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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Jayame Nee Arul

From Vazhkkai Oppandam · 1959

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
P. Leela, Chorus
Music director
Ghantasala
Details
Vazhkkai Oppandam1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kaaveri paalaaru karai purandoodavaeAs the rivers Kaveri and Palar overflow their banks,
Paavalarum naavalarum paamaalai soodavaeAs poets and great speakers adorn you with garlands of verse,
Chorus :Haa…aaa…a.aa….Chorus: Haa…aaa…a.aa…
Haa….aaa….aa…Chorus: Haa….aaa….aa…
Female :Kaaveri paalaaru karai purandoodavaeFemale: As the rivers Kaveri and Palar overflow their banks,
Paavalarum naavalarum paamaalai soodavaeAs poets and great speakers adorn you with garlands of verse,
Kanni thamizh sarathi konjam kalai vaaridhiO charioteer of pure Tamil, ocean of fine arts,
Thennaattu thilagamae vaazhga neeyammaaO pride and mark of the southern land, long live Mother Tamil!
Female
Moovendhar pugazhndhidavaePraised by the three great crowned kings,
Muthamilum vilangidavaeShining brilliantly through the three-fold Tamil,
Paavendhar panindhidavae paindhamizhin kalaiyaalBowed to by great poets through the art of fine Tamil,
Valluvanai thol ulagam vaazhndhidavae pirandhaaiYou gave birth to Valluvar so the ancient world could flourish,
Vattraadha kalai selvam vaazhga neeyammaO unceasing treasure of art, long live Mother Tamil!
Female
Va. Vo. Chidambaram kumaranaiyum eendraaiYou gave birth to V.O. Chidambaram and Tiruppur Kumaran,
Vaiyamae pugazhum kattabommanaiyum thandhaaiYou bestowed upon us Kattabomman, praised by the whole world,
Vannamalar padhandhedi vanangi nindromaeWe stand bowing, offering colorful flowers at your feet,
Vaan ongum valar mathiyae vaazhga neeyammaO crescent moon rising high in the sky, long live Mother Tamil!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Vazhkkai Oppandam' (1959) is a grand eulogy dedicated to Tamil land and Mother Tamil (Tamil Thai). It celebrates the rich geographical and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, mentioning its overflowing rivers like Kaveri and Palar, its patron monarchs (the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas), and its three forms of language (Muthamizh: prose, poetry, and theater). The song highlights how the land gave the world Thiruvalluvar, whose wisdom enriched global ethics, and paid homage to renowned freedom fighters such as V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Tiruppur Kumaran, and Veerapandiya Kattabomman. Through lush imagery comparing Mother Tamil to an ocean of art and a rising moon, the song offers poetic reverence and deep patriotic affection, praising Tamil Nadu as an eternal treasure of arts and bravery.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Valluvanai thol ulagam vaazhndhidavae pirandhaai / Vattraadha kalai selvam vaazhga neeyamma

The second consonant 'va' creates rhythm across lines ('Valluvanai' / 'Vattraadha').

Moonaal / Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Va. Vo. Chidambaram kumaranaiyum eendraai / Vaiyamae pugazhum kattabommanaiyum thandhaai

Repetition of the initial 'V' sound across words creates melodic cadence.

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Kanni thamizh sarathi konjam kalai vaaridhi / Vaan ongum valar mathiyae vaazhga neeyamma

Mother Tamil is metaphorically described as 'Kalai Vaaridhi' (ocean of arts) and 'Valar Mathi' (growing moon).

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Trivia

Composed by Ghantasala, a legendary figure primarily known in Telugu cinema, this song is a fine example of his rich Tamil compositions. Sung beautifully by P. Leela, the song serves as a cultural anthem within the movie, celebrating the history, literature, and freedom fighters of Tamil Nadu.

Keep listening

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