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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Engalukkum Kaalam Varum

From Pasamalar · 1961

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Pasamalar1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
………………….
Male
……………………..
Female
………………………..
Female
{ Valarum valarumWe kept waiting, expecting it to grow and grow,
Endrae kaathirundhomWe waited in eager anticipation.
Malarum malarumExpecting it to bloom and bloom,
Endrae paarthirundhom } (2)We kept watching with hope.
Female
Malar muthirnthuAs the flower matures,
Pinju varum valarndhavudanA tender young fruit emerges, and as it grows,
Kaai kidaikum kaaigal ellamUnripe fruits appear; and once all those fruits
Kanindhavudan pazham paripomaeRipen completely, we shall pluck and harvest them!
Female
……………………………
Male
{ Uzhavum thozhilumAgriculture and honest toil,
Ingae naam padaithomWe established right here.
Uravum suvaiyum endrumLoving bonds and life's sweetness,
Naam valarthom } (2)We forever nurtured.
Male
Panam padaithaJust like the rich
Manitharai polAnd wealthy men,
Panju methai naam peruvomWe too shall earn a soft cotton bed of comfort.
Chorus
………………..
Male
{ VanjamillaaIn a life lived without deceit or malice,
Vaazhkaiyilae tholviyumillaiThere is no such thing as defeat.
Chorus
……………………. } (2)
Male
TholviyumillaiThere is no defeat!
Chorus
…………………..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song reflects optimism, patience, and the dignity of hard work. Through the metaphor of planting a seed and waiting for it to blossom into mature, ripe fruit, the lyrics express how honest labor and perseverance eventually bear sweet rewards. It emphasizes that humble beginnings filled with dedication, farming, and true human relationships lead to earned prosperity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Valarum valarum / Malarum malarum

Repetition of initial rhythm and soft consonants across lines creating a melodious cadence.

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Uzhavum thozhilum / Uravum suvaiyum

Matching secondary acoustic patterns ('zha' / 'ra' / 'naam') enhancing the rhythmic flow of Tamil poetry.

Metaphor

Malar muthirnthu pinju varum... pazham paripomae

The biological progression from flower to tender fruit to ripe harvest serves as a metaphor for patience and the eventual fruition of hard work.

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Trivia

This track is from the iconic 1961 Tamil drama film 'Pasamalar', starring Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, and Savitri. The soundtrack was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy with lyrics penned by the acclaimed poet Kannadasan. The film is widely regarded as a milestone in Tamil cinema for its emotional portrayal of sibling affection.

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