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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Boomiyil Maanida Jenmam

From Ashok Kumar · 1941

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singer
M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar
Music director
Alandur Sivasubramaniyam
Details
Ashok Kumar1941

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Boomiyil maanida jenmam adaindhum orEven after attaining a human birth on this earth,
Punniyamindri vilangugal pol…ooo…Without virtue, living like animals...
Boomiyil maanida jenmam adaindhum orEven after attaining a human birth on this earth,
Punniyamindri vilangugal polWithout virtue, living like animals...
Kaamamum kobamum ullam niramba veenFulfilling our minds uselessly with lust and anger,
Kaamamum kobamum ullam niramba veenFulfilling our minds uselessly with lust and anger,
Kaalamum sella madindhidamoShall we perish as time passes away?
Kaalamum sella madindhidamoShall we perish as time passes away?
Male
Uthama maanidaraai perum punniyaAs noble humans, through great spiritual merit,
Nal vinaiyaal ulagil pirandhomAnd good deeds, we were born into this world.
Uthama maanidaraai perum punniyaAs noble humans, through great spiritual merit,
Nal vinaiyaal ulagil pirandhomAnd good deeds, we were born into this world.
Male
Sathiya gnjaana dhayaa nidhiyaagiyaHe who is the embodiment of truth, wisdom, and compassion,
Sathiya gnjaana dhayaa nidhiyaagiyaHe who is the embodiment of truth, wisdom, and compassion,
Butharai pottrudhal nam kadanaePraising Lord Buddha is our absolute duty!
Butharai pottrudhal nam kadanaePraising Lord Buddha is our absolute duty!
Male
Unmaiyum aaruyir anbum ahimsaiyumIf truth, love for living beings, and non-violence,
Illaiyenil nara jenmamidhae…ae…Are missing, then this human birth...
Unmaiyum aaruyir anbum ahimsaiyumIf truth, love for living beings, and non-violence,
Illaiyenil nara jenmamidhaeAre missing, then this human birth...
Mann meedhilor sumaiyae podhi thaangiyaIs merely a burden upon the earth, like a heavy load,
Paazh maramae verum paamaramaeA barren tree, mere foolishness!
Mann meedhilor sumaiyae podhi thaangiyaIs merely a burden upon the earth, like a heavy load,
Paazh maramae verum paamaramaeA barren tree, mere foolishness!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from the 1941 movie 'Ashok Kumar', penned by Udumalai Narayanakavi, ponders the true purpose of human existence. It argues that attaining a human birth is a rare blessing achieved through past good karma, and living it driven solely by lust and anger makes one no different from animals. The song highlights that without fundamental virtues like truthfulness, universal love, and non-violence (Ahimsai), a human life is merely a burden to the earth, akin to a useless barren tree. To transcend this meaningless cycle, the lyricist urges humanity to revere Lord Buddha, who stands as the ultimate treasure of truth, supreme wisdom, and mercy, emphasizing that following these ethical principles is the true duty of human life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Punniyamindri vilangugal pol

Compares humans who live without moral virtues to animals ('vilangugal pol').

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Paazh maramae verum paamaramae

Compares an unvirtuous human life to a barren/withered tree ('Paazh maram') that bears no fruit and only adds burden to the earth.

Assonance / Monnai

Kaamamum kobamum ullam niramba veen

Repetition of starting phonetic sounds across key words like 'Kaamamum' and 'Kaalamum' to create rhythmic emphasis.

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Trivia

The song is from the movie 'Ashok Kumar' (1941), starring the legendary M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT). Written by Udumalai Narayanakavi, the song draws heavily from Buddhist principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Karuna (compassion), fitting the historical context of Emperor Ashoka's era and conversion to Buddhism.

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