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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Anbu Kondu Paarpatharkku

From Ellaikkodu · 1972

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Ellaikkodu1972

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thanthai pinnae sellugindraanThe son walks behind his father,
Thanaiyan kaikkattiWith his hands bound respectfully.
Thannai maranthu vaadugiraalForgetting herself, she wilts away,
Kanni maankuttiThe young innocent fawn-like girl.
Male
Ventha ullam irandu pakkamBoth sides have hearts that are scorched,
Vivaram theriyaamalWithout fully understanding the details,
Devan potta ellaikkottinWithout realizing the true meaning,
Vilakkam puriyaamalOf the boundary line drawn by God.
Male
Kadhal ennum paadhaiThe path known as love,
Adhu kadavul podum saalaiThat is a highway laid out by God.
Kadhal ennum paadhaiThe path known as love,
Adhu kadavul podum saalaiThat is a highway laid out by God.
Ellai kodugal engaeWhere are these boundary lines?
Athai iraivan sonnaan ingaeGod himself explained them right here.
Male
Anbu kondu paarppatharkkuTo look upon someone with affection,
Kangal ellaikkoduThe eyes serve as the boundary line.
Aasai ennum dheepam yaettraTo light the lamp of desire,
Ullam ellaikkoduThe heart serves as the boundary line.
Ullam ellaikkoduThe heart is the boundary line.
Male
Ennam yaavum ingaeAll thoughts are here,
Adhan ellaikkodugal engaeWhere are their boundary lines?
Vanna puruvam ingaeThe colorful eyebrow is here,
Adhan vaazhvum thaazhvum engaeWhere are its ups and downs in life?
Male
Vidhi enbaargal silaperSome people call it destiny,
Seitha vinai enbaargal silaperSome people call it past karma.
Edhu endraalum sarithaanWhichever it may be, it is true,
Idhan ellai pottavan iraivanThe one who drew this boundary is God.
Male
Vidhi enbaargal silaperSome people call it destiny,
Seitha vinai enbaargal silaperSome people call it past karma.
Edhu endraalum sarithaanWhichever it may be, it is true,
Idhan ellai pottavan iraivanThe one who drew this boundary is God.
Male
Irandu ullam serumpothuWhen two hearts join together,
Inbam ellaikkoduJoy becomes the boundary line.
Iraivan vanthu pirikkumpothuWhen God comes to separate them,
Kanneer ellaikkoduTears become the boundary line.
Male
Anbu kondu paarppatharkkuTo look upon someone with affection,
Kangal ellaikkoduThe eyes serve as the boundary line.
Aasai ennum dheepam yaettraTo light the lamp of desire,
Ullam ellaikkoduThe heart serves as the boundary line.
Ullam ellaikkoduThe heart is the boundary line.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song reflects on the philosophical boundaries of human life, love, destiny, and sorrow. It describes a poignant situation where youth and innocent love are constrained by filial respect and social boundaries. The lyricist explores how divine decree governs human relationships, reminding us that while love is a divine path laid out by God, human suffering and joys are bounded by destiny and karma. Ultimately, God sets the final boundaries of life, defining when hearts unite in joy and when they part in tears.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Kadhal ennum paadhai adhu kadavul podum saalai

Compares love to a highway constructed by God ('Kadhal ennum paadhai adhu kadavul podum saalai').

Edhugai (Second-letter rhyme)

Ennam yaavum ingae / Vanna puruvam ingae

Rhyming of the second letter 'nn' in 'Ennam' and 'Vanna'.

Antithesis (Muran)

Irandu ullam serumpothu Inbam ellaikkodu / Iraivan vanthu pirikkumpothu Kanneer ellaikkodu

Contrasts joining in joy with parting in tears ('serumpothu' vs 'pirikkumpothu', 'inbam' vs 'kanneer').

Anaaphora (Repetition)

Kangal ellaikkodu / Ullam ellaikkodu

Repetition of 'ellaikkodu' at the end of multiple lines to emphasize the central theme of boundaries.

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Trivia

The film 'Ellaikkodu' (1972) was directed by S. Balachander and featured deep philosophical lyrics by Kannadasan set to classical-based tunes composed by K. V. Mahadevan. Sung soulfully by Seerkazhi Govindarajan, the title song serves as the thematic backbone of the movie, examining societal and moral boundaries.

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