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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Dance Baby Dance

From Gumastha · 1953

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
M. L. Vasanthakumari
Music director
C. N. Pandurangan
Details
Gumastha1953

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Dance baby danceDance, baby, dance!
Intha vaazhvum orae chanceThis life is a single chance.
Ilamai azhagil iruvar manamumIn the beauty of youth, the hearts of two
Inaiyum naalae romanceUnite on the day of romance.
Female
Dance baby danceDance, baby, dance!
Intha vaazhvum orae chanceThis life is a single chance.
Ilamai azhagil iruvar manamumIn the beauty of youth, the hearts of two
Inaiyum naalae romanceUnite on the day of romance.
Female
Kaattraai parakkum kaalamTime flies like the wind,
Karaiyum ilamai paruvamThe age of youth melts away.
Thaangaathu unakkaagaIt will not wait for you,
Tharunaththai izhakkaathaeDo not lose this moment.
Female
Dance baby danceDance, baby, dance!
Intha vaazhvum orae chanceThis life is a single chance.
Ilamai azhagil iruvar manamumIn the beauty of youth, the hearts of two
Inaiyum naalae romanceUnite on the day of romance.
Female
Kaalai velaiyil malarum rojaThe rose that blooms in the morning,
Marunaal kaalai ularum rajaWithers away the next morning, my dear.
Naalaiyai nambi azhaiyaathaeDo not wander trusting in tomorrow,
Mun naalai ninaiththu varunthaathaeDo not grieve thinking of the past.
Female
Dance baby danceDance, baby, dance!
Intha vaazhvum orae chanceThis life is a single chance.
Ilamai azhagil iruvar manamumIn the beauty of youth, the hearts of two
Inaiyum naalae romanceUnite on the day of romance.
Female
Inbamthannai Tharuvathu kaalamTime is what bestows happiness,
Thunba thodara seivathu kaalamTime is what causes a chain of sorrows.
Kaalam karunai maarum munnaeBefore time's grace changes,
Kanavaai vaazhkkai thaeyum munnaeBefore life fades away like a dream,
Female
Dance baby danceDance, baby, dance!
Intha vaazhvum orae chanceThis life is a single chance.
Ilamai azhagil iruvar manamumIn the beauty of youth, the hearts of two
Inaiyum naalae romanceUnite on the day of romance.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song is an energetic, philosophical call to seize the day (carpe diem) and celebrate youth and romance. It emphasizes that life is a unique, one-time opportunity that should not be wasted on past regrets or uncertain future promises. Using nature imagery like blooming roses and flying wind, the lyrics convey how fleeting time and youth truly are. Musically and lyrically, it presents a message of mindfulness and joy, urging the listener to embrace love and happiness in the present moment before time alters its favor and life fades away like a dream.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kaattraai parakkum kaalam / Karaiyum ilamai paruvam

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in consecutive lines creates rhythm.

Antithesis / Contrast

Inbamthannai Tharuvathu kaalam / Thunba thodara seivathu kaalam

Contrasts the dual nature of time as the giver of both joy (Inbam) and sorrow (Thunbam).

Simile / Metaphor

Kanavaai vaazhkkai thaeyum munnae

Compares the ephemeral nature of life to a fading dream.

Did you know?

Trivia

Released in 1953, this song from 'Gumastha' was notable for incorporating Western dance rhythms and English loanwords like 'Dance', 'Baby', 'Chance', and 'Romance' into Tamil film music, sung masterfully by Carnatic music legend M. L. Vasanthakumari.

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