“Anbe Vaa Anbe,” from the 1993 album Ezhai Jaathi, is a plea for a lover’s return with lyrics by Vaali and music by Ilaiyaraaja. A lone figure begins by asking if a companion will ever arrive. The song immediately establishes a vigil where every moment is a test of faith.
Released: February 18, 1993
Anbe Vaa Anbe
Ilaiyaraaja | Vaali • From “Ezhai Jaathi”
Ezhai Jaathi’s Anbe Vaa Anbe Lyrics Translation
The protagonist confesses she lives not by her own will but by her trust in her lover, a “speaking god.” She later describes herself as a flower trapped inside a ring of fire, questioning fate’s fairness. This vigil becomes a race against time, with the threat of another man’s touch becoming a real danger.
Muthu Mandabam Natta NaduveIn the very heart of a pearl pavilion,
Sithira Kili Thannanthaniyea lovely parrot sits all alone.
Thunai Kittuma Ah Vandhu SerumaWill I find a companion, oh, will he come to me?
Anbe Va Anbe VaCome, my love, oh, come, my love.
Unnodu Nan VazhaI want to live my life with you.
Thedi Thedi Nal EllamDay after day, I’ve searched and searched,
Kann Theindhal Poo Madhuand my eyes have worn out from watching for you.
Thendral Veesa NalanalIf the gentle breeze doesn’t blow,
Poondhegam Vazhadhuthis flower-like body cannot live.
Anbe Va Anbe VaCome, my love, oh, come, my love.
Unnodu Nan VazhaI want to live my life with you.
Anbe Va Anbe VaCome, my love, oh, come, my love.
Unnodu Nan VazhaI want to live my life with you.
Thedi Thedi Nal EllamDay after day, I’ve searched and searched,
Kann Theindhal Poo Madhuand my eyes have worn out from watching for you.
Thendral Veesa NalanalIf the gentle breeze doesn’t blow,
Poondhegam Vazhadhuthis flower-like body cannot live.
Anbe Va Anbe VaCome, my love, oh, come, my love.
Unnodu Nan VazhaI want to live my life with you.
Ennai Nambhi VazhavillaiI haven’t lived by trusting in myself.
En Vasathil Nanum IllaiI’m not even in my own control.
Unnai Nambhi VazhgindrenI live by trusting only in you,
Pesum Deivamemy living, speaking god.
Kalam Dhorum Kaval NindruYou stood guard through all the ages,
Kanni Ennai Kapadhendrupromising to protect this maiden.
Neeyum Sonna Varthai IndruThe words you spoke that day,
Nenjil Adumenow resound within my heart.
Thoodhu Poga Thozhi IllaiI have no friend to send as a messenger,
Sedhi Solla Yarum Illaiand no one to deliver the news.
Ana Podhum Nee IlladhaAnd yet, without you,
Nanum Inghu Vazhvedhuhow am I supposed to live here?
Thedinen ThedinenI searched and I searched.
Dhegame Vadinen Theipirai AginenMy body has withered, I’ve become a waning moon.
Unnai Pol Ullam OndruI sang, believing a heart like yours
Ennai Kakka Ullathendru Padinenexists to protect me.
Anbe Va Anbe VaCome, my love, oh, come, my love.
Unnodu Nan VazhaI want to live my life with you.
Thedi Thedi Nal EllamDay after day, I’ve searched and searched,
Kann Theindhal Poo Madhuand my eyes have worn out from watching for you.
Thendral Veesa NalanalIf the gentle breeze doesn’t blow,
Poondhegam Vazhadhuthis flower-like body cannot live.
Anbe Va Anbe VaCome, my love, oh, come, my love.
Unnodu Nan VazhaI want to live my life with you.
Nalu Pakkam Theeyai VaithuPlacing fire on all four sides,
Naduvil Indha Poovai Vaithuand placing this flower in the middle,
Kalam Seiyum Leelai Inghuis this game that time is playing
Nyayam Agumaeven fair at all?
Kayum Poovum Vadi NirkkaWhile the bud and flower are both wilting,
Vadum Poovai Vazha Vaikkato bring this fading flower back to life,
Neeyum Vandhu Servadharkkuand for you to finally come and join me,
Neram Agumawill it take even more time?
Vasal Thedi Vazhthu PadiSearching for your doorway, singing praises,
Varuvadhendru Vanam Padithe heavens sing of your arrival.
Innum Innum Nanum VadiBut as I continue to wither away,
Ennavagum Jeeva Nadiwhat will become of my ‘river of life’?
Podhume SodhanaiThis trial is enough.
Nan Padum Vedhanai Koodava MadhenaiDon’t you feel the agony I sing of, my love?
Unnai Andri InnoruvanIf a man other than you,
Kaigal Thoda Pattu Vidum Poongodiwere to touch this ‘flowering vine’ with his hands…
Anbe Va Anbe VaCome, my love, oh, come, my love.
Unnodu Nan VazhaI want to live my life with you.
Thedi Thedi Nal EllamDay after day, I’ve searched and searched,
Kann Theindhal Poo Madhuand my eyes have worn out from watching for you.
Thendral Veesa NalanalIf the gentle breeze doesn’t blow,
Poondhegam Vazhadhuthis flower-like body cannot live.
Anbe Va Anbe VaCome, my love, oh, come, my love.
Unnodu Nan VazhaI want to live my life with you.
Anbe Vaa Anbe Music Video
The track uses a recurring refrain of “Anbe Vaa” to build its agonizing sense of anticipation. This structure frames a personal wait as a torturous trial against an unforgiving clock. The “Anbe Vaa Anbe” lyrics analysis shows how a simple promise from another person holds up the protagonist’s entire world.