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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Enthan Kathai Idhuthaana

From Baghdad Thirudan · 1960

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
G. Govindarajulu Naidu
Details
Baghdad Thirudan1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Adimai naan ezhutha munainthaenI, a slave, attempted to write
Kadhal kadhaiyaeA story of love
Aasaiyum meeri en vaazhkkai yaettilaeIn the book of my life, beyond all my desires
Thodangiya pothae mudinthathae adhuvaeIt ended the very moment it began
Female
Enthan kadhai idhuthaanaaIs this what my story is?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Female
Enthan kadhai idhuthaanaaIs this what my story is?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Female
Kadhal nilai idhuthaanaaIs this the true state of love?
Kalaiyum mann veedu thaanaaIs it merely a mud house that crumbles away?
Kalaiyum mann veedu thaanaaIs it merely a mud house that crumbles away?
Female
Kadhal nilai idhuthaanaaIs this the true state of love?
Kalaiyum mann veedu thaanaaIs it merely a mud house that crumbles away?
Kalaiyum mann veedu thaanaaIs it merely a mud house that crumbles away?
Female
Kanavo en aasai ellaamAre all my desires merely dreams?
Unaiyae naan kaanuvenaaWill I ever get to see you again?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Female
Enthan kadhai idhuthaanaaIs this what my story is?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Female
Kodiyodu maramum inainthaeLike a vine entwining with a tree,
Kulavum naalae varaathoWill that day of blissful union ever arrive?
Kulavum naalae varaathoWill that day of blissful union ever arrive?
Female
Kodiyodu maramum inainthaeLike a vine entwining with a tree,
Kulavum naalae varaathoWill that day of blissful union ever arrive?
Kulavum naalae varaathoWill that day of blissful union ever arrive?
Female
Vidiyaatha idhaya vaanilIn the un-dawning sky of my heart,
Vidivelli thondridaathoWill the morning star ever appear?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Female
Enthan kadhai idhuthaanaaIs this what my story is?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?
Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaaIs my life destined to be surrounded by darkness?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant lament from 'Baghdad Thirudan' (1960), voiced by P. Susheela and penned by A. Maruthakasi, expresses the sorrow of a woman trapped in hardship and separation from her beloved. She reflects on how her love story was cut short almost as soon as it began, feeling as though her life has been engulfed in pitch darkness. She questions if love is inherently fragile—comparing it to a delicate mud house that collapses easily—and wonders if her deep desires were merely fleeting dreams. Despite the prevailing despair, the song carries a faint thread of longing and hope. The protagonist uses nature imagery, comparing her desire for reunion to a climbing vine clinging to a sturdy tree, and hopes for a 'morning star' to break through the endless dark night of her heart. The emotional arc captures both desolate grief and a quiet prayer for light and togetherness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Kalaiyum mann veedu thaanaa

Love is metaphorically compared to a fragile mud house ('mann veedu') that crumbles away easily, emphasizing its delicate nature.

Metaphor / Imagery

Vidiyaatha idhaya vaanil / Vidivelli thondridaatho

The speaker's sorrowful heart is pictured as an 'un-dawning sky' ('vidiyaatha idhaya vaan'), while the hope of reuniting with her lover is represented as the 'morning star' ('vidivelli').

Analogy / Simile (Uvamai)

Kodiyodu maramum inainthae

The ideal union of lovers is compared to a vine/creeper ('kodi') wrapping itself around a tree ('maram') for support and togetherness.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Vidiyaatha idhaya vaanil / Vidivelli thondridaatho

The initial syllable 'Vi' is repeated in 'Vidiyaatha' and 'Vidivelli', creating a pleasing lyrical rhythm.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Irul soozhntha vaazhvuthaanaa / Enthan kadhai idhuthaanaa

The line endings 'vaazhvuthaanaa' and 'idhuthaanaa' create a rhythmic, melancholic refrain repeating across the song.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Baghdad Thirudan' (1960) is an adventure-fantasy film starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Vyjayanthimala. The film's music was composed by G. Govindarajulu Naidu, a prominent music director of early Tamil cinema. Lyricist A. Maruthakasi, celebrated for his deeply emotional and poetic songs during the golden era of Tamil cinema, crafted these poignant verses brought to life by legendary playback singer P. Susheela.

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