Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Yen Ondrodu

From Anubavam Puthumai · 1967

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Anubavam Puthumai1967

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Yaen ondrodu ondraaga undaagumWhy is there a bond that unites us as one,
Sontham illaiyoIs there no feeling of togetherness?
Paarvai enna idhu pudhiyathoWhat is this look, is it something new?
Paarvai enna idhu pudhiyathoWhat is this look, is it something new?
Pazhaiya kangal indru illaiyoAre those familiar old eyes missing today?
Vilagavo palaginom nenjameDid we get close only to drift apart, oh my heart?
Female
Namakkul innum enna ragasiyamWhat secret still lingers between us?
Nadantha kadhaikkenna munnuraeWhy an introduction for a story that has already unfolded?
Vazhakku vanthathenna mugaththilaeWhy has a dispute arisen on your face?
Manaththai kavarnthavan idaththilaeIn the presence of the one who stole my heart?
Female
Kelvi enna indru pudhiyathoIs this question new today?
Kettu thanthathenna kuraiyoIs there any flaw in what was asked and given?
Vilagavo palaginom nenjameDid we get close only to drift apart, oh my heart?
Female
Manjam arinthathu konjamoIs what our intimate bed knows so little?
Marathu povathu nenjamoIs it the heart that goes numb and forgets?
Manjam arinthathu konjamoIs what our intimate bed knows so little?
Marathu povathu nenjamoIs it the heart that goes numb and forgets?
Female
Indru antha sugam panjamoIs that sweet pleasure in short supply today?
Inbamthaan vanthu konjumoWill joy come and caress us again?
Female
Aadai mattum indru pudhithuOnly the attire is new today,
Aasai nenjam miga perithuYet the desiring heart is vast and grand.
virunthilae magizhavaa nenjameShall we rejoice in this feast, oh my heart?
Female
Yaen ondrodu ondraaga undaagumWhy is there a bond that unites us as one,
Sontham illaiyoIs there no feeling of togetherness?
Paarvai enna idhu pudhiyathoWhat is this look, is it something new?
Pazhaiya kangal indru illaiyoAre those familiar old eyes missing today?
Vilagavo palaginom nenjameDid we get close only to drift apart, oh my heart?
Female
Andru nadanthathu nadakkalaamWhat happened back then can happen again,
Antha kadhavugal thirakkalaamThose closed doors can open once more,
Indru marumurai padikkalaamWe can read it all over again today,
Nindra kavithaiyai mudikkalaamWe can complete the poem that was left paused!
Female
Paadal solla solla valarumAs the song is sung again and again, it grows,
Paruvam mella mella malarumYouth and passion slowly bloom once more.
Virunthilae magizhavo nenjamaeShall we rejoice in this feast, oh my heart?
Female
Yaen ondrodu ondraaga undaagumWhy is there a bond that unites us as one,
Sontham illaiyoIs there no feeling of togetherness?
Paarvai enna idhu pudhiyathoWhat is this look, is it something new?
Pazhaiya kangal indru illaiyoAre those familiar old eyes missing today?
Vilagavo palaginom nenjameDid we get close only to drift apart, oh my heart?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song captures a poignant, romantic moment of longing and reconciliation between lovers. The protagonist addresses her partner, questioning the newfound distance and hesitation in his eyes. She reminds him of their shared past, their intimate bond, and questions whether true love can ever be forgotten or numbed by distance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (Rhyming Endings)

Andru nadanthathu nadakkalaam / Antha kadhavugal thirakkalaam / Indru marumurai padikkalaam / Nindra kavithaiyai mudikkalaam

The suffix '-laam' repeats across four consecutive lines, creating a rhythmic and musical flow (Iyaipu) characteristic of classical Tamil songwriting.

Metaphor

Nindra kavithaiyai mudikkalaam

Love/relationship is metaphorically described as an unfinished poem ('Nindra kavithai') that can now be completed.

Monai (Alliteration / First Letter Rhyme)

Paadal solla solla valarum / Paruvam mella mella malarum

The starting letter 'Pa' rhymes across both lines ('Paadal' and 'Paruvam'), establishing Monai, a foundational Tamil prosodic feature.

Metaphor

virunthilae magizhavaa nenjame

Romantic togetherness and sensual reunion are compared to enjoying a grand feast ('virunthu').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Yaen ondrodu ondraaga undaagum' is a classic track from the 1967 film 'Anubavam Puthumai', composed by the legendary M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Poet Kannadasan. L. R. Eswari's uniquely alluring vocal texture elevates the song's intimate and seductive tone, making it one of her iconic renditions from the golden era of Tamil film music.

Keep listening

More from Anubavam Puthumai