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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaalam Seiyum Vilaiyaattu

From Gumasthavin Magal · 1974

Lyricist
Poovai Senguttavan
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan
Details
Gumasthavin Magal1974

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Male
Kaalam seiyyum vilaiyaattuThe game played by Time,
Adhu kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattuIt is a game of hide-and-seek.
Kaalam seiyyum vilaiyaattuThe game played by Time,
Adhu kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattuIt is a game of hide-and-seek.
Male
Santhai porulaai pennai ennumConsidering a woman as a market commodity,
Vinthai manithar palar unduThere are many strange men who do so.
Antha ulagil saththiyam thannai niththam ennumBelieving truth to be eternal in that world,
Uththama pengal silar unduThere are a few noble women.
Male
Kaalam seiyyum vilaiyaattuThe game played by Time,
Adhu kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattuIt is a game of hide-and-seek.
Male
Maalai soodiyum kanni pennaaiEven after wearing a wedding garland, as a maiden,
Vaazhum pengal palar unduThere are many women who live.
Than maanam kaakkavae yaagam seiyyumPerforming a sacrificial ritual just to protect their self-respect,
Punniyavathigal silar unduThere are a few virtuous women.
Male
Kaalam seiyyum vilaiyaattuThe game played by Time,
Adhu kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattuIt is a game of hide-and-seek.
Male
Raman….seedhaiRama... Sita...
Raman seethai vaazhnthathu polaeJust like Rama and Sita lived,
Raman seethai vaazhnthathu polaeJust like Rama and Sita lived,
Vaazha ninaippavar palar unduThere are many who wish to live.
Antha ravanan polae indrum thondriAppearing even today like that Ravana,
Paavam seipavar silar unduThere are a few who commit sins.
Male
Kaalam seiyyum vilaiyaattuThe game played by Time,
Adhu kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattuIt is a game of hide-and-seek.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song reflects on the unpredictable and mysterious nature of time and destiny, comparing fate to a game of hide-and-seek. It highlights the contrasts in human nature and society, particularly emphasizing the struggles, purity, and moral integrity of women who uphold their dignity despite societal objectification and hardships. The lyricist draws parallels from the epic Ramayana, contrasting those who aspire to live a righteous life like Rama and Sita with those who indulge in sin like Ravana. Through these comparisons, the song reflects on virtue, morality, and the inevitable twists brought about by time.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai / Roobagam)

“Kaalam seiyyum vilaiyaattu / Adhu kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattu”

Comparing time's unpredictable turns to a game of hide-and-seek (kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattu).

Antithesis / Contrast

“Vaazha ninaippavar palar undu / Paavam seipavar silar undu”

Contrasting 'palar undu' (there are many) with 'silar undu' (there are a few) to differentiate between common flawed behavior and rare virtuous qualities.

Mythological Allusion

“Raman seethai vaazhnthathu polae... Antha ravanan polae indrum thondri”

Referencing epic characters Rama, Sita, and Ravana to symbolize ideal righteousness versus sinful conduct.

Edhugai (Tamil Second-letter Rhyme)

“Santhai porulaai pennai ennum / Vinthai manithar palar undu”

Rhyming the second letter of consecutive lines (e.g., 'Santhai' and 'Vinthai', 'Raman' and 'Paavam' sound patterns).

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Gumasthavin Magal' (1974) was adapted from the famous Tamil novel of the same name written by Kalki Krishnamurthy. Music director Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, famous for his classical violin virtuosity, provided a grounded melodic score for this social drama film.

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