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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Azhagenum Kavithai Aayiram

From Azhagu · 1984

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
G. K. Venkatesh
Details
Azhagu1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Azhagennum kavithai aayiram varainthaenGod, acting as a poet, composed a thousand poems named beauty,
Kadavul enum oru kavinganAnd blessed this human being with the eyes to witness them.
Adhai kaana kodutthu vaiththaan intha manithaanGod, acting as a poet, composed a thousand poems named beauty,
Female
Azhagennum kavithai aayiram varainthaenAnd blessed this human being with the eyes to witness them.
Kadavul enum oru kavinganGod, acting as a poet, composed a thousand poems named beauty,
Adhai kaana kodutthu vaiththaan intha manithaanAnd blessed this human being with the eyes to witness them.
Female
Poo mugam azhagu punnagai azhaguA flower-like face is beauty, a gentle smile is beauty,
Pani idhazh yaendhum paavaiyum azhguA maiden with dew-soft lips is beauty,
Paaloottum thaayin thaalaattum azhaguThe lullaby of a mother nursing her child is beauty,
Paaloottum thaayin thaalaattum azhaguThe lullaby of a mother nursing her child is beauty,
Poonthogai ena aadalum paadalum kodi azhaguDancing and singing like a blossoming peacock plume is a million-fold beauty.
Female
Azhagennum kavithai aayiram varainthaenGod, acting as a poet, composed a thousand poems named beauty,
Kadavul enum oru kavinganAnd blessed this human being with the eyes to witness them.
Adhai kaana kodutthu vaiththaan intha manithaanGod, acting as a poet, composed a thousand poems named beauty,
Female
Gopuram azhagu koyilum azhaguAnd blessed this human being with the eyes to witness them.
Koyilil vaazhum deviyum azhaguThe temple tower is beauty, the temple itself is beauty,
Aanaalum ondrae azhiyaatha azhaguThe goddess residing inside the temple is beauty,
Aanaalum ondrae azhiyaatha azhaguYet, there is only one beauty that never fades,
Ullangalin anbuthaan panbuthaan unmai azhaguYet, there is only one beauty that never fades,
Female
Azhagennum kavithai aayiram varainthaenThe love and noble character of human hearts is the true beauty.
Kadavul enum oru kavinganGod, acting as a poet, composed a thousand poems named beauty,
Adhai kaana kodutthu vaiththaan intha manithaanAnd blessed this human being with the eyes to witness them.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the movie Azhagu (1984) celebrates the divine artistry of creation and the true nature of beauty. It portrays God as a master poet who has crafted thousands of poetic forms of beauty across the universe, granting human beings the privilege to witness and appreciate them. The lyricist lists various manifestations of beauty, such as a radiant smile, a mother's lullaby, dancing peacock plumes, grand temple towers, and holy idols. However, the song reaches its philosophical peak by emphasizing that while physical forms of beauty are vast and charming, the only everlasting and genuine beauty in the world is the love, compassion, and noble character residing within human hearts.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvam)

Kadavul enum oru kavingan

God is directly compared to a poet ('Kadavul enum oru kavingan') who paints/composes poems of beauty across creation.

Initial Alliteration (Moonaai)

Poo mugam azhagu punnagai azhagu

Repetition of the 'P' sound across words in the same line ('Poo', 'punnagai').

Simile (Uwamai)

Poonthogai ena aadalum paadalum kodi azhagu

The act of dancing and singing is explicitly compared to a flower-like peacock feather unfurling using the word 'ena'.

Epiphora / Anaphora

Gopuram azhagu koyilum azhagu

The word 'azhagu' (beauty) is repeated at the end of multiple clauses to emphasize various forms of aesthetic joy.

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Trivia

The song lyrics penned by Vairamuthu highlight his signature poetic style of using vivid nature imagery to build up to a deeply grounded moral truth—contrasting temporary aesthetic marvels with the eternal beauty of human goodness in human hearts.

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