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Isaimozhi
Avargal album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Gangaiyile Neer

From Avargal · 1977

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Avargal
Movie release year
1977
Lyrics added on
26 Feb 2018

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Gangaiyilae neer perugi
Vayalgal ellaam nel vilainthu
Poigaiyilae thaamarai poo poothathamma
Kai niraintha pookkalilae
Mai niraintha vizhi thiranthu
Gokulathil oru kuzhanthai piranthathamma
Gokulathil oru kuzhanthai piranthathamma
Gokulathil oru kuzhanthai piranthathamma
As the waters of the Ganges
swelled and spread across all the fields,
paddy grew rich, and in the ponds
lotuses bloomed; into hands full of
flowers, opening kohl-lined eyes,
a child was born in Gokulam!
A child was born in Gokulam!
A child was born in Gokulam!
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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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