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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Isai Amudham

From Kodeeswaran · 1955

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Kodeeswaran1955

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Haaa..aaaa…Ah... aaa...
Isai amudham polundo..ahaaIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?
Isai amudham polundoIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?
Isai amudham polundoIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?
Ver yedhu iniya uyar kalai ulagilaeWhat other sweet and noble art exists in this world?
Isai amudham polundoIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?
Ver yedhu iniya uyar kalai ulagilaeWhat other sweet and noble art exists in this world?
Isai amudham polundoIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?
Female
Pasiyaiyum marandhuEven forgetting physical hunger,
Uyirgal paravasam aagumae..ae..All living beings attain blissful ecstasy..
Pasiyaiyum marandhuEven forgetting physical hunger,
Uyirgal paravasam aagumae..All living beings attain blissful ecstasy..
Paravasam aagumaeThey fall into pure ecstasy,
Paravasam aagumaeThey fall into pure ecstasy.
Visanam ellaam theerkkum theera pinikkumIt dispels all sorrow, and for incurable afflictions,
Visanam ellaam theerkkum theera pinikkumIt dispels all sorrow, and for incurable afflictions,
Deiva marundhaagumae..ae..It serves as a divine medicine..
Female
Isai amudham polundoIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?
Ver yedhu iniya uyar kalai ulagilaeWhat other sweet and noble art exists in this world?
Isai amudham polundoIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?
Female
Pazhandhamil thaalattilaeIn ancient Tamil lullabies,
Kann urangumEyes drift off to sleep,
Kulandhaigal adhan paatilae..aeChildren fall asleep listening to its melody..
Pazhandhamil thaalattilaeIn ancient Tamil lullabies,
Kann urangumEyes drift off to sleep,
Kulandhaigal adhan paatilaeChildren fall asleep listening to its melody.
Veingkuzhalosaiyil vilangugal magizhumAnimals rejoice in delight at the sound of the bamboo flute,
Veingkuzhalosaiyil vilangugal magizhumAnimals rejoice in delight at the sound of the bamboo flute,
Veenai oliyil mei gyananum milirumAnd true spiritual wisdom shines bright in the resonant sound of the Veena.
Female
Isai amudham polundoIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?
Ver yedhu iniya uyar kalai ulagilaeWhat other sweet and noble art exists in this world?
Isai amudham polundoIs there anything like the ambrosia of music?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Isai Amudham Polundo is a classical composition that glorifies music as the ultimate, incomparable high art in the world. Penned by the legendary Carnatic composer Papanasam Sivan, the song compares music to 'Amudham' (divine nectar or ambrosia). It describes how music possesses the transcendent power to make living creatures forget physical hunger, induce spiritual euphoria, alleviate mental anguish, and serve as a divine cure for endless suffering. The lyrics further illustrate music's ubiquitous impact across nature and human life—from tender ancient Tamil lullabies that lull babies to sleep, to the sweet notes of the bamboo flute that enchant animals, and the divine vibrations of the Veena that awaken true spiritual enlightenment.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Metaphor)

Isai amudham polundo

Music is directly compared to 'Amudham' (divine nectar/ambrosia), signifying its supreme sweetness and life-giving qualities.

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Aani)

Ver yedhu iniya uyar kalai ulagilae

The lyrics pose rhetorical questions asserting that no other art form in the world can match the nobility and sweetness of music.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Veingkuzhalosaiyil vilangugal magizhum / Veenai oliyil mei gyananum milirum

Repetition of the initial letter/sound 'Ve' in consecutive lines ('Veingkuzhalosaiyil' and 'Veenai oliyil') creating melodic rhythm.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi Aani)

Visanam ellaam theerkkum theera pinikkum Deiva marundhaagumae

Exaggerating music's power to cure incurable physical afflictions as a divine elixir.

Did you know?

Trivia

This classical masterpiece was written by Papanasam Sivan, who is widely revered as 'Tamil Tyagayya' for his monumental contributions to Carnatic music and early Tamil film music. The song was rendered by legendary playback singer P. Leela for the film Kodeeswaran (1955), with music composed by S. V. Venkatraman.

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