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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Adhaiyum Idhaiyum

From Kannin Manigal · 1956

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
Kasthoori
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Kannin Manigal1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Adhaiyum idhaiyum paaththu chummaaDo not simply look at this and that
Aasai vaikkaathaeAnd develop desire for them
Aasai vachchi mosam poyiDo not get deceived by desiring
Theruvil nikkaathae…..And end up standing destitute on the street...
Female
Adhaiyum idhaiyum paaththu chummaaDo not simply look at this and that
Aasai vaikkaathaeAnd develop desire for them
Aasai vachchi mosam poyiDo not get deceived by desiring
Theruvil nikkaathae…..And end up standing destitute on the street...
Female
Edhaiyo veenae enni neeyumBy thinking uselessly about something,
Yaengi vaadaathaeDo not pine away and wither
Ilicha vaayan ennum neeyumDo not earn yourself
Perai thedaathaeThe reputation of a gullible fool
Female
Adhaiyum idhaiyum paaththu chummaaDo not simply look at this and that
Aasai vaikkaathaeAnd develop desire for them
Female
Oodhaariyaagaathae ullaasam thedavaeDo not become a spendthrift seeking worldly pleasures,
Undaana porulellaam odavaeCausing all your accumulated wealth to run away
Nee athaiyum idhaiyum paaththu summaYou, do not simply look at this and that
Aasai vaikkaathae..And develop desire for them..
Female
Adhaiyum idhaiyum paaththu chummaaDo not simply look at this and that
Aasai vaikkaathaeAnd develop desire for them
Aasai vachchi mosam poyiDo not get deceived by desiring
Theruvil nikkaathae…..And end up standing destitute on the street...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song serves as a practical moral advice warning against unbridled materialism, greed, and irresponsible spending. The speaker counsels the listener to exercise self-control and avoid coveting everything they lay eyes on, warning that blindly chasing worldly desires leads to deception and financial ruin, leaving one bankrupt on the streets. Furthermore, the lyricist urges the listener not to waste energy pining over unattainable things or indulge in hedonistic extravagance. By warning against becoming a spendthrift ('oodhaari') or a easily duped fool ('ilicha vaayan'), the song emphasizes frugality, emotional maturity, and personal discipline.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Refrain / Repetition

Adhaiyum idhaiyum paaththu chummaa / Aasai vaikkaathae Risk-free repetition of the main hook throughout the song emphasizes the core moral lesson of restraint against impulse and greed.

Monai (Initial Letter Rhyming)

Oodhaariyaagaathae ullaasam thedavae

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Adhaiyum / Idhaiyum

Idiom / Colloquial Metaphor

Ilicha vaayan

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Trivia

Kannin Manigal (1956) featured music by S. V. Venkatraman with lyrics written by A. Maruthakasi. Maruthakasi was celebrated in Tamil cinema for embedding profound moral wisdom, social reformative ideas, and simple vernacular idioms into his song lyrics.

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