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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaayame Idhu Meiyadaa

From Karpukkarasi · 1957

Lyricist
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Karpukkarasi1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Noyum nodiyum varaamal kaaththuProtect yourself from disease and distress,
Nutpamaaga uyyadaaLive wisely and subtly, my friend!
Noyum nodiyum varaamal kaaththuProtect yourself from disease and distress,
Nutpamaaga uyyadaaLive wisely and subtly, my friend!
Male
Aayul kaalam manitharkalukkuThe lifespan destined for human beings
Amaippilaeyoru nooradaaIs structured to be a full hundred years!
Aayul kaalam manitharkalukkuThe lifespan destined for human beings
Amaippilaeyoru nooradaaIs structured to be a full hundred years!
Araiyum kuraiyaai povathavanavanIts cutting short or being incomplete
Arivum seyalum aamadaaIs due to each person's intellect and actions!
Male
Maayamenum kuyavan seithaMade by the potter of cosmic illusion,
Mannu paandamthaanadaaThis human body is merely an earthen pot!
Maayamenum kuyavan seithaMade by the potter of cosmic illusion,
Mannu paandamthaanadaaThis human body is merely an earthen pot!
Idhu maththiyil udaiyaathapadi neeSo that it does not break prematurely in between,
Marunthu maayam thinnadaaConsume appropriate medicines and remedies, my friend!
Idhu maththiyil udaiyaathapadi neeSo that it does not break prematurely in between,
Marunthu maayam thinnadaaConsume appropriate medicines and remedies, my friend!
Male
Vaaya keduththathu pasiyadaaWhat ruined the mouth's taste was hunger, my friend!
Male :Antha pasiyai koduththathu kudaladaaAnd what gave that hunger was the gut, my friend!
Male :Vaaya keduththathu pasiyadaaWhat ruined the mouth's taste was hunger, my friend!
Male :Antha pasiyai koduththathu kudaladaaAnd what gave that hunger was the gut, my friend!
Male
Intha kudalai suththam seithidaavidilIf you do not keep this gut clean,
Udalukkae sugam yaedhadaaWhere is the comfort or health for the body?
Kudalai suththam seithidaavidilIf you do not keep the gut clean,
Udalukkae sugam yaedhadaaWhere is the comfort or health for the body?
Male
Saayam maari raththam veluththaalIf the blood loses its color and fades,
Sakthi kettu pomadaaAll strength and vitality will be ruined!
Saayam maari raththam veluththaalIf the blood loses its color and fades,
Sakthi kettu pomadaaAll strength and vitality will be ruined!
Male
Sakthi ketta makkalukkuFor people who have lost their vitality,
Tharani vaazhvum yaedhadaaWhere is the joy of living on this earth?
Sakthi ketta makkalukkuFor people who have lost their vitality,
Tharani vaazhvum yaedhadaaWhere is the joy of living on this earth?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical track from the 1957 film Karpukkarasi highlights the paramount importance of physical health, gut hygiene, and proper nutrition. Penned by Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, the song compares the human body to an earthen pot created by a divine potter, reminding listeners that although humans are designed to live for a hundred years, personal choices and neglect often cut life short. It emphasizes that maintaining a clean digestive system and rich blood are essential foundations for bodily health, without which a fulfilling life on earth cannot be sustained.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvam)

Maayamenum kuyavan seitha Mannu paandamthaanadaa

Compares the cosmic creator/illusion to a potter ('Maayamenum kuyavan') and the human body to a fragile earthen pot ('Mannu paandam').

Rhyme / Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Saayam maari raththam veluththaal / Sakthi kettu pomadaa

Repetition of the 'Sa' sound across adjacent lines ('Saayam' and 'Sakthi') creating rhythmic harmony.

Rhetorical Question

Kudalai suththam seithidaavidil Udalukkae sugam yaedhadaa

Uses rhetorical questioning ('yaedhadaa' - where is it?) to emphasize that good health is impossible without clean digestion.

Did you know?

Trivia

Authored by the celebrated 'Makkal Kavignar' Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, this song integrates traditional Siddha medical concepts regarding gut health and blood vitality directly into mainstream Tamil film lyrics.

Keep listening

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