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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Andhaga Ooril Oru Rajakumaari

From Neela Malargal · 1979

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Neela Malargal1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Angadha naatil vaazhnthirunthaalaeIn the land of Angadha, there once lived
Oru ezhai kumaariA poor young girl.
Yaanai maalai pottadhanaalae nananananaBecause the royal elephant garlanded her, nanananana
Rajakumaari…….aval oru raajakumaariA princess... she became a princess!
Female
Angadha naatil vaazhnthirunthaalaeIn the land of Angadha, there once lived
Oru ezhai kumaariA poor young girl.
Yaanai maalai pottadhanaalae nananananaBecause the royal elephant garlanded her, nanananana
Rajakumaari…….aval oru raajakumaariA princess... she became a princess!
Chorus
………………….
Female
Kaalangal vandhaal kaagitham koodaWhen the right time comes, even a piece of paper
Kappalgalaagum kadalilum odumCan become a ship and sail upon the ocean.
Kaalangal vandhaal kaagitham koodaWhen the right time comes, even a piece of paper
Kappalgalaagum kadalilum odumCan become a ship and sail upon the ocean.
Pirandha veedu kudisai endraalEven if her birth home was a humble hut,
Pugundha veedu maaligai thaanHer marital home becomes a grand palace.
Pirandha veedu kudisai endraalEven if her birth home was a humble hut,
Pugundha veedu maaligai thaanHer marital home becomes a grand palace.
Female
Kaalangal maaridum kannammaTimes will change, my dear Kannamma,
Adutha naalai ninaithu konduInstead of worrying about tomorrow,
Vandha naalil vaazhndhu paaruLearn to live in the day that has arrived.
Aasai yenadi sollammaaTell me, why do you harbor such desires?
Aasai yenadi sollammaa aaa…aaaTell me, why do you harbor such desires?
Female
Angadha naatil vaazhnthirunthaalaeIn the land of Angadha, there once lived
Oru ezhai kumaariA poor young girl.
Yaanai maalai pottadhanaalae nananananaBecause the royal elephant garlanded her, nanananana
Rajakumaari…….aval oru raajakumaariA princess... she became a princess!
Chorus
………………………
Female
Aduthavar vaazhvae arpudham polaOthers' lives may appear miraculous to our eyes,
Kangalil thondrum kavalaigal koodumCausing our own worries to multiply.
Aduthavar vaazhvae arpudham polaOthers' lives may appear miraculous to our eyes,
Kangalil thondrum kavalaigal koodumCausing our own worries to multiply.
Manasu ondrai kadavul vaithaanGod gave humans a mind,
Ninaivugalaal kodhikka vaithaanAnd made it boil with memories.
Manasu ondrai kadavul vaithaanGod gave humans a mind,
Ninaivugalaal kodhikka vaithaanAnd made it boil with memories.
Female
Yaarukku nimmadhi kannammaWho truly enjoys peace of mind, Kannamma?
Aaru viral kaiyil vanthaalIf a sixth finger grows on a hand,
Andha viral asaivadhillaiThat extra finger does not move.
Nee undhan paadhaiyil sellammaa…So walk along your own path, my dear...
Nee undhan paadhaiyil sellammaa…aaa..aa…Walk along your own path, my dear...
Female
Angadha naatil vaazhnthirunthaalaeIn the land of Angadha, there once lived
Oru ezhai kumaariA poor young girl.
Yaanai maalai pottadhanaalae nananananaBecause the royal elephant garlanded her, nanananana
Rajakumaari…….aval oru raajakumaariA princess... she became a princess!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from Neela Malargal uses a fable-like storytelling approach to convey deep life lessons about fate, contentments, and human psychology. It begins with the fable of a poor girl chosen by the royal elephant to become a princess, illustrating how destiny can dramatically alter one's status when the right time arrives, just as a simple paper boat can sail the seas.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor / Analogy

Kaalangal vandhaal kaagitham kooda / Kappalgalaagum kadalilum odum

Compares a person's humble origins turning into greatness to a paper boat sailing the ocean.

Monaith Thodai (Alliteration)

Kaalangal vandhaal kaagitham kooda / Kappalgalaagum kadalilum odum

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'K' (Kaalangal - Kaagitham - Kappalgalaagum - Kadalilum).

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Pirandha veedu kudisai endraal / Pugundha veedu maaligai thaan

Rhyming of second consonant letters in consecutive lines ('ran' in Pirandha / 'gun' in Pugundha).

Metaphor / Philosophical Imagery

Aaru viral kaiyil vanthaal / Andha viral asaivadhillai

Compares excess desires to an extra sixth finger that is useless and immobile.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film Neela Malargal (1979) stars Kamal Haasan and Sridevi, with music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The lyrics by Kannadasan reflect his signature philosophical depth, blending folklore tropes (the royal elephant choosing a ruler/bride) with existential advice on living in the present moment.

Keep listening

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