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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ethile Illai

From Jeya Nee Jeyichutte · 1979

Lyricist
K. M. Krishnan
Singer
Krishnamoorthy
Music directors
Ilayaraja, Shankar Ganesh
Details
Jeya Nee Jeyichutte1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Edhilae illai kanakkuIn what is there no calculation?
Edhilae illai kanakkuIn what is there no calculation?
Nee enni paarappa unakkulCount and look within yourself, my friend,
Pudhupudhu kanakku theriyumYou will discover brand new calculations.
Un puththiyai theettu puriyumSharpen your intellect, and you will understand.
Un puththiyai theettu puriyumSharpen your intellect, and you will understand.
Male
Edhilae illai kanakkuIn what is there no calculation?
Nee enni paarappa unakkulCount and look within yourself, my friend.
Male
Thaayin vayittril kuzhnthai valarnthuA baby growing in a mother's womb,
Veliyae varuvathu kanakkuAnd coming out into the world is a calculation.
Thanga nila muga pennai kanduBeholding a girl with a golden moon-like face,
Kadhal seivathum kanakkuAnd falling in love is also a calculation.
Male
Yaechi pizhaikkum koottathai nallavanA good man standing up against a deceitful crowd
Edhirpathu thunivin kanakkuIs the calculation of courage.
Imayam malai mudhal kumari kadal varaiFrom the Himalayan mountains to the Kanyakumari sea,
India varaipada kanakkuThe map of India is a calculation.
Male
Edhilae illai kanakkuIn what is there no calculation?
Edhilae illai kanakkuIn what is there no calculation?
Nee enni paarappa unakkulCount and look within yourself, my friend.
Thavaru seipavan oruvan vaazhvilIn the life of a person who commits a wrongdoing,
Thodarum vazhakku kanakkuThe legal trial that follows is a calculation.
Vazhakkin mudivil thandanaiyaagaAs a punishment meted out at the end of the trial,
Vazhangum kanakko theerppuThe verdict rendered is a calculation.
Male
Theeruppu enbathu ulgaththil manithanA verdict in this world is humanity's calculation
Needhiyai kaakkum kanakkuThat protects and upholds justice.
Kanakku pottu vaazhum manithaninFor a human who lives life with thoughtful calculation,
Vaazhvae thirunaal kanakkuLife itself becomes a festive celebration.
Male
Edhilae illai kanakkuIn what is there no calculation?
Edhilae illai kanakkuIn what is there no calculation?
Nee enni paarappa unakkulCount and look within yourself, my friend.
Pudhupudhu kanakku theriyumYou will discover brand new calculations.
Un puththiyai theettu puriyumSharpen your intellect, and you will understand.
Un puththiyai theettu puriyumSharpen your intellect, and you will understand.
Ooo……ooh…..oo….ooh…..Ooo……ooh…..oo….ooh…..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Edhilae Illai Kanakku' from the 1979 film 'Jeya Nee Jeyichutte' takes the concept of 'Kanakku' (mathematics, logic, or universal order) and uses it as a core philosophical theme. It asserts that every aspect of life, nature, and human society operates according to an inherent calculation or design. From biological birth and romantic affection to moral courage, geography, and the rule of law, everything follows a structured order. The lyricist urges the listener to look inward and sharpen their intellect to realize these hidden truths. Ultimately, the song conveys that when a person lives a disciplined, morally upright, and calculated life, existence ceases to be a burden and transforms into a continuous celebration.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme / Epiphora)

Veliyae varuvathu kanakku / Kadhal seivathum kanakku

The term 'kanakku' is repeatedly used at the end of multiple consecutive lines, creating a rhythmic end-rhyme structure and emphasizing the main theme of universal logic.

Metaphor (Uvamai / Urvagam)

Thanga nila muga pennai kandu

Comparing a woman's face directly to a 'golden moon' (Thanga nila) serves as a classic Tamil poetic metaphor for beauty.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Thavaru seipavan oruvan vaazhvil / Thodarum vazhakku kanakku

Repetition of the initial letter 'Th' ('Thavaru' and 'Thodarum') in adjacent lines creates a pleasing auditory harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song comes from the 1979 film 'Jeya Nee Jeyichutte', featuring lyrics written by K. M. Krishnan and rendered by singer Krishnamoorthy. The movie's soundtrack involved musical contributions from Shankar-Ganesh and Ilaiyaraaja, reflecting the transition era of late 1970s Tamil film music where traditional rhythmic philosophic songs were being reinvented with contemporary orchestral arrangements.

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