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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Isai Arase

From Mathar Kula Manickam · 1956

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
S. Rajeswara Rao
Details
Mathar Kula Manickam1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Isai arasae kalanidhiyaeO king of music, treasury of arts!
Isai arasae kalanidhiyaeO king of music, treasury of arts!
Mei inbamadhae tharum kaadhal jodhiyaeO light of love that bestows true eternal bliss!
Isai arasae kalanidhiyaeO king of music, treasury of arts!
Female
Kanimozhi dhinamaeDaily speaking sweet words,
Pesiyun manamaeYour heart...
Kanimozhi dhinamaeDaily speaking sweet words,
Pesiyun manamaeYour heart...
Inimaiyum kaanavaeTo experience sweet harmony,
Thunai purivenaeI shall assist and stand by as your companion.
Isai arasae kalanidhiyaeO king of music, treasury of arts!
Female
Kanivudan unadhu roobamadhaeWith tender affection, your very image,
Kanivudan unadhu roobamadhaeWith tender affection, your very image,
En kangalil nadanam aadidudhaeDances gracefully before my eyes.
Kaaviya thalaivaa viraladhu yaazhilae ..aeO hero of epic poetry, as your fingers play the harp...
Kaaviya thalaivaa viraladhu yaazhilaeO hero of epic poetry, as your fingers play the harp,
Kalandhidum kaatchiyil sadhaa manadhuIn that captivating sight where soul meets song, my heart always
Ulaa varudhu sugam perudhuWanders in joy and attains immense bliss!
Female
Isai arasae kalanidhiyaeO king of music, treasury of arts!
Mei inbamadhae tharum kaadhal jodhiyaeO light of love that bestows true eternal bliss!
Isai arasae kalanidhiyaeO king of music, treasury of arts!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song expresses deep romantic admiration and reverence for a beloved musical maestro. The narrator hails her lover as the sovereign king of music and a repository of artistic excellence, describing his love as a luminous light that yields divine, authentic bliss. She describes the spellbinding effect of watching his tender form and hearing his sweet words, particularly noting how his skillful fingers gliding over the harp cause her mind to wander freely in pure joy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvam)

Isai arasae kalanidhiyae / Mei inbamadhae tharum kaadhal jodhiyae

Addressing the beloved directly as 'Isai arasae' (King of Music), 'Kalanidhiyae' (Treasury of Art), and 'Kaadhal jodhiyae' (Flame/Light of Love).

Imagery (Visual & Auditory)

En kangalil nadanam aadidudhae / Kaaviya thalaivaa viraladhu yaazhilae

Evokes vivid visual imagery of a form dancing in the eyes and fingers gliding over the harp strings (yaazh).

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kalandhidum kaatchiyil sadhaa manadhu / Ulaa varudhu sugam perudhu

Matching second consonants ('la') in consecutive lines ('Kalandhidum' and 'Ulaa').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Mathar Kula Manickam' (1956) was a dual-language production released concurrently in Telugu as 'Charana Daasi'. Composed by the legendary S. Rajeswara Rao with lyrics by A. Maruthakasi, this track highlights P. Susheela's early career vocal brilliance in classical-infused Tamil film melodies.

Keep listening

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