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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aadidum Odamaai

From Suvarilladha Chithirangal · 1979

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Suvarilladha Chithirangal1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalaeLove has become like a swaying boat.
Aarudhal thaediyae yaaridam pogumoSeeking solace, to whom will it go?
Sodhanai vaedhanaiTrials and agony.
Serndhuvarum vaazhkkai maarumoWill this life filled with hardship ever change?
Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalaeLove has become like a swaying boat.
Female
Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalaeLove has become like a swaying boat.
Male
Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalaeLove has become like a swaying boat.
Female :Aarudhal thaediyae yaaridam pogumoFemale: Seeking solace, to whom will it go?
Male :Sodhanai vaedhanaiMale: Trials and agony.
Serndhuvarum vaazhkkai maarumoWill this life filled with hardship ever change?
Female :Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalaeFemale: Love has become like a swaying boat.
Male
{Kaarkaala megam ondruA dark monsoon cloud,
Kanmeedhu thaengi nindruPausing over the eyes,
Ezhudhudhae…ae….Is writing...
Kanneeril kavidhai indru} (2)A poem in tears today.
Female
Silar kadhai sirukadhaiSome people's story is a short story,
Palar kadhai thodarkadhaiMany people's story is a serial drama,
Iraivanin vidukadhaiA divine riddle of God,
Vidaigalai yaarae kooruvaarWho will give the answers?
Male
Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalaeLove has become like a swaying boat.
Female
{Paaindhodum gangai ingaeThe swift Ganges flows here,
Pasiththaengum vayirum ingaeYet hunger aches the stomach here,
Sugangalae…ae…Where is the land...
Arasaalum bhoomi engae} (2)Where happiness reigns supreme?
Male
Maedai yen maalai yenWhy the stage? Why the garland?
Koottamaen kodigal yenWhy the crowds? Why the flags?
Thozhanae kooradaaTell me, my friend,
Maatruvor ingae yaaradaaWho is here to bring real change?
Male
Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalaeLove has become like a swaying boat.
Female :Aarudhal thaediyae yaaridam pogumoFemale: Seeking solace, to whom will it go?
Male :Sodhanai vaedhanaiMale: Trials and agony.
Serndhuvarum vaazhkkai maarumoWill this life filled with hardship ever change?
Female :Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalaeFemale: Love has become like a swaying boat.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Aadidum Odamaai from Suvarilladha Chithirangal (1979) is a philosophical and melancholic song that reflects on life's instability and continuous trials. By comparing love and human existence to a fragile boat rocking unstably in deep waters, the song captures the helplessness of individuals searching for peace amid endless sorrow and hardships. The lyricist frames human destiny as a riddle crafted by the Divine to which no one holds the answers. Furthermore, the song addresses broader socioeconomic contrasts and existential disillusionment. It points out the irony of abundance in nature (the flowing Ganges) existing alongside human suffering (hunger) and questions the empty grandiosity of public life, stages, and political rhetoric. Ultimately, it delivers a poignant plea questioning who truly holds the power to relieve humanity's suffering.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Aadidum odamaai aanadhae kaadhalae

Comparing love to a swaying boat (Aadidum odamaai) visually captures emotional turmoil and instability.

End Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Silar kadhai sirukadhai / Palar kadhai thodarkadhai / Iraivanin vidukadhai

Repetition of the word 'kadhai' at the end of consecutive lines creates a poetic, rhythmic cadence.

Rhetorical Question

Vidaigalai yaarae kooruvaar

Asking 'Who will give the answers?' highlights the existential despair and unanswerable nature of life's troubles.

Did you know?

Trivia

Suvarilladha Chithirangal (1979) marked the directorial debut of renowned filmmaker-actor K. Bhagyaraj. The film's musical score was composed by Gangai Amaran, featuring lyrics written by Muthulingam.

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