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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aanaakka Anthamadam

From Aayiram Roobai · 1964

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Aayiram Roobai1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ooyingu thavarameResting here without error
Oorai yethi vayamaeSetting up base in the town
Poyudhae veenaakkamaeTime goes to waste
Buvvaavae thedikanumNow we have to search for food
Female
Aanaakka andha madamIf possible, that charity shelter
Aavaatti sandhai madamIf not, the market shed
Aanaakka andha madamIf possible, that charity shelter
Aavaatti sandhai madamIf not, the market shed
Adhuvum kood illangattiEven if that is not available
Platform sondha idamThe platform on the street is our own place
Adhuvum kood illangattiEven if that is not available
Platform sondha idamThe platform on the street is our own place
Female
Aanaakka andha madamIf possible, that charity shelter
Aavaatti sandhai madamIf not, the market shed
Female
Machilae irundhadhanThinking prestige belongs only
Mausu innu ennadhaeTo living in a multi-storied mansion
Kuchile kudi irunthaIf you reside in a humble hut
Korachalinnu kolladhaeDo not feel it is an inferiority
Female
Machu kuchu ellamaeMansions and huts are all
Manasilae thaan irukkuOnly residing within our minds
Manasu neranjirunthaIf the heart is content and full
Mathathellam nernjirukkumEverything else will feel complete
Female
Kedacha kanji thanniIf available, we drink rice porridge water
Kedaikaatti koyathanniIf unavailable, just tap water
Kedacha kanji thanniIf available, we drink rice porridge water
Kedaikaatti koyathanniIf unavailable, just tap water
Irukkavae irukkaiyilaeWhen basic things are right here
Ennathukku kavala kanniWhy worry, my maiden?
Irukkavae irukkaiyilaeWhen basic things are right here
Ennathukku kavala kanniWhy worry, my maiden?
Female
Marathae padachavan thaanThe one who created the tree
Manusaala padachirukkaanIs the one who created humans too
Marathae padachavan thaanThe one who created the tree
Manusaala padachirukkaanIs the one who created humans too
Varadha yethukkathaanTo accept whatever happens or comes
Manasa koduthirukkaanHe has given us a mind
Varadha yethukkathaanTo accept whatever happens or comes
Manasa koduthirukkaanHe has given us a mind
Female
Eduthukinnu porathukkuFearing that to steal their belongings
Thirudan varuvaannuA thief will come in the night
Eduthukinnu porathukkuFearing that to steal their belongings
Thirudan varuvaannuA thief will come in the night
Thuttulla seemaangawealthy rich people
Thoongaama mulipangaStay awake without sleeping
Thuttulla seemaangawealthy rich people
Thoongaama mulipangaStay awake without sleeping
Female
Thuttum kaila illaThere is no money in my hand
Thookathukkum panjam illaNor is there any scarcity of sleep
Thuttum kaila illaThere is no money in my hand
Thookathukkum panjam illaNor is there any scarcity of sleep
Pttiyum thevai illaThere is no need for a safe box
Pottukkum vela illaNor any necessity to lock anything up

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical folk-style track from Aayiram Roobai (1964) delivers a lighthearted yet profound message about contentment and peace of mind. The singer reflects on the transient nature of material wealth, pointing out that true happiness does not depend on living in a mansion or eating luxurious food. Whether one sleeps in a shelter, a market shed, or on a street platform, peace of mind matters most.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edugai (Rhyme on second letter)

Machilae irundhadhan / Kuchile kudi iruntha

Matching second consonant across lines (e.g., 'Machilae' and 'Kuchile', 'Thuttulla' and 'Thuttum').

Monaai (Alliteration on first letter)

Machu kuchu ellamae / Manasilae thaan irukku / Manasu neranjiruntha

Repetition of initial consonant sounds across successive words or lines (e.g., 'Manasilae', 'Manasu', 'Mathathellam').

Contrast / Antitheton

Thuttulla seemaanga Thoongaama mulipanga / Thuttum kaila illa Thookathukkum panjam illa

Contrasting the worry-filled sleepless nights of the rich with the peaceful sleep of the penniless.

Did you know?

Trivia

Aayiram Roobai (1964) was directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan and scored by K. V. Mahadevan. A. Maruthakasi's lyrics brilliantly capture Madras street-colloquial Tamil ('Buvvaa', 'Mausu', 'Koyathanni') while instilling deep moral philosophy.

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