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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Illai Enbathum

From Mallika (1957 film) · 1957

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
Jikki
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Mallika (1957 film)1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Illai enbadhum undooIs there anything called impossible?
Naam ezhundhu vittaalOnce we rise up,
Manam thunindhu vittaalOnce our heart becomes courageous,
Ini innal edhum undooCan there be any troubles anymore?
Female
Nillu nillu nillu nimirndhu nilluStand, stand, stand, stand tall with your head held high!
Urudhi kollu vidhiyai velluBe resolute and conquer fate!
Raamahoo raamahooo raamahoo raamahooRaamahoo raamahooo raamahoo raamahoo
Female
Vallal polae selvam vazhangumBestowing wealth like a generous benefactor,
Vattraadha boomi idhuvaeThis is the endless, never-drying land.
Valimai namakku udalil irukkuWe have strength in our bodies,
Manadhil kavalai edhukkuWhy have worry in our hearts?
Female
Illai enbadhum undooIs there anything called impossible?
Naam ezhundhu vittaalOnce we rise up,
Manam thunindhu vittaalOnce our heart becomes courageous,
Ini innal edhum undooCan there be any troubles anymore?
Female
Allal vaazhvinil bali aagamalaeWithout becoming a victim in a life of suffering,
Val vidhiyinai velvom naamaeWe ourselves shall conquer strong destiny.
Aalaiyin noolae sel sel selO thread of the factory, go, go, go!
Naalai needhaan mal mal malTomorrow you shall become strong and prosperous!
Un ellai thanai nee kaanum varaiUntil you reach your destination,
Engum nillaamal selvaai neeyaeKeep moving forward without stopping anywhere!
Female
Illai enbadhum undooIs there anything called impossible?
Naam ezhundhu vittaalOnce we rise up,
Manam thunindhu vittaalOnce our heart becomes courageous,
Ini innal edhum undooCan there be any troubles anymore?
Female
Engaiyaa rengaiyaaHey sir, oh Rengayya!
Engaiyaa rengaiyaaHey sir, oh Rengayya!
Raamahoo raamahooo raamahoo raamahooRaamahoo raamahooo raamahoo raamahoo
Female
Kudikka koozhum udutha udaiyumPorridge to drink and clothes to wear,
Kidaithaalae podhum namakkuIf we get just that, it is enough for us.
Adharkku vazhiyum irukkum bodhuWhen there is a way to achieve that,
Thayakkam veene edharkkuWhy hesitate in vain?
Naam sevai seidhaal namm thaai naadidhaeIf we serve this motherland of ours,
Malar solaiyaagum ingaeIt will turn into a blossoming flower garden right here!
Female
Illai enbadhum undooIs there anything called impossible?
Naam ezhundhu vittaalOnce we rise up,
Manam thunindhu vittaalOnce our heart becomes courageous,
Ini innal edhum undooCan there be any troubles anymore?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This uplifting motivational song from the film Mallika (1957) encourages working-class individuals and laborers to overcome hardships through self-belief, courage, and perseverance. It asserts that once people unite and stand strong, no misfortune or destiny can hold them back.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Epizeuxis (Repetition)

Nillu nillu nillu nimirndhu nillu

The word 'nillu' (stand) is repeated multiple times continuously for dramatic emphasis and call to action.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Urudhi kollu vidhiyai vellu

The words 'kollu' and 'vellu' rhyme at the end of adjacent phrases, adding rhythmic cadence.

Metaphor

Malar solaiyaagum ingae

The motherland undergoing development through hard work is metaphorically compared to a blooming flower garden.

Did you know?

Trivia

Penned by A. Maruthakasi and set to music by T. R. Pappa, this energetic song sung by Jikki reflects the socialistic and labor-empowerment themes prevalent in Tamil cinema during the late 1950s.

Keep listening

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