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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Anna Neethan

From Anni · 1985

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Anni1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Annaa needhaan engalukku thalaivanElder brother, you alone are our leader
Enga aasai nenjil vaazhnthidum iraivanYou are the god living in our loving hearts
Anni maalai manjal nilaikkaMay sister-in-law's garland and turmeric remain forever intact
Intha malar muam sirikkaMay this flower-like face always smile
Male
Ungal aayul kaalam valaraMay your lifespan keep growing longer
Engal manasugal kuliraMay our hearts be comforted and delighted
Thaavi eduththu enga tholil niruththiLifting you up and holding you on our shoulders
Intha thambiyellaamAll of us younger brothers
Oorvalamaai kondu varuvomWill bring you both in a grand procession
Male
Aalamaram pola enga kudumbamOur family is like a grand banyan tree
Aadiyila kaaththadichchu saanju kedakkuIt lies tilted due to the harsh winds of the month of Aadi
Annan oru pakkamaa anni oru pakkamaaElder brother on one side, sister-in-law on the other side
Annan oru pakkamaa anni oru pakkamaaElder brother on one side, sister-in-law on the other side
Aanadhuvum ponathuvum enna kadhaiyoWhat a painful tale of all that happened and passed
Male
Aalamaram pola enga kudumbamOur family is like a grand banyan tree
Anbu enum inba nizhal endrum irukkumThe blissful shade of love will always remain
Aalamaram pola enga kudumbamOur family is like a grand banyan tree
Anbu enum inba nizhal endrum irukkumThe blissful shade of love will always remain

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song captures deep familial love, respect, and devotion towards an elder brother and sister-in-law (Annan and Anni). The younger brothers revere their elder brother like a leader and a living deity who holds the family together. They pray for their elders' long life, happiness, and eternal marital bliss, expressing joy in celebrating them. Using the central motif of a banyan tree (Aalamaram), the song reflects on family unity. Even when temporary hardships and misunderstandings—likened to stormy seasonal winds—shake the family structure and distance the couple, the brothers remain hopeful that the comforting shade of pure love will weather the storm and restore harmony.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Aalamaram pola enga kudumbam

Compares the joint family's protective, vast, and unified nature to a giant banyan tree.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Anbu enum inba nizhal endrum irukkum

Equates family love directly to a pleasant and protective shade ('inba nizhal').

Initial Rhyme / Alliteration (Monai)

Aalamaram pola enga kudumbam / Aadiyila kaaththadichchu saanju kedakku

Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'Aa' creates a rhythmic cadence across lines.

Hyperbole / Deification

Enga aasai nenjil vaazhnthidum iraivan

Elevates the elder brother to the status of a living god ('iraivan') within the family context.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by renowned Tamil poet and lyricist Pulamaipithan, the song relies on classic Tamil rural motifs where the elder brother and sister-in-law are treated with divine reverence. The banyan tree ('Aalamaram') is a traditional cultural symbol in Tamil literature representing shelter, deep roots, and an umbrella-like protective family hierarchy.

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