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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaalangal Unakkaga

From Pennai Vazha Vidungal · 1969

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Pennai Vazha Vidungal1969

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Paadhaiyilae kaal nadanthaalIf your feet walk upon the path
Oor poi serumYou will reach the town
Bodhaiyilae nee nadanthaal oorae maarumIf you walk in intoxication, the town itself will change
Female
Kaalangal unakkaagaTime for you
KaaththirukkaathuWill not wait
Kaalangal unakkaagaTime for you
KaaththirukkaathuWill not wait
Kaaladi suvadugal kooda varaathuEven your footprints will not follow you
Kaaladi suvadugal kooda varaathuEven your footprints will not follow you
Female
Kaalangal unakkaagaTime for you
KaaththirukkaathuWill not wait
Female
Nallavan endrae ooraar sollumBeing called a good man by the townspeople
Nallavan endrae ooraar sollumBeing called a good man by the townspeople
Pugazhum bodhai allavaIs that praise not an intoxication?
Female
Nadaththaiyai kondu mathippathai kanduSeeing that one is judged by their conduct
Nadaththaiyai kondu mathippathai kanduSeeing that one is judged by their conduct
Vaazhvathu vaazhkkaiyallavaa….aa….Living accordingly, isn't that true life?
Innum naan sollavaaShall I say more?
Female
Kaalangal unakkaagaTime for you
KaaththirukkaathuWill not wait
Male
…………………....
Female
Pazhaguvathellam pazhagiya pinnaeAfter bonding with everything
Azhupavan kozhaiyallavaa…..aa….Is one who cries not a coward?
Pazhaguvathellam pazhagiya pinnaeAfter bonding with everything
Azhupavan kozhaiyallavaa…..aa….Is one who cries not a coward?
Female
Ninaippathum neeyae nadappathum neeyaeIt is you who think, it is you who act
Ninaippathum neeyae nadappathum neeyaeIt is you who think, it is you who act
Nenjae saatchiyallavaa…..aa….Isn't your conscience the ultimate witness?
Innum naan sollavaaShall I say more?
Female
Kaalangal unakkaagaTime for you
KaaththirukkaathuWill not wait
Female
Aadaigal vaeru jaadaigal vaeruAttires are different, gestures are different
Aadaigal vaeru jaadaigal vaeruAttires are different, gestures are different
Penmai ondrallavaa….aa….Is womanhood not one and the same?
Female
Kinnangal vaeru vannangal vaeruGoblets are different, colors are different
Kinnangal vaeru vannangal vaeruGoblets are different, colors are different
Bodhai ondrallavaa….aa….Is intoxication not one and the same?
Innum naan sollavaaShall I say more?
Female
Kaalangal unakkaagaTime for you
KaaththirukkaathuWill not wait
Kaaladi suvadugal kooda varaathuEven your footprints will not follow you
Female
Kaalangal unakkaagaTime for you
KaaththirukkaathuWill not wait

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song written by lyricist Kannadasan emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living a meaningful life guided by good moral conduct. The lyrics warn against getting lost in intoxication and superficial pursuits, reminding the listener that time waits for no one and even footprints do not last forever. Through deep introspective metaphors, the song urges self-realization, pointing out that conscience is the ultimate judge of human actions.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edugai (Rhyme/Assonance)

Paadhaiyilae kaal nadanthaal / Bodhaiyilae nee nadanthaal oorae maarum

The second letter agreement in 'Paadhaiyilae' and 'Bodhaiyilae' creates rhythm and flow.

Metaphor

Pugazhum bodhai allava

Comparing fame and public praise to intoxication ('Pugazhum bodhai').

Parallelism and Contrast

Aadaigal vaeru jaadaigal vaeru ... Penmai ondrallavaa

Juxtaposing external variations (clothing, goblets) with fundamental oneness (womanhood, intoxication).

Did you know?

Trivia

Pennai Vazha Vidungal (1969) is a Tamil film directed by Devaraj, starring Jaishankar and K. R. Vijaya, featuring philosophical songs written by Kannadasan with music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu.

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