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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Annan Kaattiya Vazhiyamma

From Padithal Mattum Podhuma · 1962

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Padithal Mattum Podhuma1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Annan kattiya vazhi ammaThis is the path shown by my elder brother, oh mother
Idhu anbaal vilaintha pazhiyammaThis is the blame that grew out of love, oh mother
Kannai imayae keduthathammaThe eyelid itself has ruined the eye, oh mother
En kaiyae ennai adithathammaMy own hand has struck me, oh mother
Male
Annan kattiya vazhi ammaThis is the path shown by my elder brother, oh mother
Male
Thottaal chuduvathu neruppagumWhat burns when touched is fire
Thodaamal chuduvathu sirippagumWhat burns without touching is a smirking smile
Thottaal chuduvathu neruppagumWhat burns when touched is fire
Thodaamal chuduvathu sirippagumWhat burns without touching is a smirking smile
Male
Therinthae keduppathu pagaiyagumDestruction done knowingly comes from an enemy
Theriyaamal keduppathu uravagumDestruction done unknowingly comes from loved ones
Male
Annan kattiya vazhi ammaThis is the path shown by my elder brother, oh mother
Idhu anbaal vilaintha pazhiyammaThis is the blame that grew out of love, oh mother
Kannai imayae keduthathammaThe eyelid itself has ruined the eye, oh mother
En kaiyae ennai adithathammaMy own hand has struck me, oh mother
Male
Annan kattiya vazhi ammaThis is the path shown by my elder brother, oh mother
Male
Adaikkalam endrae ninathirunthenI believed he was my ultimate refuge
Anaithavanae nenjai yerithu vittanThe one who embraced me burned my heart
Kodutharulvaai endru vendi nindrenI stood praying for his grace and protection
Kumbitta kaigalai murithu vittanHe broke the very hands folded in worship to him
Male
Annan kattiya vazhi ammaThis is the path shown by my elder brother, oh mother
Male
Avanai ninaithae naan irundhenI spent my life thinking only of him
Avan thannai ninaithae vaazhndirundhaanHe lived his life thinking only of himself
Avanai ninaithae naan irundhenI spent my life thinking only of him
Avan thannai ninaithae vaazhndirundhaanHe lived his life thinking only of himself
Male
Innum avanai marakkavillaiYet I still haven't forgotten him
Avan ithanai seidhum naan verukkavillaiDespite all he has done, I still do not hate him
Male
Annan kattiya vazhi ammaThis is the path shown by my elder brother, oh mother
Idhu anbaal vilaintha pazhiyammaThis is the blame that grew out of love, oh mother
Kannai imayae keduthathammaThe eyelid itself has ruined the eye, oh mother
En kaiyae ennai adithathammaMy own hand has struck me, oh mother
Male
Annan kattiya vazhi ammaThis is the path shown by my elder brother, oh mother

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song expresses the deep pain of betrayal experienced at the hands of an elder brother, who was once held in the highest regard. The protagonist laments that the very person expected to protect him ended up causing him immense psychological and emotional anguish. Using powerful metaphors of self-inflicted harm and paradoxical fire, the lyricist captures the profound tragedy of kin hurting kin. Despite the suffering, cruelty, and selfish actions of the elder brother, the protagonist displays unconditional love and forgiveness. He reflects on how his adoration was selfless while his brother's actions were self-centered, yet concludes that he cannot bring himself to hate the person he once revered.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Paradox / Ethirsol

Kannai imayae keduthathamma

The eyelid, whose natural function is to protect the eye, is described as harming it, symbolizing betrayal by a natural protector.

Antithesis / Contrast

Thottaal chuduvathu neruppagum / Thodaamal chuduvathu sirippagum

Contrasts literal fire (which burns on physical contact) with mockery or deceptive smiles (which burn emotionally from a distance).

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Therinthae keduppathu pagaiyagum / Theriyaamal keduppathu uravagum

The second consonant sound matches across lines ('r' sound in Therinthae and Theriyaamal).

Idiomatic Metaphor

En kaiyae ennai adithathamma

Uses the image of one's own hand striking oneself to portray betrayal by a close family member.

Did you know?

Trivia

From the classic 1962 Tamil film 'Padithal Mattum Podhuma', featuring Sivaji Ganesan and M. R. Radha. The music was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics penned by Kannadasan and vocals rendered by T. M. Soundararajan.

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