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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Jadhi Enbar Vedham

From Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam · 1978

Lyricist
Alangudi Somu
Singer
M. S. Vishwanathan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
…………………...
Male
Jaadhi enbaar vaedham enbaarThey will speak of caste, they will speak of scripture,
Saasthirangal kodi enbaarThey will speak of millions of ancient codes and dogmas.
Jaadhi enbaar vaedham enbaarThey will speak of caste, they will speak of scripture,
Saasthirangal kodi enbaarThey will speak of millions of ancient codes and dogmas.
Male
Mooda seyalgalukkuFor foolish, blind traditions,
Mudi sooti magizhndhirupaarThey rejoice by crowning them with honor.
Mooda seyalgalukkuFor foolish, blind traditions,
Mudi sooti magizhndhirupaarThey rejoice by crowning them with honor.
Vaedikkai ulaginilaeIn this absurd and strange world,
Vidivelli kaanbadheppoWhen will we ever see the morning star of hope?
Manidhabimaanam ennumWhen will the time arrive,
Malar kulungum kaalam endrooWhere the flower named human compassion blossoms and sways?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This excerpt presents a poignant social critique against rigid casteism, religious dogma, and blind superstitions. The lyricist laments how society glorifies foolish practices and regressive customs by dressing them up in the authority of scriptures and ancient laws.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Mooda seyalgalukku / Mudi sooti magizhndhirupaar

The repetition of the 'M' consonant sound across 'Mooda', 'Mudi', and 'Magizhndhirupaar' gives the lines a sharp, rhythmic tone.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Manidhabimaanam ennum / Malar kulungum kaalam endroo

Human compassion ('Manidhabimaanam') is poetically equated to a blooming flower ('Malar').

Anaphora / Repetition

Jaadhi enbaar vaedham enbaar / Saasthirangal kodi enbaar

The repetition of '...enbaar' highlights society's endless, hypocritical rhetoric regarding scriptures and traditions.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam' (1978) was adapted from the acclaimed novel written by literary giant Jayakanthan. The lyricist, Alangudi Somu, was known for embedding strong rationalist and reformist philosophies into Tamil cinema songs.

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