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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aangal Illaiyaanaal

From Devaki (1951) · 1951

Lyricist
Ka. Mu. Sheriff
Singer
S. Balachander
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Devaki (1951)1951

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Munnettram endru solli intha naalilIn the name of progress, in these modern days,
Mugaththil manjal poosaamal powder poosiInstead of applying traditional turmeric on the face, applying face powder,
Kannaadi pottu rist watch-um kattiWearing eyeglasses and tying a wristwatch,
Kaalinilae slipper maatti thirintha pothumAnd roaming around wearing slippers on the feet, even so...
Aa….aa…aa…aa…aah…Aa....aa...aa...aa...aah...
Male
Aangal illaiyaanaalWithout men,
Nalla vaazhvum undo ammaIs a good life even possible, oh woman?
Aangal illaiyaanaalWithout men,
Nalla vaazhvum undo ammaIs a good life even possible, oh woman?
Male
Aangila kalvi kattraalumEven if you learn English education,
Office velai paarththaalumEven if you work in a corporate office,
Aangila kalvi kattraalumEven if you learn English education,
Office velai paarththaalumEven if you work in a corporate office,
Car-raiyum ootti thirinthaalumEven if you drive cars around,
Kanavan en perthaanThe title of 'husband' (master) still belongs to a man!
Car-raiyum ootti thirinthaalumEven if you drive cars around,
Kanavan en perthaanThe title of 'husband' (master) still belongs to a man!
Male
Aangal illaiyaanaalWithout men,
Nalla vaazhvum undo ammaIs a good life even possible, oh woman?
Aangal illaiyaanaalWithout men,
Nalla vaazhvum undo ammaIs a good life even possible, oh woman?
Male
Munnaalil pengalaiyaeIn olden days, all men kept women locked away
Aangalellaam moodi vaiththaarConfined inside the house...
Veettinullae suyanalaththaal suyanalaththaalInside the home due to pure selfishness, pure selfishness.
Innaalil pennurimaiyai kaakka naangalNowadays, saying 'To protect women's rights, we...
Kaakka naangalTo protect women's rights, we...
Ezhunthu vittom endru jampamHave risen up!', boasting proudly,
Pesi pesi pesi pesi pesi pesugindromWe keep talking, talking, talking, talking, talking non-stop!
Male
Aaraaro aariraro…ennadi…endruSinging 'Aaraaro aariraro, what is it dear?'...
Thottilai aattum kaiyaalaeWith the hand that rocks the cradle,
Sattamum seithe vaazhnthaalumEven if you frame laws and rule,
Thottilai aattum kaiyaalaeWith the hand that rocks the cradle,
Sattamum seithe vaazhnthaalumEven if you frame laws and rule,
Naattaiyae aatchi seithaalumEven if you govern the entire nation,
Naathan en perthaanThe title 'Lord' still belongs to a man!
Naattaiyae aatchi seithaalumEven if you govern the entire nation,
Naathan en perthaanThe title 'Lord' still belongs to a man!
Male
Aangal illaiyaanaalWithout men,
Nalla vaazhvum undo ammaIs a good life even possible, oh woman?
Aangal illaiyaanaalWithout men,
Nalla vaazhvum undo ammaIs a good life even possible, oh woman?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from Devaki (1951) presents a playful yet traditional commentary on mid-20th-century women's liberation and modernism in Tamil society. It contrasts traditional female roles with modern practices such as receiving English education, wearing modern clothing and accessories, driving cars, working office jobs, and participating in governance. While acknowledging the historical oppression of women by selfish men in past generations, the song humorous-yet-firmly asserts that despite all modern social advancements, women still require men as life partners, and the male role as 'husband' or head of household remains irreplaceable.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for emphasis)

Pesi pesi pesi pesi pesi pesugindrom

The word 'Pesi' is repeated five times in line 28 ('Pesi pesi pesi pesi pesi') to emphasize endless, repetitive chatter about women's rights.

Moonaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Munnettram endru solli intha naalil / Mugaththil manjal poosaamal powder poosi

The initial letter 'Mu' is repeated across consecutive lines ('Munnettram' and 'Mugaththil').

Allusion / Adaptation of Proverb

Thottilai aattum kaiyaalae... Naattaiyae aatchi seithaalum

The lyrics adapt the famous Tamil idiom 'Thottil aattum kai naattai aalum' (The hand that rocks the cradle rules the nation) directly into poetic verse.

Did you know?

Trivia

The multi-talented S. Balachander not only sang this track, but was also a renowned veena virtuoso, actor, and film director who was known for introducing innovative storytelling techniques and unique musical arrangements in early Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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