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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ethanai Malargal

From Oru Nadigai Nadagam Parkiral · 1978

Lyricist
Jayakanthan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, Vani Jairam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Oru Nadigai Nadagam Parkiral1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Muththinai pol panithuli irukkumDewdrops look just like pearls.
Muththirukkum thottaal mullirukkumThough pearls lie within, if touched, there are thorns.
Female :Puththanai poloru puthiyilaeWith an intellect like that of the Buddha,
Silar pookkalar maranthaar bhoomiyilaeSome people forgot the flowers on this earth.
Intha pookkalai maranthaar bhoomiyilaeThey forgot these flowers on this earth.
Male
Neeyum naanum yaaro evaroYou and I were complete strangers,
Nizhalaai uruvaai thunaiyaanomYet we became companions like shadow and form.
Female :Thaayum thanthaiyum illaathaHaving neither mother nor father,
Oru thanimaiyil kalanthu uravaanomWe merged in our loneliness and forged a relationship.
Thanimaiyil kalanthu uravaanomWe merged in our loneliness and forged a relationship.
Male
Malarinum mellithu mellithu sila manangalSome hearts are softer and more delicate than flowers.
Female :Mayangiyum kuzhambiyum theliyumGetting enchanted, confused, and finally attaining clarity,
Sila gunangal nalla gunangalAre certain qualities, fine human qualities.
Male :Uravinil ezhum inba naatham kadhal geedhamThe blissful sound arising in a relationship is the song of love.
Female :Olikkum maniyellaam uyarntha vedhamEvery ringing bell is a supreme sacred Veda.
Udhirum malargal nallaasigal odhumThe falling flowers chant sweet blessings.
Udhirum malargal nallaasigal odhumThe falling flowers chant sweet blessings.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This deeply philosophical duet reflects on human emotional bond, loneliness, and psychological transformation. Written by acclaimed author Jayakanthan for the film adaptation of his own novel, the song uses nature imagery—dewdrops, thorns, flowers, and shadows—to convey how two isolated individuals find meaning, companionship, and spiritual clarity through love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Muththinai pol panithuli irukkum

Compares the appearance of a dewdrop to a shiny pearl using the explicit comparison word 'pol'.

Paradox / Contrast (Aran)

Muththirukkum thottaal mullirukkum

Contrasts the beauty of a pearl with the unexpected pain of hidden thorns upon contact, symbolizing hidden emotional baggage.

Alliteration (Monai)

Malarinum mellithu mellithu sila manangal

Repetition of the 'M' sound at the beginning of words ('Malarinum mellithu mellithu sila manangal') creates a soft, lyrical cadence.

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Nizhalaai uruvaai thunaiyaanom

Metaphorically compares the bond of companionship to a body and its shadow.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics were penned by the legendary Tamil writer Jayakanthan himself, adapting his famous novel 'Oru Nadigai Nadagam Parkiral' into a film, featuring music composed by M. S. Viswanathan.

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