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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Bandham Migu Samsara

From Ilangeswaran · 1987

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Rajkumar Bharathi
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Ilangeswaran1987

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Male
Hoo ooo oo hoo oo ooHoo ooo oo hoo oo oo
Bandham migu samsara kadal kadakkaTo cross the immense ocean of worldly existence (Samsara)
Chorus :Ailasa ho hoi ailasaChorus: Ailasa ho hoi ailasa
Male :Paranadiyaar paadha malar thaan panindhuBy bowing down at the lotus feet of the Supreme Being's devotees
Chorus :Ailasa ho hoi ailasaChorus: Ailasa ho hoi ailasa
Male
Sandhamum sindhanaiyaai paai virithuUnfurling the sail of continuous musical contemplation
Chorus :Ailasa ho hoi ailasaChorus: Ailasa ho hoi ailasa
Male :Sakthi tharum vairaagiya kol pidithuHolding the steering pole of dispassion that grants spiritual strength
Chorus :Ailasa ho hoi ailasaChorus: Ailasa ho hoi ailasa
Male
Mundha varum bandhavinai paaraiyilaeAgainst the looming rocks of past karmic ties and attachments
Chorus :Ailasa ho hoi ailasaChorus: Ailasa ho hoi ailasa
Male :Modhaamal sukkaanom manam thiruthiSteering the mind like a helm to avoid crashing
Chorus :Ailasa ho hoi ailasaChorus: Ailasa ho hoi ailasa
Male
Hoo ooo oo hoo oo oo…(2)Hoo ooo oo hoo oo oo…(2)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song uses the classic metaphor of 'Samsara Kadal' (the ocean of worldly existence) to convey deep spiritual philosophy through the rhythm of a traditional Tamil boatmen's song (Amba Paattu). To safely navigate the turbulent waters of worldly desires and past karma, the seeker must bow to divine devotees, use contemplation as the sail, dispassion (vairagya) as the oar, and direct the mind carefully like a ship's rudder. Lyricist Vaali masterfully blends spiritual wisdom with folk rhythm, creating an allegorical journey toward liberation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Extended Metaphor (Allegory)

“Bandham migu samsara kadal kadakka”

The entirety of human spiritual life is metaphorically cast as a boat journey across a treacherous ocean.

Uruvam (Metaphor)

“Sakthi tharum vairaagiya kol pidithu”

'Samsara kadal' compares worldly life to an ocean, and 'vairaagiya kol' compares detachment to a boatman's pole or oar.

Refrain / Chorus Insertion

“Chorus :Ailasa ho hoi ailasa”

The folk refrain 'Ailasa ho hoi ailasa' serves as a rhythmic anchor, mimicking the physical effort of rowing a boat.

Did you know?

Trivia

The term 'Ailasa' is a famous traditional chant used by Tamil fishermen and boatmen (in 'Amba Paattu' folk tradition) to synchronize their physical rowing motions. Vaali cleverly repurposed this nautical folk rhythm to write a philosophical song about crossing the ocean of rebirth.

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