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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aatrum Kadamaiyai

From Neeya Naana – 1962 Film · 1962

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Neeya Naana – 1962 Film1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aattrum kadamaiyai marakakdhaeDo not forget the duty you perform.
Puyal kaattrukkum mazhaikum kalangadhaeDo not be shaken by stormy winds or heavy rain.
Pottrum manidhargal pottrattumaeLet people who praise you continue to praise.
Nenjil porumai illadhavar thootrattumaeLet those who lack patience in their hearts criticize you.
Male
Aattrum kadamaiyai marakakdhaeDo not forget the duty you perform.
Puyal kaattrukkum mazhaikum kalangadhaeDo not be shaken by stormy winds or heavy rain.
Pottrum manidhargal pottrattumaeLet people who praise you continue to praise.
Nenjil porumai illadhavar thootrattumaeLet those who lack patience in their hearts criticize you.
Aattrum kadamaiyai marakakdhae..ho ho hooDo not forget the duty you perform... ho ho hoo.
Male
Eduthadharkkellam bayanthavan munnaeIn front of someone who fears everything,
Eliyum puliyaagumEven a mouse turns into a tiger.
Kodumai evar seidhaalum edhirppavar munnaeIn front of someone who stands up to cruelty regardless of who commits it,
Puliyum eliyaagumEven a tiger turns into a mouse.
Male
Eduthadharkkellam bayanthavan munnaeIn front of someone who fears everything,
Eliyum puliyaagumEven a mouse turns into a tiger.
Kodumai evar seidhaalum edhirppavar munnaeIn front of someone who stands up to cruelty regardless of who commits it,
Puliyum eliyaagumEven a tiger turns into a mouse.
Male
Aattrum kadamaiyai marakakdhaeDo not forget the duty you perform.
Puyal kaattrukkum mazhaikum kalangadhaeDo not be shaken by stormy winds or heavy rain.
Pottrum manidhargal pottrattumaeLet people who praise you continue to praise.
Nenjil porumai illadhavar thootrattumaeLet those who lack patience in their hearts criticize you.
Aattrum kadamaiyai marakakdhae..ho ho hooDo not forget the duty you perform... ho ho hoo.
Male
Vettriyai kandu mayangi vidathaeDo not become intoxicated by victory,
Tholviyum thodarndhu varumFor failure will surely follow.
Nee tholviyai kandu thuvandu vidathaeDo not lose heart upon facing failure,
Thorandhuthoru vettri varumFor success will chase after you.
Male
Vettriyai kandu mayangi vidathaeDo not become intoxicated by victory,
Tholviyum thodarndhu varumFor failure will surely follow.
Nee tholviyai kandu thuvandu vidathaeDo not lose heart upon facing failure,
Thorandhuthoru vettri varumFor success will chase after you.
Male
Aattrum kadamaiyai marakakdhaeDo not forget the duty you perform.
Puyal kaattrukkum mazhaikum kalangadhaeDo not be shaken by stormy winds or heavy rain.
Pottrum manidhargal pottrattumaeLet people who praise you continue to praise.
Nenjil porumai illadhavar thootrattumaeLet those who lack patience in their hearts criticize you.
Aattrum kadamaiyai marakakdhae..ho ho hooDo not forget the duty you perform... ho ho hoo.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a deeply philosophical and motivational track advising individuals to perform their moral duties without getting distracted by praise or slander. It encourages resilience against hardship, comparing life's obstacles to storms and rain, and reminding listeners to remain grounded regardless of what others say. Furthermore, the lyrics highlight the psychological dynamics of courage and fear, pointing out that cowardice empowers oppressors while courage renders even the fiercest foes powerless. The song concludes with a balanced view on success and failure, urging one neither to be blinded by triumph nor disheartened by defeat, as both are temporary cycles in life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Paradox

Eliyum puliyaagum

The contrast between 'Eliyum puliyaagum' (a mouse becomes a tiger) and 'Puliyum eliyaagum' (a tiger becomes a mouse) vividly illustrates how fear empowers weakness while courage humbles power.

Metaphor

Puyal kaattrukkum mazhaikum kalangadhae

'Puyal kaattrukkum mazhaikum' (stormy winds and rain) serves as a metaphor for external hardships, crises, and severe life troubles.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Pottrum manidhargal pottrattumae

The lines end with identical rhythmic endings such as 'pottrattumae' and 'thootrattumae', enhancing the musicality and didactic tone.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the legendary lyricist Kannadasan and rendered in the commanding vocals of T. M. Soundararajan with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan, this song remains an iconic Tamil philosophical anthem on duty, fearlessness, and emotional resilience.

Keep listening

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