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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Irunthum Illathavar

From Kongu Nattu Thangam · 1961

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
M. L. Vasanthakumari
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kongu Nattu Thangam1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Irundhum illadhavaraeThose who exist yet do not truly exist,
Ellam irundhum illadhavaraeThose who have everything, yet possess nothing,
Avargal iruppadhuTheir very existence is,
Unmaiyil perundhavareIn truth, a great misfortune,
Ulagil irundhum illadhavaraeThose who exist in the world yet do not truly exist.
Avargal iruppadhuTheir very existence is,
Unmaiyil perundhavareIn truth, a great misfortune,
Ulagil irundhum illadhavaraeThose who exist in the world yet do not truly exist.
Female
Selvam irundhennaWhat is the use of having wealth?
Sirappugal irundhennaWhat is the use of having fame and honor?
Haa…aa….aaa…Haa...aa...aaa...
Selvam irundhennaWhat is the use of having wealth?
Sirappugal irundhennaWhat is the use of having fame and honor?
Selvam irundhennaWhat is the use of having wealth?
Sirappugal irundhennaWhat is the use of having fame and honor?
Selvam irundhennaWhat is the use of having wealth?
Sirappugal irundhennaWhat is the use of having fame and honor?
Kallamillaa ullam illadhavar ellamAll those who lack an innocent and guileless heart,
Kallamillaa ullam illadhavar ellamAll those who lack an innocent and guileless heart,
Irundhum illadhavaraeThey exist yet do not truly exist,
Avargal iruppadhuTheir very existence is,
Unmaiyil perundhavareIn truth, a great misfortune,
Ulagil irundhum illadhavaraeThose who exist in the world yet do not truly exist.
Female
Manakkum jaadhi malli malarai thalliRejecting the fragrant jasmine flower,
Kannai parikkum kaagitha poo vanghuvoorThose who buy eye-catching paper flowers,
Manakkum jaadhi malli malarai thalliRejecting the fragrant jasmine flower,
Kannai parikkum kaagitha poo vanghuvoorThose who buy eye-catching paper flowers,
Veli azhagil aasai kondu yenghuvorThose who yearn with desire for superficial beauty,
Veli azhagil aasai kondu yenghuvorThose who yearn with desire for superficial beauty,
Malar vittu malar thaavi madhuvunnum vandaaghiBecoming like a bee that hops from flower to flower sipping nectar,
Malar vittu malar thaavi madhuvunnum vandaaghiBecoming like a bee that hops from flower to flower sipping nectar,
Mana nilai thadumaari vaazhndhiduvor ellaamAll those who live with a mind lacking stability,
Mana nilai thadumaari vaazhndhiduvor ellaamAll those who live with a mind lacking stability,
Irundhum illadhavaraeThey exist yet do not truly exist,
Avargal iruppadhuTheir very existence is,
Unmaiyil perundhavareIn truth, a great misfortune,
Ulagil irundhum illadhavaraeThose who exist in the world yet do not truly exist.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from 'Kongu Nattu Thangam' reflects on the true purpose and value of human life. It posits that worldly possessions, material riches, and societal honors are utterly futile if a person lacks a pure, guileless heart. The lyricist criticizes people who prefer superficial, artificial allure over genuine virtue, comparing them to those who reject fragrant real flowers in favor of bright paper flowers, or those whose fickle minds wander endlessly like bees hopping from flower to flower.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Paradox

Irundhum illadhavarae

The phrase 'Irundhum illadhavarae' (Those who exist yet do not exist) uses paradox to contrast physical life with a meaningful spiritual existence.

Metaphor

Kannai parikkum kaagitha poo vanghuvoor

Comparing superficial, fake virtues or attachments to bright 'paper flowers' (kaagitha poo) versus real 'jasmine flowers' (jaadhi malli).

Simile / Insect Imagery

Malar vittu malar thaavi madhuvunnum vandaaghi

Comparing a fickle, unstable human mind to a bee flitting restlessly from blossom to blossom.

Moona (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Selvam irundhenna / Sirappugal irundhenna

Repetition of initial consonants 'S' in 'Selvam' and 'Sirappugal'.

Did you know?

Trivia

This track features a rendered classical vocal performance by legendary Carnatic vocalist M. L. Vasanthakumari, set to music by 'Thirai Isai Thilagam' K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics penned by A. Maruthakasi.

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