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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Gangaiyile Neer

From Avargal · 1977

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Avargal1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Gangaiyilae neer perugiAs the waters overflowed in the River Ganges,
Vayalgal ellaam nel vilainthuAnd paddy crops grew abundantly across all the fields,
Poigaiyilae thaamarai poo poothathammaA lotus flower bloomed in the pond, my dear!
Kai niraintha pookkalilaeAmidst hands filled with flowers,
Mai niraintha vizhi thiranthuOpening eyes adorned with kohl,
Gokulathil oru kuzhanthai piranthathammaA child was born in Gokulam!
Gokulathil oru kuzhanthai piranthathammaA child was born in Gokulam!
Gokulathil oru kuzhanthai piranthathammaA child was born in Gokulam!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song segment uses rich natural imagery to celebrate the auspicious and joyful arrival of a newborn child. By describing the Ganges overflowing with water, paddy fields blooming with grain, and lotuses opening in ponds, the lyricist paints a picture of ultimate abundance, fertility, and divine blessing accompanying the birth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kai niraintha pookkalilae / Mai niraintha vizhi thiranthu

The second character sound in 'Kai' and 'Mai' rhymes, creating a melodic flow between consecutive lines.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Poigaiyilae thaamarai poo poothathamma / Gokulathil oru kuzhanthai piranthathamma

Both lines end with the rhythmic suffix 'athamma', giving the lyrics a lyrical lullaby quality.

Allusion / Divine Imagery

Gokulathil oru kuzhanthai piranthathamma

Compares the birth of the child to the divine birth of Lord Krishna in Gokulam, elevating the moment to a sacred celebration.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although the lyrics carry strong devotional and maternal themes typical of Kannadasan's style, the film 'Avargal' (1977) directed by K. Balachander was a progressive drama featuring Sujatha, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth, with music composed by M. S. Viswanathan.

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