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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannai Thirandhu

From Aandi Petra Selvan · 1957

Lyricist
Kuyilan
Singer
Jikki
Music director
T. Chalapathi Rao
Details
Aandi Petra Selvan1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannai thiranthu kaanadaaOpen your eyes and look, oh man,
Endrum unmai manathil vaiyadaaAlways keep truth in your heart,
Karvam endra bodhai vidadaaLet go of the intoxication of arrogance.
Female
Kannai thiranthu kaanadaaOpen your eyes and look, oh man,
Endrum unmai manathil vaiyadaaAlways keep truth in your heart,
Karvam endra bodhai vidadaaLet go of the intoxication of arrogance.
Female
Maaligai meththai panjanai medhiloWhether living in a palace on a soft bed,
Olai kudilo edhilo vaazhinumOr living in a humble thatched hut,
Piratha maarkkamathu ondrae illaiyaaIs not the final path of life the same for all?
Piratha maarkkamathu ondrae illaiyaaIs not the final path of life the same for all?
Etcha thukkamithu nilaiththa meiyyadaaThis ultimate truth alone remains permanent, oh man.
Female
Kannai thiranthu kaanadaaOpen your eyes and look, oh man,
Endrum unmai manathil vaiyadaaAlways keep truth in your heart,
Karvam endra bodhai vidadaaLet go of the intoxication of arrogance.
Female
Aa….aa…aa…aa…Aa....aa...aa...aa...
Paname sinthanai puyalaai veesidaWhen money blows like a storm through one's thoughts,
Pattu manjamathil paangaai vaazhiyanumEven if one lives luxuriously on a silken bed,
Nimmathiyaana yaezhaikkingaeFor the peaceful poor person here,
Nimmathiyaana yaezhaikkingaeFor the peaceful poor person here,
Vaazhkkaiyil ulla shanthi yaedhadaaWhere is such deep tranquility in a rich life, oh man?
Female
Kannai thiranthu kaanadaaOpen your eyes and look, oh man,
Endrum unmai manathil vaiyadaaAlways keep truth in your heart,
Karvam endra bodhai vidadaaLet go of the intoxication of arrogance.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from 'Aandi Petra Selvan' (1957) serves as a moral awakening, urging human beings to discard worldly pride and live with truthfulness. It emphasizes that ultimate human destiny is an equalizer—whether one resides in a grand palace or a simple thatched hut, mortality and truth remain the same for everyone. Furthermore, the lyrics contrast the restless anxiety brought on by money with the deep, undisturbed peace enjoyed by a contented poor person. True peace comes from a humble heart rather than material wealth or silken comforts.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Karvam endra bodhai vidadaa

Arrogance or pride is metaphorically equated to an intoxicating drug or liquor ('bodhai').

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Paname sinthanai puyalaai veesida

The obsessive pursuit of wealth is portrayed as a storm ('puyal') sweeping through human thought.

Rhetorical Question

Piratha maarkkamathu ondrae illaiyaa

The lyricist poses rhetorical questions to challenge the listener to consider the reality of human mortality and true peace.

Contrast / Antithesis (Muran)

Maaligai meththai panjanai medhilo / Olai kudilo edhilo vaazhinum

The lyricist contrasts the luxury of a mansion ('Maaligai meththai') with the simplicity of a hut ('Olai kudil') to highlight equality in destiny.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Aandi Petra Selvan' (1957), directed by P. Pullaiah and featuring music by T. Chalapathi Rao, is remembered for its strong philosophical moral themes. Lyricist Kuyilan penned these introspective lines, which were soulfully rendered by veteran singer Jikki. The song reflects the 1950s Tamil cinema tradition of embedding social and spiritual awakening tracks into mainstream narratives.

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