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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Karanathai Vilakkava

From Unmaiye Un Vilai Enna · 1976

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Unmaiye Un Vilai Enna1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Karanaththai vilakkavaaShall I explain the reason?
Vaanipaththai nadaththavaaShall I conduct the trade?
Naadagaththai thodakkavaaShall I begin the drama?
Female
Karanaththai vilakkavaaShall I explain the reason?
Vaanipaththai nadaththavaaShall I conduct the trade?
Naadagaththai thodakkavaaShall I begin the drama?
Female
Neeyenna kettaalumWhatever you ask for,
Eduththu koduththu mudikka naan unduI am here to take, give, and complete it.
Naan unnai ketkkaamalWithout asking you,
Ninaiththa kanakkai mudikka yaar unduWho is there to settle the calculation I envisioned?
Female
Edhu vendum unakku theriyaathaa kanakkuDo you not know the math of what you need?
Pudhithalla enakku Iniyenna nadaththuThis is not new to me, so go ahead and proceed!
Seettai kalaikkattumaa….aa…aa…aa…aa….Shall I shuffle the cards?
Female
Karanaththai vilakkavaa…aa…Shall I explain the reason?
Vaanipaththai nadaththavaa….aa….Shall I conduct the trade?
Naadagaththai thodakkavaa…aa…Shall I begin the drama?
Female
Santhaikku vantha pinnaeOnce you have arrived at the market,
Irukkum sarakkai pidiththu paarkkaathaeDo not hesitate to hold and inspect the goods present.
Yaarukku ennavendruDeciding who gets what,
Alanthu kodukka thayakkam kaattaathaeDo not hesitate to measure and deliver.
Female
Konjungal izhuththuCoaxing and enticing,
Pen vendum unakkuYou desire a woman, don't you?
Idhu enna vazhakku sari solli nadaththuWhat sort of dispute is this? Agree properly and conduct it!
Peram mudikattumaa…aa…aa…aa….aa…Shall I finalize the bargain?
Female
Naalenna pozhuthennaWhat does the day matter, what does the time matter?
Kidaiththa idaththai valaikka koodaathoShould one not capture the opportunity wherever found?
Naalaikku endraalaeIf you leave it for tomorrow,
Manaththil irukkum ninaippu maaraathoWon't the desire residing in your heart change?
Female
Thadam paarththu izhuththuTrack the trail and pull them in,
Valai pottu pidiththuCast the net and capture,
Manampola mudiththu vazhi paarththu thuraththuFulfill as your heart desires and send them on their way!
Neram perithallavo…aa…aa….aa…Is not time grand and precious?
Female
Karanaththai vilakkavaa…aa…Shall I explain the reason?
Vaanipaththai nadaththavaa….aa….Shall I conduct the trade?
Naadagaththai thodakkavaa…aa…Shall I begin the drama?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

In this song from Unmaiye Un Vilai Enna (1976), composed by M. S. Viswanathan and written by Kannadasan, the singer uses vivid metaphors of trade, market bargaining, card games, and theatrical drama to depict human relationships and desires as transactional affairs. The lyrics urge action without procrastination, emphasizing that time is precious and opportunities must be seized immediately before desires change. Kannadasan's sharp lyrics deliver a pragmatic, slightly cynical take on human nature and temptation, wrapped in L. R. Eswari's energetic delivery.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Vaanipaththai nadaththavaa / Naadagaththai thodakkavaa

Compares human interactions and emotional desires to market trade (Vaanipam), drama (Naadagam), and a card game (Seettai kalaikkattumaa).

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Ani)

Karanaththai vilakkavaa / Seettai kalaikkattumaa

Uses repeated dynamic questions to entice and challenge the listener into taking action.

Eydhugai / End Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Karanaththai vilakkavaa / Vaanipaththai nadaththavaa / Naadagaththai thodakkavaa

Rhythmic repetition of '-aththai' and '-attumaa' endings across consecutive lines creates an engaging, seductive musical pulse.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Unmaiye Un Vilai Enna' (1976) was directed by Cho Ramaswamy. The song showcases Kannadasan's signature flair for turning philosophical and provocative thoughts into catchy, rhythm-driven film songs through-lines, expertly performed by L. R. Eswari.

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