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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aandavan Ulagathin

From Thozhilali · 1964

Lyricist
Aalangudi Somu
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Thozhilali1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aandavan ulagathin mudhalaaliGod is the proprietor of the world
Avanukku naanoru thozhilaaliI am a worker serving Him
Annai ulagin madiyin melaeOn the lap of Mother Earth
Anaivarum enadhu koottaaliEveryone is my partner and comrade
Male
Aandavan ulagathin mudhalaaliGod is the proprietor of the world
Avanukku naanoru thozhilaaliI am a worker serving Him
Annai ulagin madiyin melaeOn the lap of Mother Earth
Anaivarum enadhu koottaaliEveryone is my partner and comrade
Male
Iruppadhai kondu sirappudan vaazhumLiving gloriously with whatever one possesses
Ilakkanam padithavan thozhilaaliThe worker is the one who has learned this code of living
Iruppadhai kondu sirappudan vaazhumLiving gloriously with whatever one possesses
Ilakkanam padithavan thozhilaaliThe worker is the one who has learned this code of living
Urukku pondra than karathaiyae nambiTrusting in his own hands that are strong as steel
Ongi nirppavan thozhilaaliThe worker is he who stands tall and upright
Male
Aandavan ulagathin mudhalaaliGod is the proprietor of the world
Avanukku naanoru thozhilaaliI am a worker serving Him
Annai ulagin madiyin melaeOn the lap of Mother Earth
Anaivarum enadhu koottaaliEveryone is my partner and comrade
Male
Kallai kaniyaaga maattrum thozhilaaliThe worker who turns hard stones into sweet fruits
Gavanam oru naal thirumbumThe world's attention will turn towards him one day
Kallai kaniyaaga maattrum thozhilaaliThe worker who turns hard stones into sweet fruits
Gavanam oru naal thirumbumThe world's attention will turn towards him one day
Adhil nallavar vaazhum puthiya samudhaayamIn that future, a new society where noble people thrive
Nichayam oru naal arumbumWill surely blossom one day
Male
Vaazhkai endroru payanathilaeIn this journey called life
Palar varuvaar povaar boomiyilaeMany will come and go on this earth
Vaazhkai endroru payanathilaeIn this journey called life
Palar varuvaar povaar boomiyilaeMany will come and go on this earth
Vaanathu nilavaai silar iruppaarA few will shine forever like the moon in the sky
Andha varisaiyil mudhalvan thozhilaaliAnd the worker stands foremost in that distinguished line
Male
Aandavan ulagathin mudhalaaliGod is the proprietor of the world
Avanukku naanoru thozhilaaliI am a worker serving Him
Annai ulagin madiyin melaeOn the lap of Mother Earth
Anaivarum enadhu koottaaliEveryone is my partner and comrade

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This inspiring song celebrates the dignity of labor and the elevated role of the worker in human society. The speaker views God as the ultimate owner of the world and considers all human beings as equal partners under Mother Earth. The worker is described as someone who possesses self-respect, contentment, and physical fortitude—capable of turning hard stone into fruitful productivity through sheer handwork.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaai (First letter alliteration)

Aandavan ulagathin mudhalaali / Avanukku naanoru thozhilaali

Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'Aa'/'A' across lines to create rhythmic symmetry.

Uvamai (Simile)

Urukku pondra than karathaiyae nambi

Comparing the worker's hands directly to steel using the comparative marker 'pondra'.

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Vaazhkai endroru payanathilae

Comparing life directly to a journey without comparative words.

Did you know?

Trivia

The 1964 film 'Thozhilali' starred M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and K. R. Vijaya. The music for this iconic labor anthem was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, sung by T. M. Soundararajan, with lyrics penned by Aalangudi Somu.

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