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Isaimozhi
Mayor Meenakshi album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Irundha Nalla Iru

From Mayor Meenakshi · 1976

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
Vani Jairam, M. S. Vishwanathan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Mayor Meenakshi
Movie release year
1976
Lyrics added on
10 Nov 2023

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Irunthaa nallaa iru
Nee eppothum onnaa iru
Enakkum kannaa iru
Puthi illaennaa rendaa iru…
Irunthaa nallaa iru
Nee eppothum onnaa iru
Enakkum kannaa iru
Puthi illaennaa rendaa iru…
Ozhungaa irunthaa oorae mathikkum
Unakkundu edhirkaalam
Madhu ullae vizhunthaa
Uravaey verukkum
Unakkae puriyonum
Irunthaa nallaa iru
Nee eppothum onnaa iru
Enakkum kannaa iru
Puthi illaennaa rendaa iru…
Paruvam vantha neram paarthu
Arivu kettu aadaathae
Paruvam vantha neram paarthu
Arivu kettu aadaathae
Pazhagum koottam vilagi poyi
Thaniyae ninnu vaadaathae
Niraiya thanni potta pinnum
Nidhaanam mattum maaraathu
Neruppu potti engae vachaen
Adhuthaan konjam puriyaathu
Adachchi….kammunnu keda….
Ozhungaa irunthaa oorae mathikkum
Unakkundu edhirkaalam
Madhu ullae vizhunthaa
Uravaey verukkum
Unakkae puriyonum
Irunthaa nallaa iru
Nee eppothum onnaa iru
Enakkum kannaa iru
Puthi illaennaa rendaa iru…
Mullil patta vetti aagum
Kallai thotta un vaazhvu
Mullil patta vetti aagum
Kallai thotta un vaazhvu
Punnil patta eetti aagum
Unnai thotta en vaazhvu
Sorkkam paarkka pogumpothu
Nee pakkam vanthu nikkaathae
Vetkkam maanam paarkka ponaa
Vishayam onnum nikkaathae
Adachchi….kammunnu keda….
Ozhungaa irunthaa oorae mathikkum
Unakkundu edhirkaalam
Madhu ullae vizhunthaa
Uravaey verukkum
Unakkae puriyonum
Irunthaa nallaa iru
Nee eppothum onnaa iru
Enakkum kannaa iru
Puthi illaennaa rendaa iru…
If you live, live well,
always stay united,
and be like my very eyes to me.
If you lack good sense, go split in two...
If you live, live well,
always stay united,
and be like my very eyes to me.
If you lack good sense, go split in two...
If you live properly, the whole town will respect you,
you have a bright future ahead.
If liquor goes inside you,
even your loved ones will despise you;
you need to understand this yourself.
If you live, live well,
always stay united,
and be like my very eyes to me.
If you lack good sense, go split in two...
Just because youth has arrived,
do not lose your mind and act wild.
Just because youth has arrived,
do not lose your mind and act wild.
Do not let all your friends drift away
and end up withering all alone.
Even after drinking plenty of booze,
my steady balance never wavers!
Where did I keep the matchbox?
That alone I just cannot figure out!
Oh hush... just stay quiet!
If you live properly, the whole town will respect you,
you have a bright future ahead.
If liquor goes inside you,
even your loved ones will despise you;
you need to understand this yourself.
If you live, live well,
always stay united,
and be like my very eyes to me.
If you lack good sense, go split in two...
Like a cloth caught in thorns,
your life will tear if you touch liquor.
Like a cloth caught in thorns,
your life will tear if you touch liquor.
Like a spear thrust into a wound,
my life is hurt by being tied to you.
When I am on my way to taste heaven,
do not come and stand by my side!
If we care too much about shame and dignity,
nothing fun will ever work out!
Oh hush... just stay quiet!
If you live properly, the whole town will respect you,
you have a bright future ahead.
If liquor goes inside you,
even your loved ones will despise you;
you need to understand this yourself.
If you live, live well,
always stay united,
and be like my very eyes to me.
If you lack good sense, go split in two...
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Male
Female
Female
Female
Female
Male
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

Irunthaa Nallaa Iru from Mayor Meenakshi (1976) is a lively, advice-laden conversational song between a sensible woman and an intoxicated man. The female protagonist offers earnest counsel, warning that good conduct earns society's respect and a bright future, whereas alcohol consumption destroys reputation and drives away family and friends. The male protagonist responds with humorous, slurred defenses, illustrating his drunken state by forgetting trivial things like where he placed a matchbox. Penned by Kannadasan and set to tune by M. S. Viswanathan, the song employs sharp metaphors and folk wisdom to deliver a moral message against alcoholism wrapped in lighthearted, theatrical musical dialogue.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyming)

“Mullil patta vetti aagum / Kallai thotta un vaazhvu”

The second consonant 'll' is repeated across successive lines for rhythmic harmony.

Metaphor / Simile

“Mullil patta vetti aagum ... Punnil patta eetti aagum”

Comparing a damaged life to a dhoti caught in thorns or a spear striking an existing wound.

Uvamaani (Metaphoric Endearment)

“Enakkum kannaa iru”

Comparing the beloved to one's sight/eyes ('kannaa') as a term of deep value and protection.

Did you know?

Trivia

Music Director M. S. Viswanathan himself provided the drunken, comedic male vocals opposite Vani Jairam, delivering a playful and theatrical performance characteristic of his energetic vocal style.

Keep listening

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