Kadhavai moodi sendraaroo

Repetition of the initial letter 'Ka' in consecutive lines to create rhythmic symmetry.

Upamai (Simile)

Udhaya sooriyan kadhirgal polavae

Comparing the expected arrival of hope and love directly to the illuminating rays of the morning sun using the comparative marker 'polavae'.

Anaphora / Refrain

Vanna maedaiyil ennam polavae / Vandhu nindravar yaaro

Repeated invocation of the opening couplet throughout the song to anchor the central theme of mystery, yearning, and loss.

Did you know?

Trivia

Orey Vazhi (1959) was directed by K. Shankar and starred Prem Nazir and S. S. Rajendran. The composer R. Govarthanam was a prominent music assistant and arranger in the South Indian film industry known for his rich classical compositions. The song stands out for T. S. Bhagavathy's soulful vocal rendition paired with Kannadasan's emotive lyricism on poverty and romantic longing.

Keep listening

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