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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Inba Malargal Poothu

From Padikkadha Medhai · 1960

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
P. Susheela, L. R. Eswari
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Padikkadha Medhai1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kandavar madhikkaSo that those who see us respect us
Ingae vaazhndhiduvom… oo…oo oo oooWe shall live here... oo...oo oo ooo
Kandavar madhikkaSo that those who see us respect us
Ingae vaazhndhiduvomWe shall live here
Female
Ganniyam thannnaiOur dignity and honor
Iru kan polae kaathiduvomWe shall protect like our two eyes
Ganniyam thannnaiOur dignity and honor
Iru kan polae kaathiduvomWe shall protect like our two eyes
Female
Melai naadugalaiThe Western nations
Suttriduvom thaevaiWe shall travel across, and whatever is needed
Namakkedhuvo adhai mattum kattriduvomOnly that which is required for us, we shall learn
Melai naadugalaiThe Western nations
Suttriduvom thaevaiWe shall travel across, and whatever is needed
Namakkedhuvo adhai mattum kattriduvomOnly that which is required for us, we shall learn
Female
Kaalam idharkkaettraAccording to the changing times
Kolathaiyum kondiduvomWe shall adopt the appropriate conduct and attire
Kaalam idharkkaettraAccording to the changing times
Kolathaiyum kondiduvomWe shall adopt the appropriate conduct and attire

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song presents a progressive philosophy of living a dignified, respectable life while staying open-minded and adaptable. It emphasizes protecting one's honor and self-respect with utmost care, comparing it to safeguarding one's own eyes. It encourages traveling to Western nations to acquire beneficial knowledge and modern ideas, while carefully choosing only what is useful and necessary. Finally, it calls for adaptability, encouraging people to evolve their attire and lifestyle according to changing times without losing their core moral integrity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Ganniyam thannnai / Iru kan polae kaathiduvom

Compares protecting one's self-respect (ganniyam) to protecting one's own two eyes (iru kan).

Rhyme / Monai

Suttriduvom thaevai / Namakkedhuvo adhai mattum kattriduvom

The verbs 'Suttriduvom' (travel) and 'Kattriduvom' (learn) use matching rhyming patterns and rhythm to create a melodious flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

Padikkadha Medhai (1960) is a celebrated Tamil drama film directed by A. Bhimsingh and starring Sivaji Ganesan. Though the song's lyricist is A. Maruthakasi, the movie's soundtrack was composed by the legendary music director duo K. V. Mahadevan.

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