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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
Movie name
Jeya Nee Jeyichutte
Movie release year
1979
Lyrics added on
10 Sept 2023

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Edhilae illai kanakku
Edhilae illai kanakku
Nee enni paarappa unakkul
Pudhupudhu kanakku theriyum
Un puththiyai theettu puriyum
Un puththiyai theettu puriyum
Edhilae illai kanakku
Nee enni paarappa unakkul
Thaayin vayittril kuzhnthai valarnthu
Veliyae varuvathu kanakku
Thanga nila muga pennai kandu
Kadhal seivathum kanakku
Yaechi pizhaikkum koottathai nallavan
Edhirpathu thunivin kanakku
Imayam malai mudhal kumari kadal varai
India varaipada kanakku
Edhilae illai kanakku
Edhilae illai kanakku
Nee enni paarappa unakkul
Thavaru seipavan oruvan vaazhvil
Thodarum vazhakku kanakku
Vazhakkin mudivil thandanaiyaaga
Vazhangum kanakko theerppu
Theeruppu enbathu ulgaththil manithan
Needhiyai kaakkum kanakku
Kanakku pottu vaazhum manithanin
Vaazhvae thirunaal kanakku
Edhilae illai kanakku
Edhilae illai kanakku
Nee enni paarappa unakkul
Pudhupudhu kanakku theriyum
Un puththiyai theettu puriyum
Un puththiyai theettu puriyum
Ooo……ooh…..oo….ooh…..
What is there without a calculation?
What is there without a calculation?
Just reflect within yourself, my friend,
You will see brand-new calculations.
Sharpen your mind, and you will understand...
Sharpen your mind, and you will understand...
What is there without a calculation?
Just reflect within yourself, my friend.
A baby growing inside a mother's womb
And being born into the world is a calculation.
Seeing a woman with a golden, moon-like face
And falling in love is also a calculation.
A good person standing up against
A deceitful crowd is a calculation of courage.
From the Himalayan mountains to the Kanyakumari sea,
It is the calculation of India's map...
What is there without a calculation?
What is there without a calculation?
Just reflect within yourself, my friend.
In the life of a person who does wrong,
The ongoing court case is a calculation.
Given as a punishment at the trial's end,
The calculation delivered is the verdict.
A verdict is the calculation
By which mankind upholds justice in this world.
For someone who lives with thoughtful planning,
Life itself becomes a celebration...
What is there without a calculation?
What is there without a calculation?
Just reflect within yourself, my friend,
You will see brand-new calculations.
Sharpen your mind, and you will understand...
Sharpen your mind, and you will understand...
Oh... oh... oh... ohoh...
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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.

Keep listening

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