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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Dhairiyamaga Sol Nee Manithan Thaana

From Oli Vilakku · 1968

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Oli Vilakku1968

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Dhairiyamaaga cholSpeak with courage
Nee manidhan thaanaaAre you really a human?
Manidhan thaanaaAre you a human?
Male
IllaiNo
Nee thaan oru mirugamYou are just a beast
Indha madhuvil vizhum neramWhen you fall into this alcohol
Nee thaan oru mirugamYou are just a beast
Indha madhuvil vizhum neramWhen you fall into this alcohol
Male
Manamum nalla gunamumYour heart and good character
Un ninaivai vittu vilagumWill leave your memory
Nee thaan oru mirugamYou are just a beast
Indha madhuvil vizhum neramWhen you fall into this alcohol
Male
Maanai pol maanam endraaiYou talked of honor like a deer
Nadaiyil madha yaanai neeyae endraai…aa….You claimed to walk like a wild elephant...
Maanai pol maanam endraaiYou talked of honor like a deer
Nadaiyil madha yaanai neeyae endraai…You claimed to walk like a wild elephant...
Male
Venghai pol veeram endraaiYou claimed valor like a tiger
Arivil uyarvaaga cholli kondaaiYou praised yourself as highly intelligent
Madhuvaal vilanginumBecause of alcohol, lower than a beast
Keezhaai nindraai……You ended up standing...
Male
Dhairiyamaagha cholSpeak with courage
Nee manidhan thaanaaAre you really a human?
Manidhan thaanaaAre you a human?
Male
Alaiyaadum kadalai kandaaiYou saw the wavy ocean
Kuditthu pazhaghaamal aada kandaaiYou saw it dance without drinking alcohol
Malaraadum kodiyai kandaaiYou saw the flower-laden creeper
Madhuvai parugaamal aada kandaaiYou saw it dance without drinking honey
Neeyoo madhuvaalae aattangh kandaaiBut you sway only because of alcohol
Male
Dhairiyamaagha cholSpeak with courage
Nee manidhan thaanaaAre you really a human?
Manidhan thaanaaAre you a human?
Male
Porul vendi thiruda chelvaaiYou go stealing for the sake of wealth
Pennai pera vendi vilaiyai cholvaaiYou name a price to possess a woman
Porul vendi thiruda chelvaaiYou go stealing for the sake of wealth
Pennai pera vendi vilaiyai cholvaaiYou name a price to possess a woman
Male
Thunivodu uyirai kolvaaiYou daringly take a life
Edharkkum thunaiyaagaAnd as a companion for everything
Madhuvai kolvaaiYou take up alcohol
Kettaal naan thaanae manidhan enbaaiYet if asked, you claim 'I am indeed a human'
Male
Dhairiyamaagha cholSpeak with courage
Nee manidhan thaanaaAre you really a human?
Manidhan thaanaaAre you a human?
Male
: IllaiNo
Nee thaan oru mirugamYou are just a beast
Indha madhuvil vizhum neramWhen you fall into this alcohol
Manamum nalla gunamumYour heart and good character
Un ninaivai vittu vilagumWill leave your memory
Male
Nee thaan oru mirugamYou are just a beast
Indha madhuvil vizhum neramWhen you fall into this alcohol

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Dhairiyamaaga Chol' from Oli Vilakku (1968) is a provocative critique of human vice and alcoholism. It directly addresses an intoxicated person, questioning whether they can truly call themselves human when alcohol robs them of their intelligence, honor, and moral compass. The song contrasts the natural, graceful rhythm of the ocean and plants with the shameful stumbling of a drunkard. Through vivid imagery, lyricist Vaali argues that alcoholism reduces a person lower than wild beasts. Despite man boasting about his tiger-like courage and elephant-like stature, intoxication strips away his conscience, driving him to crime, greed, and cruelty while falsely claiming his human identity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Maanai pol maanam endraai

Compares human virtues and attributes to wild animals (honor like a deer, walking like an elephant, valor like a tiger).

Rhetorical Question

Nee manidhan thaanaa

Challenges the listener's conscience by asking if they are truly human given their actions.

Contrast (Ethirruai)

Kuditthu pazhaghaamal aada kandaai... Neeyoo madhuvaalae aattangh kandaai

Contrasts natural elements like the ocean and flower creepers that sway naturally without alcohol against the human who sways out of intoxication.

Metaphor (Uruvagham)

Nee thaan oru mirugam

Directly equates an intoxicated, amoral person to a beast.

Did you know?

Trivia

Oli Vilakku (1968) was a landmark movie in Tamil cinema as it marked the 100th film of legendary actor M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). The soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, and this philosophical song was penned by Vaali.

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