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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ennada Polladha

From Thappu Thalangal · 1978

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Thappu Thalangal
Movie release year
1978
Lyrics added on
2 Jan 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Enna da pollaadha vaazhkai
Ada ennada pollaadha vaazhkai
Yaara nenachu namma pethalao amma
Ada pogum idam onnu than vidungada suma
Idhukku poi alattikalaama
Idhukku poi alatikalaama
Ada ennada pollaadha vaazhkai
Ada ennada pollaadha vaazhkai
Kaadaaru maadham appa
Naadaaru maadham appa
Rajaakkal kadhai idhu than pa
Namba nilai thevalai yappa
Mudinja aadura varaikkum aadu
Illai odura varaikkum odu
Idhukku poi alattikalaama
Chaa idhukku poi alattikalaama
Ennada pollaadha vaazhkai
Ada ennada pollaadha vaazhkai
Padikka aasa vachen mudiyalae
Haa haahaa
Uzhaichum paarthu putten vidiyalae
Pozhaika veru vazhi theriyalae
Nadandhen naan nenacha vazhiyilae
Idhukku kaaranam thaan yaaru
Padaicha saamiya poi kelu
Idhukku poi alattikalaama hahahaha
Idhukku poi alattikalaama
Ada ennada pollaadha vaazhkai
Ada ennada pollaadha vaazhkai…heyy
Naan seiyuren thappu thanda
Vera vazhiyedhum unda
Oorukkullae yokyanai kanda
Odi poyi ennidam konda
Kedacha kidaikira varaikkum paaru
Pidicha thiruttu pattam nooru
Idhukku poi alattikalaama
Idhukku poi alattikalaama
Enna da pollaadha vaazhkai
Ada ennada pollaadha vaazhkai
Yaara nenachu namma pethalao amma
Ada pogum idam onnu than vidungada suma
Idhukku poi alattikalaama
Idhukku poi alatikalaama…hoo..oo
What a terrible life this is, man!
Ah, what a terrible life this is, man!
Who knows what mother had in mind when she gave birth to us!
Hey, we all end up in the same place, just let it go!
Should we really get worked up over this?
Should we really get worked up over this?
Ah, what a terrible life this is, man!
Ah, what a terrible life this is, man!
Six months in the forest, man,
Six months in the kingdom, man,
Even kings had lives like that!
Our condition is so much better, man!
If you can, dance for as long as you can,
Otherwise, run as far as you can!
Should we really get worked up over this?
Come on, should we really get worked up over this?
What a terrible life this is, man!
Ah, what a terrible life this is, man!
I wanted to study, but couldn't,
Ha haha
I tried working hard too, but my dawn never arrived,
Finding no other way to survive,
I walked the path I chose.
Who is to blame for this?
Go and ask the God who made us!
Should we really get worked up over this? Hahaha
Should we really get worked up over this?
Ah, what a terrible life this is, man!
Ah, what a terrible life this is, man... hey!
I do wrongful deeds and missteps,
Is there any other way out?
If you find an honest man in this town,
Run and bring him straight to me!
Take whatever you can get, as long as it comes,
If you get caught, they will slap a hundred thief tags on you!
Should we really get worked up over this?
Should we really get worked up over this?
What a terrible life this is, man!
Ah, what a terrible life this is, man!
Who knows what mother had in mind when she gave birth to us!
Hey, we all end up in the same place, just let it go!
Should we really get worked up over this?
Should we really get worked up over this... hoo.. oo!
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song from 'Thappu Thalangal' is a street-smart, cynical, yet philosophical reflection on the struggles of life and morality. The protagonist laments his poverty and hard luck, noting that despite trying to study and work honestly, circumstances forced him down the path of crime and wrongdoings. Rather than wallowing in guilt, he rationalizes his lifestyle by pointing out that even kings go through major ups and downs (spending six months in exile and six months ruling), and ultimately, everyone ends up in the same grave.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

“Kaadaaru maadham appa / Naadaaru maadham appa”

The second consonant sound 'da' rhymes in both lines, creating a classic Tamil rhythmic flow.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

“Mudinja aadura varaikkum aadu / Illai odura varaikkum odu”

The line endings 'aadu' and 'odu' rhyme, giving a catchy, repetitive cadence.

Rhetorical Question

“Idhukku poi alattikalaama”

The repeated phrase asks whether one should make a fuss over life's unpredictable nature, expecting a negative answer to underline a carefree philosophy.

Metaphor / Idiom

“Kaadaaru maadham appa / Naadaaru maadham appa”

A traditional Tamil idiom referencing how Pandavas spent time in exile ('kaadu') and in kingdom ('naadu'), symbolizing the inevitable cyclical highs and lows of human existence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Thappu Thalangal (1978) was directed by K. Balachander and starred Rajinikanth and Saritha in lead roles. The film's music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics written by Kannadasan. The movie explores urban crime, prostitution, and redemption through gritty realism.

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