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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Inbamenge Inbamenge Endru

From Manamulla Marutharam · 1958

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Manamulla Marutharam1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thoongaiyilae vaangugira moochuThe breath that is drawn while sleeping,
Idhu Suzhimaari ponaalum pochuIf its natural rhythm strays, life is gone.
Ulutha moongil udal mel minukku poochuThe shiny coating over a hollow, decayed bamboo body—
Endra mozhi endrum unmaiyaana pechu..aa..aa..aa..These words are an eternal truth spoken.
Male
Inbamengae inbamengae endru theduSearch where true happiness lies, seek where it is!
Adhu engirundha pothum athai naadi oduWherever it may be, run towards it and seek it.
Inbamengae inbamengae endru theduSearch where true happiness lies, seek where it is!
Adhu engirundha pothum athai naadi oduWherever it may be, run towards it and seek it.
Inbamengae inbamengae endru theduSearch where true happiness lies, seek where it is!
Male
Indriruppor naalai ingaeWill those who are here today remain here tomorrow?
Iruppathenna unmaiIs that the truth?
Idhai ennidaamal serthu vaithuWithout reflecting on this, what good comes from hoarding wealth,
Kaathu enna nanmaiAnd guarding it so fervently?
Male
Indriruppor naalai ingaeWill those who are here today remain here tomorrow?
Iruppathenna unmaiIs that the truth?
Idhai ennidaamal serthu vaithuWithout reflecting on this, what good comes from hoarding wealth,
Kaathu enna nanmaiAnd guarding it so fervently?
Male
Irukum varai inbangalaiThe quality of enjoying life's pleasures
Anubavikkum thanmaiAs long as you are alive—
Illaiyendraal vaazhvinilaeIf you do not possess that quality, in this life,
Unakku yedhu inimai..What sweetness remains for you?
Male
Inbamengae …Where is happiness...
Inbamengae inbamengae endru theduSearch where true happiness lies, seek where it is!
Male
Kanirasamaam mathuvarunthiDrinking intoxicating liquor made of fruit juice,
Kalippathalla inbamAnd making merry is not true happiness.
Kanigaiyarin thunaiyinilaeIn the company of courtesans,
Kidaippathalla inbamTrue happiness cannot be found.
Male
Kanirasamaam mathuvarunthiDrinking intoxicating liquor made of fruit juice,
Kalippathalla inbamAnd making merry is not true happiness.
Kanigaiyarin thunaiyinilaeIn the company of courtesans,
Kidaippathalla inbamTrue happiness cannot be found.
Male
Inaiyillaa manaiyaalinThe loving words of a peerless wife,
Vaaimozhiyae inbamThat indeed is true happiness.
Aval idhazh sindhum punnagaiyeThe gentle smile that spills from her lips,
Alavillaatha inbamIs boundless joy.
Male
Inbamengae …Where is happiness...
Inbamengae inbamengae endru theduSearch where true happiness lies, seek where it is!
Adhu engirundha pothum athai naadi oduWherever it may be, run towards it and seek it.
Inbamengae inbamengae endru theduSearch where true happiness lies, seek where it is!
Male
Maadi manai kodi panamPosh mansions, wealth worth crores,
Vaaganam veen jambamVehicles, and vain ostentation—
Vaazhvinilae oruvanukuThese do not give a person
Tharuvathalla inbamTrue happiness in life.
Male
Maadi manai kodi panamPosh mansions, wealth worth crores,
Vaaganam veen jambamVehicles, and vain ostentation—
Vaazhvinilae oruvanukuThese do not give a person
Tharuvathalla inbamTrue happiness in life.
Male
Mazhalai mozhi vaayamuthamThe sweet, nectar-like lisping words
Vazhangum pillaichelvamBestowed by the treasure of a child,
Un maar meethu udhaippathilaeWhen they kick playfulness upon your chest,
Kidaippadhu thaan inbamThat is where true joy is found!
Male
Inbamengae …Where is happiness...
Inbamengae inbamengae endru theduSearch where true happiness lies, seek where it is!
Adhu engirundha pothum athai naadi oduWherever it may be, run towards it and seek it.
Inbamengae inbamengae endru theduSearch where true happiness lies, seek where it is!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song 'Inbamengae' explores the true nature and source of human happiness. It opens with a reflection on impermanence, comparing the fragile human body to a shiny but hollow bamboo that can lose life at any breath. The lyrics caution against hoarding wealth or believing that temporary worldly status lasts forever, reminding us that life is uncertain and fleeting.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Thoongaiyilae vaangugira moochu

Matching second consonants across lines, e.g., 'Thoongaiyilae' and 'Idhu' / 'Ulutha' creates a rhythmic harmony in Tamil poetry.

Monaul / Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Kanirasamaam mathuvarunthi

Repetition of initial consonant sounds such as 'Kanirasamaam' and 'Kanigaiyarin' creates a musical cadence.

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Ulutha moongil udal mel minukku poochu

Comparing the human body to a 'decayed bamboo' coated with polish ('Ulutha moongil udal mel minukku poochu') metaphorically underscores the physical fragility of human existence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. V. Mahadevan and rendered in the commanding, resonant voice of Seerkazhi Govindarajan, this philosophical classic from 'Manamulla Marutharam' (1958) features lyricist A. Maruthakasi's deep moral insights influenced by Siddhar philosophy.

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