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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Gangai Nathiye Female

From Kaadhale Nimmadhi · 1998

Lyricist
Pazhani Bharathi
Singer
Swarnalatha
Music director
Deva
Details
Kaadhale Nimmadhi1998

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Laali laaliLullaby, lullaby
Laali laali laaliii…eeeLullaby, lullaby, lullaby...
Laali laali…laali laaliLullaby, lullaby... lullaby, lullaby
Female
Gangai nadhiyae gangai nadhiyaeO Ganges river, O Ganges river
Kaaindhu pogaathaeDo not dry up
Veesum kaatrae veesum kaatraeO blowing wind, O blowing wind
Oindhu pogaathaeDo not cease blowing
Female
Gangai nadhiyae gangai nadhiyaeO Ganges river, O Ganges river
Kaaindhu pogaathaeDo not dry up
Veesum kaatrae veesum kaatraeO blowing wind, O blowing wind
Oindhu pogaathaeDo not cease blowing
Female
Kaanbathellaam kaatchi allaAll that is seen is not the complete truth
Kangal ariyaadhaeThe eyes cannot perceive everything
Ulagam muzhudhum thoongum pozhuthumEven when the entire world sleeps
Unmai thoongaathaeThe truth never sleeps
Sogangalae vaazhkaiyin vedhamaaIs sorrow the ultimate scripture of life?
Female
Gangai nadhiyae gangai nadhiyaeO Ganges river, O Ganges river
Kaaindhu pogaathaeDo not dry up
Veesum kaatrae veesum kaatraeO blowing wind, O blowing wind
Oindhu pogaathaeDo not cease blowing
Female
Thaeril irundhaayae ippodhuYou were once seated on a chariot, but now
Theruvil vizhundhaayaeYou have fallen onto the street
Siragai izhandhaayae nenjoduYou lost your wings, and in your heart
Siluvai summandhaaiyaeYou bore a heavy cross
Unmai pesiyadhaal indrae neeJust because you spoke the truth today
Vaarthai izhandhaayaeYou have lost your voice
Kangal ariyaamal kannerilWithout your eyes realizing it, in tears
Kannam nanainthaaiyaeYour cheeks were soaked
Female
Kaalam oru naalTime will one day
Nyaayam ketkkumDemand justice
Ullam kalangaadhaeDo not let your heart lose courage
Soganagalae….vaazhkaiyin vedhamaaIs sorrow the ultimate scripture of life?
Female
Gangai nadhiyae gangai nadhiyaeO Ganges river, O Ganges river
Kaaindhu pogaathaeDo not dry up
Veesum kaatrae veesum kaatraeO blowing wind, O blowing wind
Oindhu pogaathaeDo not cease blowing
Chorus
Laali laali…laali laaliLullaby, lullaby... lullaby, lullaby
Female
Iravu mudiyaatha ippodhuWill this endless night not come to an end now?
Velicham pirakkaadhaWill the light not be born?
Kadhavu thirakkaadha kilithaanWill the door not open? Will the caged bird
Siragai virikkaadhaNot spread its wings?
Female
Thavaru varum munnaeBefore a mistake happens
Deivam thaan thadukka ninakaadhaWon't God Himself step in to stop it?
Idhayam thottru vittaal ippodhuIf the heart loses now
Mirugam jeyikkaadhaWon't the beast win?
Female
Needhikku inthaIf justice receives
Thandanai endraalSuch a punishment
Nenjam valikaadhaDoesn't the heart ache?
Soganagalae….vaazhkaiyin vedhamaaIs sorrow the ultimate scripture of life?
Female
Aarari rari rari rararooLullaby refrain (Aarari rari rari rararoo)
Aarari raroo aarararooLullaby refrain (Aarari raroo aarararoo)
Female
Gangai nadhiyae gangai nadhiyaeO Ganges river, O Ganges river
Kaaindhu pogaathaeDo not dry up
Veesum kaatrae veesum kaatraeO blowing wind, O blowing wind
Oindhu pogaathaeDo not cease blowing
Female
Kaanbathellaam kaatchi allaAll that is seen is not the complete truth
Kangal ariyaadhaeThe eyes cannot perceive everything
Ulagam muzhudhum thoongum pozhuthumEven when the entire world sleeps
Unmai thoongaathaeThe truth never sleeps
Sogangalae vaazhkaiyin vedhamaaIs sorrow the ultimate scripture of life?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Gangai Nadhiyae' from *Kaadhale Nimmadhi* is a deeply philosophical and melancholic song styled as a lullaby. The singer addresses a suffering soul, urging them not to lose hope or let their spirit dry up like a parched river. The lyrics express anguish over the injustice of life, where a noble person who once held high status has fallen onto the streets and must carry a heavy cross simply for speaking the truth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Gangai nadhiyae gangai nadhiyae / Kaaindhu pogaathae

Compares the noble and resilient human spirit to the sacred Ganges river, imploring it not to dry up under pressure.

Muran (Antithesis)

Thaeril irundhaayae ippodhu / Theruvil vizhundhaayae

Contrasts the high status of sitting on a chariot ('Thaer') with the low state of falling onto the street ('Theru').

Personification

Ulagam muzhudhum thoongum pozhuthum / Unmai thoongaathae

Personifies 'Truth' as an entity that stays awake vigilant even when the entire world falls asleep.

Metaphor

Siluvai summandhaaiyae

Uses the image of bearing a cross ('Siluvai') as a metaphor for taking on immense suffering for the sake of truth.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Thaeril irundhaayae ippodhu / Theruvil vizhundhaayae

The initial sound 'Thae'/'The' matches at the start of both consecutive lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed with unknown credits in the prompt context, *Kaadhale Nimmadhi* (1998) features music composed by Deva, with vocals by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam for this song. Lyricist Pazhani Bharathi wrote the evocative lyrics exploring themes of truth, moral conviction, and suffering, which mirrored the tragic narrative turn in the film starring Suriya.

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