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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaamugar Nenjil

From Mahadevi · 1957

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
K. Jamunarani
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Mahadevi1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillaiThere is no justice in the hearts of lustful men.
Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillaiThere is no justice in the hearts of lustful men.
Avarukku thaaiendrum thaaram endrum baedhamillaiTo them, there is no distinction between a mother and a wife.
Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillaiThere is no justice in the hearts of lustful men.
Avarukku thaaiendrum thaaram endrum baedhamillaiTo them, there is no distinction between a mother and a wife.
Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillaiThere is no justice in the hearts of lustful men.
Female
Theemaigal pol avarkku selvamillaiTo them, there is no wealth greater than evil deeds.
Kolai seivadhai pol oru inbamillaiThere is no joy for them like committing murder.
Theemaigal pol avarkku selvamillaiTo them, there is no wealth greater than evil deeds.
Kolai seivadhai pol oru inbamillaiThere is no joy for them like committing murder.
Maadhargal vaazhvil kaavalum illaiThere is no protection in the lives of women.
Maanamum jeevanum vaazhvadhum illaiNeither honor nor life endures.
Female
Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillaiThere is no justice in the hearts of lustful men.
Avarukku thaaiendrum thaaram endrum baedhamillaiTo them, there is no distinction between a mother and a wife.
Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillaiThere is no justice in the hearts of lustful men.
Female
Kaaviyam pottrugindraa veeram ellamAll the heroism praised by epics,
Valar kaaviri mandala selvamandroIs it not the true wealth of the flourishing Kaveri delta?
Kaaviyam pottrugindraa veeram ellamAll the heroism praised by epics,
Valar kaaviri mandala selvamandroIs it not the true wealth of the flourishing Kaveri delta?
Theerargalaalae seerrpadum naadumA nation that is built up by valiant heroes,
Theeyavar kaalgalil paazhpadum androDoes it not get ruined under the feet of the wicked?
Female
Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillaiThere is no justice in the hearts of lustful men.
Avarukku thaaiendrum thaaram endrum baedhamillaiTo them, there is no distinction between a mother and a wife.
Thaaiendrum thaaram endrum baedhamillaiThere is no distinction between a mother and a wife.
Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillaiThere is no justice in the hearts of lustful men.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the 1957 movie Mahadevi is a powerful moral commentary on evil, lust, and tyranny. It laments the total absence of righteousness in the hearts of depraved men who fail to respect even basic familial boundaries such as mother and wife. For such wicked individuals, committing evil and violence is their ultimate treasure and joy, leaving women vulnerable and devoid of protection or dignity. The lyricist contrasts the glorious, epic heroism native to the fertile Kaveri region with the destruction brought upon a nation when wicked people gain power. It warns of the terrible fate of a land when tyranny overrides justice and honor.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Avarukku thaaiendrum thaaram endrum baedhamillai

The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Th' in 'Thaai' and 'Thaaram' creates rhythmic flow.

Muran (Anthesis / Contrast)

Theerargalaalae seerrpadum naadum / Theeyavar kaalgalil paazhpadum andro

Contrasts 'Theerargal' (valiant, noble heroes who build the country) with 'Theeyavar' (evil men who ruin it).

Emonai / Anaphora

Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillai

Repetition of the refrain 'Kaamugar nenjil needhiyillai' at key intervals to reinforce the central thematic message of moral corruption.

Did you know?

Trivia

Mahadevi (1957), starring M. G. Ramachandran and Savitri, featured music composed by the Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy duo. This particular song, rendered with deep emotional resonance by K. Jamuna Rani, stands out as an iconic dramatic piece where the lyricist A. Maruthakasi highlights social ethics and respect for women through poetic critique.

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