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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Anbin Perumai Arumai

From Rajakumari · 1947

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singers
M. M. Mariyappa, T. V. Rathinam
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Rajakumari1947

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Anbin perumai arumai adhanai manamThe greatness and preciousness of love—can it be expressed
Andri vaayil sollatharamaa…aaa…aaa…by the mouth alone, without feeling it in the heart?
Anbin perumai arumai adhanai manamThe greatness and preciousness of love—can it be expressed
Andri vaayil sollatharamaa..aa…by the mouth alone, without feeling it in the heart?
Female
Sondham thaedum vaazhvinil adhu polIn a life seeking bonds and belonging, can anything else
Sugirtham vaeredhuvum tharumaagrant such supreme happiness as love does?
Sondham thaedum vaazhvinil adhu polIn a life seeking bonds and belonging, can anything else
Sugirtham vaeredhuvum tharumaa…aa…grant such supreme happiness as love does?
Male
Adimaiyidam or raajakumaariA princess walking close beside a slave,
Arugil nadiyadhum anballavois that not the magic of pure love?
Adimaiyidam or raajakumaariA princess walking close beside a slave,
Arugil nadiyadhum anballavois that not the magic of pure love?
Female
Anaivarum puvimel ondrae endrumBelieving that everyone on this earth is equal,
Azhagodu pazhagudhal nandrallavoisn't it noble to mingle with beauty and grace?
Anaivarum puvimel ondrae endrumBelieving that everyone on this earth is equal,
Azhagodu pazhagudhal nandrallavoisn't it noble to mingle with beauty and grace?
Male
Aanuyarvum pennaaruyarvumThe nobility of man and the precious soul of woman
Aagum thooya anbinilaeare both elevated by pure, unblemished love.
Aanuyarvum pennaaruyarvumThe nobility of man and the precious soul of woman
Aagum thooya anbinilaeare both elevated by pure, unblemished love.
Female
Naamum naerae kaanum kaatchiThe scene that we witness right before our eyes
Naalum anbaalae inbambrings joy every single day through love.
Naamum naerae kaanum kaatchiThe scene that we witness right before our eyes
Naalum anbaalae inbambrings joy every single day through love.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This timeless song from the 1947 film Rajakumari, written by Udumalai Narayanakavi, celebrates the profound power and sanctity of pure love. It asserts that true love is an emotion felt deep within the heart rather than something merely spoken with words. The song emphasizes love's divine ability to erase rigid social divisions, bringing together even a princess and a slave on equal footing under the principle that all human beings on earth are one. Furthermore, the lyricist highlights that true fulfillment and spiritual elevation for both men and women stem from unselfish affection. Love is portrayed as the ultimate source of harmony, equality, and daily joy, encouraging people to live together peacefully with mutual respect and kindness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moona (Initial Assonance / Alliteration)

Anbin perumai arumai adhanai manam

Repetition of the vowel sound 'A' at the beginning of words ('Anbin', 'arumai', 'adhanai') creates a rhythmic auditory harmony.

Contrast / Juxtaposition

Adimaiyidam or raajakumaari

Placing a slave ('Adimai') and a princess ('Raajakumaari') in close proximity illustrates love's power to overcome class divides.

Rhetorical Question

Anaivarum puvimel ondrae endrum / Azhagodu pazhagudhal nandrallavo

Using a rhetorical question ('is it not good?') to gently persuade the listener of egalitarian social harmony.

Parallelism

Aanuyarvum pennaaruyarvum

Pairing 'Aanuyarvum' (man's elevation) and 'Pennaaruyarvum' (woman's precious soul) creates balanced structural harmony emphasizing gender equality.

Did you know?

Trivia

Rajakumari (1947) marked M. G. Ramachandran's (MGR) debut as a lead hero. Udumalai Narayanakavi, known as 'Kaviraayar', infused progressive egalitarian themes into the film's songs, advocating for social equality even within a romantic costume drama.

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