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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Appadiyum Vaazhalam

From Nyayam Ketkirom · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Nyayam Ketkirom1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Appadiyum vaazhalaamOne can live like that
Ippadiyum vaazhalaamOne can live like this
Eppadiyum vaazhalaam bhoomiyilaeOne can live in any way on this earth
Entha vazhi ponaalum kelviyillaeWhichever path one takes, there are no questions asked
Female
Appadiyum vaazhalaamOne can live like that
Ippadiyum vaazhalaamOne can live like this
Eppadiyum vaazhalaam bhoomiyilaeOne can live in any way on this earth
Entha vazhi ponaalum kelviyillaeWhichever path one takes, there are no questions asked
Female
Pasikkira vayaththukku soru venumFor a hungry stomach, food is needed
Pottu paduththu thoongida paai venumTo spread out and sleep on, a mat is needed
Pasikkira vayaththukku soru venumFor a hungry stomach, food is needed
Pottu paduththu thoongida paai venumTo spread out and sleep on, a mat is needed
Nenaikkira nenapukku kadhal venumFor longing thoughts, love is needed
Naam nimmathikkuththaan vazhi kaana venumWe must find a way to achieve peace of mind
Female
Appadiyum vaazhalaamOne can live like that
Ippadiyum vaazhalaamOne can live like this
Eppadiyum vaazhalaam bhoomiyilaeOne can live in any way on this earth
Entha vazhi ponaalum kelviyillaeWhichever path one takes, there are no questions asked
Female
Selvaththai oru pakkam kuviyavittuAllowing wealth to pile up on one side
Pasi thevaiyai or pakkam valara vittuAllowing hunger and need to grow on another side
Selvaththai oru pakkam kuviyavittuAllowing wealth to pile up on one side
Pasi thevaiyai or pakkam valara vittuAllowing hunger and need to grow on another side
Dharmaththai bodhikkuthu intha samiThis God preaches righteousness
Sama dharmathilae vaazhum intha bhoomiWhile this earth lives on egalitarianism
Female
Appadiyum vaazhalaamOne can live like that
Ippadiyum vaazhalaamOne can live like this
Eppadiyum vaazhalaam bhoomiyilaeOne can live in any way on this earth
Entha vazhi ponaalum kelviyillaeWhichever path one takes, there are no questions asked

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Nyayam Ketkirom' (1973) serves as a poignant commentary on social inequality and human survival. Lyricist Kannadasan outlines the simple, fundamental needs of every human being—food for a hungry stomach, a basic mat to sleep on, and love for emotional well-being—emphasizing that true happiness lies in achieving peace of mind. The song sharply critiques the economic imbalance in society where wealth accumulates on one side while poverty and hunger grow on the other. It questions the hypocrisy of preaching morality and righteousness without addressing systemic social equality, calling for a world built on egalitarian values.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)

Appadiyum vaazhalaam / Ippadiyum vaazhalaam / Eppadiyum vaazhalaam bhoomiyilae

The second consonant sound 'ppa' (pp) rhymes across the opening lines: Appadiyum, Ippadiyum, Eppadiyum.

Anaphora

Appadiyum vaazhalaam / Ippadiyum vaazhalaam

The repetitive structure of starting words with similar patterns and ending with 'vaazhalaam' creates a rhythmic emphasis on human life choices.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Pasikkira vayaththukku soru venum / Pottu paduththu thoongida paai venum

Lines end with the matching suffix '-venum', stressing basic human necessities.

Antithesis

Selvaththai oru pakkam kuviyavittu / Pasi thevaiyai or pakkam valara vittu

Direct contrast drawn between extreme wealth on one side and growing hunger/deprivation on the other.

Did you know?

Trivia

Lyricist Kannadasan was famous for weaving socialist philosophies and sharp social commentary into simple, accessible language that resonated with everyday listeners.

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