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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ethanai Sugam

From Nee Vazha Vendum · 1977

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nee Vazha Vendum1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ethanai sugamWhat boundless joy it brings!
Aadavum paadavum koodavum konjavumTo dance, to sing, to unite, and to cuddle affectionately,
Aayiram kalanthu magizhnthuTo blend a thousand delights and rejoice,
Virunthu kodththu aadavaeAnd to dance while hosting a grand feast!
Female
Ethanai sugamWhat boundless joy it brings!
Aadavum paadavum koodavum konjavumTo dance, to sing, to unite, and to cuddle affectionately,
Aayiram kalanthu magizhnthuTo blend a thousand delights and rejoice,
Virunthu kodththu aadavaeAnd to dance while hosting a grand feast!
Female
Kadhal maaligai mannan seithathuThe palace of love was built by the king,
Raaniyin nyapaga chinnamAs a loving memorial for his queen;
Kavithai maaligai kamban seithathuThe palace of poetry was crafted by poet Kamban,
Devan deviyin vannamIn the divine shades of the God and Goddess.
Female
Ninaikka ninaikka inikkumThe more one thinks of it, the sweeter it grows,
Karpanai oviyam iam i correct okAn exquisite painting of pure imagination—am I correct, ok?
Ninaiththaal namakkathu madhippuIf we cherish it, it brings us self-worth and respect,
Nadakkum unakkadhil sirippuWhile it brings a cheerful smile to you.
Female
Irukkum idaththil irukka irukka sugamaeRemaining contented in one's given place brings continuous bliss,
I am i correct proceedAm I correct? Proceed!
Irunthaal koduththa kai manakkumThe hand that gives generously leaves behind a lasting fragrance,
Koduththaal irandu kai vanangumAnd when one gives, both hands of others bow in heartfelt gratitude.
Female
Ethanai sugamWhat boundless joy it brings!
Aadavum paadavum koodavum konjavumTo dance, to sing, to unite, and to cuddle affectionately,
Aayiram kalanthu magizhnthuTo blend a thousand delights and rejoice,
Virunthu kodththu aadavaeAnd to dance while hosting a grand feast!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Ethanai Sugam from the film Nee Vazha Vendum (1977) is an exuberant, festive song celebrating the joys of life, art, love, and philanthropy. The singer revels in the pleasures of music, dance, togetherness, and hospitality. Lyricist Kannadasan draws poetic parallels between grand architecture created out of love (such as Shah Jahan's Taj Mahal) and classic literature crafted by great poets like Kamban. The song conveys a deep philosophical lesson on contentment and charity, asserting that staying true to one's station brings peace, and the hand that gives to others will always be blessed, revered, and remembered with fragrance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyeppu (End Rhyme)

Aadavum paadavum koodavum konjavum

The repetitive '-avum' verbal suffix creates a brisk, musical end-rhyme across consecutive action verbs.

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kadhal maaligai mannan seithathu / Kavithai maaligai kamban seithathu

The second consonant sound 'dha' (த) rhymes across the lines 'Kadhal' and 'Kavithai'.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Kadhal maaligai mannan seithathu Raaniyin nyapaga chinnam

References the Taj Mahal metaphorically as a 'palace of love' and literary epic poetry as a 'palace of poetry'.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Ninaikka ninaikka inikkum

Repetition of the initial 'Ni' syllable creates melodic flow and rhythmic emphasis.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by M. S. Viswanathan and rendered by L. R. Eswari, this track features Eswari's iconic conversational English ad-libs ('Am I correct, ok? / Proceed') integrated seamlessly into Kannadasan's Tamil lyrics, a signature style of 1970s Tamil cinema dance tracks.

Keep listening

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