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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Inbam Inbam

From Manimekalai · 1959

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Bhanumathi
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Manimekalai1959

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Female
Aa aa aa aa… aa aa aa aa…aa aa aa aa[Vocalizing]
Haa aa aa aa aa…haa aa aa aa aa…haa aa aa aa aa…[Vocalizing]
Haa aa aa aa aa…haa aa aa aa aa…haa aa aa aa aa…[Vocalizing]
Haa aa aa aa aa…haa aa aa aa aa…[Vocalizing]
Female
Inbam inbam inbamJoy, joy, joy!
Inbam inbam inbamJoy, joy, joy!
Indha ulgil unmai kadhal ondraeIn this world, true love alone is
Inbam inbam inbamJoy, joy, joy!
Indha ulgil unmai kadhal ondraeIn this world, true love alone is
Inbam inbam inbamJoy, joy, joy!
Female
Ponn porul pooshanam tharum inbamThe joy brought by gold, wealth, and ornaments,
Ponn porul pooshanam tharum inbamThe joy brought by gold, wealth, and ornaments,
Kangalai kavarum poi inbamIs a false joy that merely beguiles the eyes.
Aimbulan suvai perum kadhalinbameThe joy of love that delights all five senses,
Aimbulan suvai perum kadhalinbameThe joy of love that delights all five senses,
Amara vaazhvu tharum mei inbamIs the true joy that grants an immortal life.
Female
Inbam inbam inbamJoy, joy, joy!
Indha ulgil unmai kadhal ondraeIn this world, true love alone is
Inbam inbam inbamJoy, joy, joy!
Female
Ha aa aa aa… inbam inbam inbam[Vocalizing] Joy, joy, joy!
Haa aa aa aa aa…haa inbam inbam inbam[Vocalizing] Joy, joy, joy!
Haa haa aa aa aa…haa haa aa aa aa…[Vocalizing]
Haa aa aa aa aa…inbam inbam inbam[Vocalizing] Joy, joy, joy!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This iconic composition celebrates genuine love as the ultimate source of eternal happiness in human existence. It contrasts temporary material pleasures—such as gold, wealth, and physical embellishments, which merely offer visually enticing but false satisfaction—with true love, which satisfies all five senses and provides divine, everlasting joy (mei inbam).

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaikal (Alliteration)

“Ponn porul pooshanam tharum inbam”

Repetition of the initial 'Po' sound in 'Ponn porul pooshanam' creates melodic rhythm and auditory harmony.

Antithesis (Contrast)

“Kangalai kavarum poi inbam / Amara vaazhvu tharum mei inbam”

Direct philosophical juxtaposition between 'poi inbam' (false joy from material goods) and 'mei inbam' (true joy from eternal love).

Anaphora / Epizeuxis

“Inbam inbam inbam”

Emphatic repetition of the word 'Inbam' (joy) highlights the song's primary motif and emotional core.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Manimekalai' (1959) was adapted from the famous ancient Tamil Buddhist epic written by Chithalai Chathanar. Singer P. Bhanumathi, who was also a multitalented director, author, and studio owner, delivered this classical song composed by veteran maestro G. Ramanathan with intricate vocal swaras.

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