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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Azagana Puli Mane

From Megam Karuththirukku · 1987

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
K. J. Yesudass
Music director
Manoj – Gyan
Details
Megam Karuththirukku1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Azhagaana pullimaanae….Beautiful spotted deer...
Azhagaana pullimaanae unakkaaga azhuthenaeBeautiful spotted deer, I cried for you.
Ponnukku thaali edhukkuWhy does a woman need a sacred wedding thread?
Moonu mudichchu vegumaanam oo….Three knots are a reward...
Aarumudichchu avamaanamSix knots are a humiliation.
Male
Azhagaana pullimaanae unakkaaga azhuthenaeBeautiful spotted deer, I cried for you.
Male
Anthapuraththa kaaval kaakka naanum vanthengaI came here to guard the inner royal quarters, my friend.
En annaakkayira kaaval kaakka yaarum illeengaYet there is no one to protect my own dignity and waist-thread.
Vazhakkukku naanum poga maattaen maanaeI will not go to the court for a legal suit, my deer.
Vakkaelukku fees-u enna maanamthaanaeIs my self-respect the fee to be paid to the lawyer?
Male
Azhagaana pullimaanae unakkaaga azhuthenaeBeautiful spotted deer, I cried for you.
Male
Vaazhai maraththil oonjal katta vasathi irukaathuThere is no strength in a banana tree to tie a swing.
Nee tholai paaththu maadu pudichchaa thozhilukkaagaathuIf you tame a bull eyeing its hide, it serves no profession.
Puzhuvukku aasapattu pogum menaeOh fish, going eagerly after the worm...
Thoondiyilae maadikkittaa sogamthaanaeGetting caught in the hook brings only sorrow.
Male
Azhagaana pullimaanae unakkaaga azhuthenae….Beautiful spotted deer, I cried for you...
Male
Manasu mattum vella thaanae mayakkam theeraathaaEven if the heart remains pure white, will this confusion not end?
Naan kanneeraalae kazhuvi paarththaa karuppum maaraathaaIf I wash with my tears, will this dark stain not change?
Nenjukkullae mullu thachchu vadumpothuWhen a thorn pricks deep inside the heart and bleeds...
Naakkukullae punnu vanthaa vaarththa yaedhuIf a sore erupts on the tongue, where do words come from?
Male
Azhagaana pullimaanae….Beautiful spotted deer...
Azhagaana pullimaanae unakkaaga azhuthenaeBeautiful spotted deer, I cried for you.
Ponnukku thaali edhukkuWhy does a woman need a sacred wedding thread?
Moonu mudichchu vegumaanam oo….Three knots are a reward...
Aarumudichchu avamaanamSix knots are a humiliation.
Male
Azhagaana pullimaanae unakkaaga azhuthenae…..Beautiful spotted deer, I cried for you...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song expresses intense grief, betrayal, and a critique of societal expectations. The protagonist addresses a beloved 'spotted deer' while reflecting on his powerlessness and lost self-respect. He draws vivid contrasts between sacred bonds (three knots of marriage) and oppressive shackles or bondage (six knots), highlighting the tragic loss of dignity despite serving others honorably.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Azhagaana pullimaanae unakkaaga azhuthenae

Addressing the beloved or lost spirit as a 'pullimaan' (spotted deer) symbolizes innocence and vulnerability.

Contrast / Anthesis (Ethirnnilai)

Moonu mudichchu vegumaanam oo…. Aarumudichchu avamaanam

Contrasting 'Moonu mudichchu' (three knots of marriage/honor) with 'Aarumudichchu' (six knots of captivity/shackles).

Analogy / Allegory

Puzhuvukku aasapattu pogum menae / Thoondiyilae maadikkittaa sogamthaanae

Comparing human greed and tragic missteps to a fish getting hooked while chasing a worm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1987 film 'Megam Karuththirukku', this moving track was composed by the musical duo Manoj-Gyan and rendered by K. J. Yesudas. Vairamuthu's lyrics utilize folk metaphors to convey deep philosophical anguish.

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