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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aasai Vaithal Adhu

From Thanga Malar · 1969

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. B. Sreenivas
Music director
T. G. Lingappa
Details
Thanga Malar1969

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aasai veithaal adhu mosamHaving desires leads to deceit
Anbu veithaal adhu thunbamPlacing affection brings suffering
Paasam kolvadhu paavamShowing deep attachment is a sin
Pazhagi pirivadhu thuyaramBecoming close and then separating is sorrow
Male
Aasai veithaal adhu mosamHaving desires leads to deceit
Anbu veithaal adhu thunbamPlacing affection brings suffering
Paasam kolvadhu paavamShowing deep attachment is a sin
Pazhagi pirivadhu thuyaramBecoming close and then separating is sorrow
Male
Pettraval ponaal mattraval vandhaalThe birth mother passed away, and another mother arrived
Peni valarthaal maraindhu vittaalShe nurtured with care, then she too disappeared
Pettraval ponaal mattraval vandhaalThe birth mother passed away, and another mother arrived
Peni valarthaal maraindhu vittaalShe nurtured with care, then she too disappeared
Idhil suttramendrae oru thogai vandhaalAmidst this, a woman arrived claiming to be family
Idhil suttramendrae oru thogai vandhaalAmidst this, a woman arrived claiming to be family
Aval sondham marandhu pirindhu vittaalShe forgot her ties and separated
Male
Aasai veithaal adhu mosamHaving desires leads to deceit
Anbu veithaal adhu thunbamPlacing affection brings suffering
Paasam kolvadhu paavamShowing deep attachment is a sin
Pazhagi pirivadhu thuyaramBecoming close and then separating is sorrow
Male
Annaiyin kaiyil kanniyin madiyilIn the arms of a mother, in the lap of a maiden
Aaduvadhellam sila naalPlaying and reveling lasts only a few days
Annaiyin kaiyil kanniyin madiyilIn the arms of a mother, in the lap of a maiden
Aaduvadhellam sila naalPlaying and reveling lasts only a few days
Idhil kanneer sila naal punnagai sila naalIn this life, tears last a few days, smiles last a few days
Idhil kanneer sila naal punnagai sila naalIn this life, tears last a few days, smiles last a few days
Kaadhal naadagam sila naalThe drama of love lasts a few days
Male
Aasai veithaal adhu mosamHaving desires leads to deceit
Anbu veithaal adhu thunbamPlacing affection brings suffering
Paasam kolvadhu paavamShowing deep attachment is a sin
Pazhagi pirivadhu thuyaramBecoming close and then separating is sorrow
Male
Ninaivil nirkkum uravinai ellamAll the relationships that linger in memory
Maraindhida thudikkirenI long to make them disappear
Ninaivil nirkkum uravinai ellamAll the relationships that linger in memory
Maraindhida thudikkirenI long to make them disappear
Mana nimmadhi kidaikkum ulaginai nokkiTowards a world where peace of mind can be found
Parandhida thudikkirenI long to fly away
Male
Aasai veithaal adhu mosamHaving desires leads to deceit
Anbu veithaal adhu thunbamPlacing affection brings suffering
Paasam kolvadhu paavamShowing deep attachment is a sin
Pazhagi pirivadhu thuyaramBecoming close and then separating is sorrow

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Aasai Veithaal Adhu Mosam from Thanga Malar (1969) is a deeply philosophical Tamil song expressing grief and detachment over the fleeting nature of human relationships. The song laments how emotional attachments to parents, lovers, and relatives ultimately result in heartbreak and pain due to death or separation. Seeing life as a brief drama filled with alternating joy and sorrow, the protagonist longs to break free from lingering memories and seek eternal peace of mind beyond earthly bonds. Synthesizing Kannadasan's profound melancholic philosophy, P. B. Sreenivas's tender vocals, and T. G. Lingappa's poignant melody, the track remains a timeless classic.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Aasai veithaal adhu mosam / Anbu veithaal adhu thunbam

Repetition of the initial sound 'A' in consecutive lines to create a smooth poetic opening.

Internal Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Aaduvadhellam sila naal ... Kaadhal naadagam sila naal

Repetition of 'sila naal' at the end of multiple lines emphasizes the transient nature of human life and emotions.

Antithesis (Contrast)

Idhil kanneer sila naal punnagai sila naal

Juxtaposition of opposing emotions like tears (kanneer) and smiles (punnagai) highlights the unpredictable dualities of existence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kannadasan was known as the Poet Laureate of philosophical cinema songs in Tamil Nadu. His lyrics in this song reflect his signature themes of Vairagya (dispassion and detachment from worldly ties), which resonated deeply with audiences navigating grief and personal tragedy.

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