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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aram Seyya

From Nenjil Thunivirundhal · 2017

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Hariharan
Music director
D. Imman
Details
Nenjil Thunivirundhal2017

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aram seiyya virumbu..Desire to perform righteous deeds..
Adhuvae azhagu..That alone is true beauty..
Aram seiyya virumbu..Desire to perform righteous deeds..
Aramae ulagu..Righteousness itself is the world..
Male
Ponnai tharuvadhu aramalla..Giving gold alone is not virtue..
Punnagai kooda aramaagum..Even sharing a smile can become a virtue..
Kaasum panamum aramalla..Money and wealth alone are not virtue..
Kanneer thuliyum aramaagum..Even a tear of compassion can become a virtue..
Male
Anbu nilaippadhu eegaiyinaalaeLove endures through the act of giving
Aamaam manidha aagaiyinaalae..Yes, because we are human beings..
Male
Aram seiyya virumbu..Desire to perform righteous deeds..
Adhuvae azhagu..That alone is true beauty..
Aram seiyya virumbu..Desire to perform righteous deeds..
Aramae ulagu..Righteousness itself is the world..
Male
Ennam arindhu ezhai pasikkuUnderstanding their plight, for a poor person's hunger
Annamiduvadhu aramaagum..Providing food becomes a virtue..
Arimugamilla noyaalikkuTo an unfamiliar sick person
Anbai tharuvadhu aramaagum..Offering love becomes a virtue..
Male
Mookku sarindhaOn the forehead of an old woman
Kizhaviyin netrilWith a bent nose
Mutham tharuvadhu aramaagum..Placing a kiss becomes a virtue..
Raththa bandham illaadhavarkkuTo those who are not related by blood
Raththa thaanamum aramaagum..Donating blood becomes a virtue..
Male
Kutram oozhal kaanumidathilIn a place where crime and corruption are seen
Kobam yenbadhu aramgaaumRising in anger becomes a virtue..
Kothum paambu thurathum podhuWhen a biting snake chases you
Kolaiyum kooda aramaagum..mm..Even killing it becomes a virtue..mm..
Male
Aram seiyya virumbu..Desire to perform righteous deeds..
Adhuvae azhagu..That alone is true beauty..
Aram seiyya virumbu..Desire to perform righteous deeds..
Male
Ponnai tharuvadhu aramalla..Giving gold alone is not virtue..
Punnagai kooda aramaagum..Even sharing a smile can become a virtue..
Kaasum panamum aramalla..Money and wealth alone are not virtue..
Kanneer thuliyum aramaagum..Even a tear of compassion can become a virtue..
Male
Anbu nilaippadhu eegaiyinaalaeLove endures through the act of giving
Aamaam manidha aagaiyinaalae..Yes, because we are human beings..
Male
Aram seiyya virumbu..Desire to perform righteous deeds..
Adhuvae azhagu..That alone is true beauty..
Aram seiyya virumbu..Desire to perform righteous deeds..
Aramae ulagu..Righteousness itself is the world..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Aram Seiyya Virumbu' redefines the traditional concept of virtue and righteousness (Aram) in a contemporary light. Inspired by the classic Tamil moral literature 'Aathichudi' by Avvaiyar, lyricist Vairamuthu articulates that true virtue is not restricted to grand material donations such as gold or money. Instead, simple everyday acts of empathy—such as a warm smile, a tear of sympathy, feeding the hungry, showing affection to the lonely, or donating blood to a stranger—hold immense moral value. Furthermore, the lyrics expand the scope of virtue to include righteous indignation against crime and corruption, as well as self-defense in times of danger. Ultimately, the song serves as a reminder that human existence is defined by compassion, moral courage, and selfless acts of service.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Alliteration (Monaai)

Ponnai tharuvadhu aramalla.. / Punnagai kooda aramaagum..

The repetition of initial consonant sounds across consecutive lines (Ponnai / Punnagai).

Allusion

Aram seiyya virumbu..

Direct allusion to Avvaiyar's ancient Tamil moral instruction 'Aram Seiyya Virumbu' from Aathichudi.

Antithesis

Kaasum panamum aramalla.. / Kanneer thuliyum aramaagum..

Contrasting grand material giving with simple emotional gestures to redefine virtue.

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Trivia

sensitivity context: The line 'Aram Seiyya Virumbu' is the first line of 'Aathichudi', written by the legendary ancient Tamil poetess Avvaiyar. The film 'Nenjil Thunivirundhal' (2017) was directed by Suseenthiran with music composed by D. Imman.

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