- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Singer
- P. Leela
- Music director
- S. V. Venkatraman
- Movie name
- Kodeeswaran
- Movie release year
- 1955
- Lyrics added on
- 2 Nov 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
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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