Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ilaya Thalaimurai

From Ilaya Thalaimurai · 1977

Lyricist
Malliyam Rajagopal
Singers
M. S. Vishwanathan, Kovai Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Ilaya Thalaimurai1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Ilaya thalaimuraiYounger generation
Iniya thalaimuraiSweet generation
Ilaiya thalaimurai iniya thalaimuraiYounger generation, sweet generation
Male
Ilaya thalaimuraiYounger generation
Iniya thalaimuraiSweet generation
Ilaiya thalaimuraiYounger generation
Chorus :Aaa….aa….aa….Chorus: Aaa....aa....aa....
Male :Iniya thalaimuraiMale: Sweet generation
Chorus :Aaa….aa…..aa….Chorus: Aaa....aa....aa....
Male
Ini intha naattukku neethaan kalangaraiFrom now on, you are the guiding light for this nation
Ini intha naattukku neethaan kalangaraiFrom now on, you are the guiding light for this nation
Male
Ilaya thalaimuraiYounger generation
Iniya thalaimuraiSweet generation
Male
Udhaya kaalaththin bhoopaala raagangalaeO dawn melodies of the Bhoopalam ragam
Oru pudhiya vaanaththin sudhanthira megangalaeO free clouds soaring in a new sky
Udhaya kaalaththin bhoopaala raagangalaeO dawn melodies of the Bhoopalam ragam
Chorus :Aa….aa…aa….Chorus: Aa....aa...aa....
Male :Oru pudhiya vaanaththin sudhanthira megangalaeMale: O free clouds soaring in a new sky
Chorus :Aa….aa…aa….Chorus: Aa....aa...aa....
Male
Idhaya ganavaenthi mithakkindra kappalgalae siruO floating ships carrying dreams and duty in your heart
Vithaiyil maranthirukkumHidden inside a small seed,
Edhirkaala viruchangalaeO mighty trees of the future
Male
Ilaya thalaimuraiYounger generation
Iniya thalaimuraiSweet generation
Male
Ini intha naattukku neethaan kalangaraiFrom now on, you are the guiding light for this nation
Ini intha naattukku neethaan kalangaraiFrom now on, you are the guiding light for this nation
Male
Ilaya thalaimuraiYounger generation
Iniya thalaimuraiSweet generation
Male
Mathippodu vaazhungalLive with self-respect and honor,
Maanikka sirppangalaeO sculptures crafted of ruby
Naattin munnettram ungalinThe progress and future of this country lie
Ponnaana kaigalilaeIn your precious golden hands
Male
Mudhiya thalaimuraiyinO beacon symbols of hope for
Nampikkai chinnangalaeThe older generation
Chorus :Aa….aa…aa….Chorus: Aa....aa...aa....
Male :Naattin munnettram ungalinMale: The progress and future of this country lie
Ponnaana kaigalilaeIn your precious golden hands
Chorus :Aa….aa…aa….Chorus: Aa....aa...aa....
Male
Mathippodu vaazhungalLive with self-respect and honor,
Maanikka sirppangalaeO sculptures crafted of ruby
Pala maanila thottaththilIn the vast garden of many states,
Malarnthitta pushpangalaeO beautiful blossomed flowers
Male
Ilaya thalaimuraiYounger generation
Chorus :Aa….aa…aa….Chorus: Aa....aa...aa....
Male :Iniya thalaimuraiMale: Sweet generation
Chorus :Aa….aa…aa….Chorus: Aa....aa...aa....
Male
Ini intha naattukku neethaan kalangaraiFrom now on, you are the guiding light for this nation
Ini intha naattukku neethaan kalangaraiFrom now on, you are the guiding light for this nation
Male
Ilaya thalaimuraiYounger generation
Chorus :Aa….aa…aa….Chorus: Aa....aa...aa....
Male :Iniya thalaimuraiMale: Sweet generation
Chorus :Aa….aa…aa….Chorus: Aa....aa...aa....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Ilaya Thalaimurai' is an uplifting, patriotic anthem addressed directly to the youth of India. It celebrates the potential, responsibility, and vitality of the younger generation, portraying them as the future leaders, innovators, and moral backbone of the country. Through vibrant imagery, the lyrics call upon the youth to act as lighthouses guiding the nation towards progress and unity. The lyrics use poetic metaphors—comparing youth to dawn melodies, free clouds, ruby sculptures, and giant trees growing from small seeds—to emphasize their transformative power. It urges them to live with honor and dignity while fulfilling the hopes and dreams that the older generation leaves in their capable hands.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor (உவமை)

Ini intha naattukku neethaan kalangarai

Compares youth to a lighthouse ('kalangarai') guiding the nation.

Metaphor (உவமை)

Udhaya kaalaththin bhoopaala raagangalae

Compares youth to morning melodies ('Bhoopaala raagangalae') and free clouds ('sudhanthira megangalae').

Metaphor (உவமை)

Edhirkaala viruchangalae

Compares the potential of youth to giant future trees hidden inside small seeds ('Vithaiyil maranthirukkum Edhirkaala viruchangalae').

Emoni / Alliteration (எதுகை / மோனை)

Ilaiya thalaimurai iniya thalaimurai

Rhyming and rhythmic repetition of 'Ilaya thalaimurai' and 'Iniya thalaimurai'.

Did you know?

Trivia

The title song of the 1977 film 'Ilaya Thalaimurai' was composed and sung by the legend M. S. Viswanathan alongside Kovai Soundararajan. Known for his powerful vocal delivery, MSV infused the track with high energy and orchestral grandeur to create a timeless motivational anthem for youth and students in Tamil Nadu during the late 1970s.

Keep listening

More from Ilaya Thalaimurai