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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Alai Modhuthe

From Kaveriyin Kanavan · 1959

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
K. Jamunarani, Trichy Loganathan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kaveriyin Kanavan1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Alai modhuthae nenjam alai modhuthaeMy heart is churning like restless waves, my heart is churning.
Azhgaana manavalan manam maarumoo endruWondering if my handsome husband's heart will change.
Alai modhuthae nenjam alai modhuthaeMy heart is churning like restless waves, my heart is churning.
Azhgaana manavalan manam maarumoo endruWondering if my handsome husband's heart will change.
Alai modhuthae nenjam alai modhuthaeMy heart is churning like restless waves, my heart is churning.
Male
Nilai maaarumoo anbin niali maarumooWill its state change? Will the state of love ever change?
Malaiyae than asaindhaalum maanae un kaadhalEven if a mountain sways, my dear, your love...
Nilai maaarumoo anbin niali maarumooWill its state change? Will the state of love ever change?
Malaiyae than asaindhaalum maanae un kaadhalEven if a mountain sways, my dear, your love...
Nilai maaarumoo anbin niali maarumooWill its state change? Will the state of love ever change?
Female
Namm kadhalukkum undu vaeliThere is a boundary to our love as well.
Ungal kannagi pennaalin thaaliThe sacred thread of your wedded wife, Kannagi.
Namm kadhalukkum undu vaeliThere is a boundary to our love as well.
Ungal kannagi pennaalin thaaliThe sacred thread of your wedded wife, Kannagi.
Male
Hooo ooo ooHooo ooo oo
Vedhanai seiyaadhae maadhaviyae viragaDo not cause pain, Madhavi, in this time of separation,
Velayil yen indha kaeliWhy this mockery during this period of longing?
Vedhanai seiyaadhae maadhaviyae viragaDo not cause pain, Madhavi, in this time of separation,
Velayil yen indha kaeliWhy this mockery during this period of longing?
Female
Sagasamaagavae pesidum kaalaiyaiA man who speaks so effortlessly and smoothly,
Nambavae mudiyathuCannot be trusted easily.
Sagasamaagavae pesidum kaalaiyaiA man who speaks so effortlessly and smoothly,
Nambavae mudiyathuCannot be trusted easily.
Male
Chandhira sooriyar dhisai maaridinumEven if the sun and the moon change their directions,
Sathiyam thavaradhuThe solemn truth and promise will never fail.
Chandhira sooriyar dhisai maaridinumEven if the sun and the moon change their directions,
Sathiyam thavaradhuThe solemn truth and promise will never fail.
Male
MadhaviMadhavi...
Female :SwamiFemale: My Lord...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song presents a deep emotional dialogue between lovers, drawing heavily upon allusions to the ancient Tamil epic Silappatikaram involving Kovalan, Madhavi, and Kannagi. Madhavi expresses doubt and insecurity about whether her beloved's devotion will remain steadfast, while the male lead reassures her that true love remains unshakeable even if nature's laws defy expectations. The song highlights themes of marital boundaries, devotion, and romantic reassurance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Alai modhuthae nenjam alai modhuthae

Compares the turbulent emotions of anxiety and longing in the heart to the crashing waves of the sea.

Hyperbole

Malaiyae than asaindhaalum maanae un kaadhal

Exaggerates cosmic and physical impossibilities (mountains moving, sun and moon altering course) to emphasize the absolute constancy of love and truth.

Ethirai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Vedhanai seiyaadhae maadhaviyae viraga

The second consonant 'dha' repeats in 'Vedhanai' and 'Maadhaviyae', providing melodic Tamil poetic structure.

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Trivia

The song incorporates direct literary references to characters from the ancient Tamil epic 'Silappatikaram' (Kannagi and Madhavi). Composed by K. V. Mahadevan, famous for incorporating classic literature motifs into mid-20th century Tamil cinema score, the track highlights traditional carnatic and folk-infused duet sensibilities.

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