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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Deva Magal Pole

From Chutti Poonai · 1988

Lyricist
Idhaya Chandran
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
R. D. Burman
Details
Chutti Poonai1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Deva magal pola pogum nadhiyanathuThe river flows like a divine maiden.
Kaalam thunaiyaaga serum karaiyanathuIt reaches the shore with time as its companion.
Thaalam thavaraamal aagum alaiyaanadhuThe waves form without missing a rhythmic beat.
Thavzhum payangal kaana azhagaanathuThe crawling journeys are beautiful to behold.
Female
Nadhiyin thaerottamae jeeva sangeethamaeThe river's chariot procession is the music of life.
Nadhiyin thaerottamae jeeva sangeethamae..endrumae…The river's chariot procession is the music of life... forever.
Female
Andhi megangal pol kaalam viraikindrathuTime rushes past like dusk clouds.
Adhu pogindra idam ingu yaar paarthathuWho here has seen where it goes?
Kaalam vaazhvodu kai korthu nadakkindrathuTime walks hand in hand with life.
Paadhai puriyaamal engengo selgindrathuWithout understanding the path, it wanders everywhere.
Female
Inba santhosamae jeeva sangeethamaeJoyful happiness is the music of life.
Inba santhosamae jeeva sangeethamaeJoyful happiness is the music of life.
Inbamae inbamae vaazhvellaam inbamaeBliss, bliss, all of life is bliss.
Inbamae inbamae vaazhvellaam inbamaeBliss, bliss, all of life is bliss.
Female
Janana maranagal vaazhvil nilaiyaanadhuBirth and death are constant realities in life.
Boomi adhanaalae innum uyir vaazhudhuBecause of this, the earth still sustains life.
Idhu vidhiyaanadhu deiva mudivaanathuThis is destiny, a divine decision.
Idhu vidhiyaanadhu deiva mudivaanathu…vaazhvilaeThis is destiny, a divine decision... in life.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song uses the imagery of a flowing river to contemplate the swift passage of time, human existence, and divine fate. The river moves gracefully like a celestial maiden, guided by time towards its destination. Life's rhythm, much like the ocean waves, follows an orderly path despite moving through unpredictable courses. Time is depicted as an eternal companion walking hand in hand with human life. The song ultimately conveys a message of acceptance and joy. It highlights that birth and death are fundamental cycles that sustain the world's existence. Rather than fearing destiny, the lyricist urges the listener to embrace life as a divine musical journey filled with happiness and natural harmony.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Deva magal pola pogum nadhiyanathu

Compares the movement of the river to a divine maiden (Deva magal pola).

Simile (Uvamai)

Andhi megangal pol kaalam viraikindrathu

Compares the swift passing of time to dusk/evening clouds (Andhi megangal pol).

Personification

Kaalam vaazhvodu kai korthu nadakkindrathu

Attributes human actions to abstract concepts by depicting Time as holding hands and walking with Life.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Nadhiyin thaerottamae jeeva sangeethamae

Equates the river's movement and happiness directly to the music of life (jeeva sangeetham).

Repetition (Adukkuthodar)

Inbamae inbamae vaazhvellaam inbamae

Repeats the word 'Inbamae' for poetic emphasis and musical cadence.

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Trivia

'Chutti Poonai' (1988) features a rare soundtrack composed by legendary Hindi film composer R. D. Burman for Tamil cinema. The song stands out for S. Janaki's evocative rendition set against Burman's signature melodic orchestration.

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