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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Karuvile Uruvaana

From En Thangai (1952 Film) · 1952

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
A. M. Rajah
Music director
C. N. Pandurangan
Movie name
En Thangai (1952 Film)
Movie release year
1952
Lyrics added on
2 May 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Varumai puyalaalae
Thuyarakkadal maevum
Vaazhkkaippadagu kavizhum
Aanaal marumaiyilum immaiyilum
Mangaadha jodhiyaai
Manidhaa unpughazh ulaavum
Karuvilae uruvaana kaayam
Idhil kalandhulla uyirnaadi
Kanappodhil oiyum indha
Piraviyil nee seiyum thiyaagam
Udal maraiyinum azhiyaadhu
Vaanjodhiyaagum
Karuvilae uruvaana kaayam
Idhil kalandhulla uyirnaadi
Kanappodhil oiyum indha
Piraviyil nee seiyum thiyaagam
Udal maraiyinum azhiyaadhu
Vaanjodhiyaagum
Piraviyin payan ingu manidhaa
Udan pirandhorkku nee seiyum
Sevaithaan punidhaa
Theruvilae alaindhaalum theemaiyae
Vilaindhaalum
Theruvilae alaindhaalum theemaiyae
Vilaindhaalum
Perumaiyai izhandhaalum
Kadamaiyai maravaadhae
Karuvilae uruvaana kaayam
Idhil kalandhulla uyirnaadi
Kanappodhil oiyum
Karuvilae uruvaana kaayam
Kadalinum aazhndhadhu naesam
Kashtam vandhaalum
Maaraadhadaa rathapaasam
Kadalinum aazhndhadhu naesam
Kashtam vandhaalum
Maaraadhadaa rathapaasam
Kodumaiyin kugaiyadaa ulagam
Manang kumuraadhae manidhaa
Kodumaiyin kugaiyadaa ulagam
Manang kumuraadhae manidhaa
Unpughazh endrum nilavum
Unpughazh endrum nilavum
Manang kumuraadhae manidhaa ..aaa…
In the storm of poverty,
across this ocean of sorrow,
the boat of life may capsize.
Yet in this life and the next,
like an unfading light,
your glory will shine on, O man.
This body formed in the womb,
and the life breath within it,
will come to an end in an instant;
the sacrifice you make in this life
will never die even when the body perishes,
it will shine as a light in the sky.
This body formed in the womb,
and the life breath within it,
will come to an end in an instant;
the sacrifice you make in this life
will never die even when the body perishes,
it will shine as a light in the sky.
The true purpose of this birth, O man,
is the devoted care you give
to your own siblings, O noble soul.
Even if you wander the streets and evil
comes your way,
even if you wander the streets and evil
comes your way,
even if you lose your honor,
never forget your duty.
This body formed in the womb,
and the life breath within it,
will come to an end in an instant.
This body formed in the womb...
Love runs deeper than the ocean,
and whatever hardships come,
the bond of blood will never break.
Love runs deeper than the ocean,
and whatever hardships come,
the bond of blood will never break.
This world is a cave of cruelty,
do not despair in your heart, O man.
This world is a cave of cruelty,
do not despair in your heart, O man.
Your glory will endure forever,
your glory will endure forever,
do not despair in your heart, O man... ah...
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This deeply emotional philosophical song from En Thangai (1952) explores the themes of mortality, brotherly devotion, duty, and eternal honor. It reminds humanity that the mortal body and life pulse are fleeting and can vanish at any moment. However, the sacrifices made for one's family and siblings endure long after physical death, shining like an immortal heavenly light. The song encourages one to stay steadfast in moral duty and sibling affection despite poverty, misfortune, dishonor, or the cruelty of the world. Blood ties and true love are described as deeper than the ocean, assuring that selfless actions bring undying fame that transcends both present life and the afterlife.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

“Varumai puyalaalae / Thuyarakkadal maevum / Vaazhkkaippadagu kavizhum”

Life is compared to a boat (Vaazhkkaippadagu), sorrow to an ocean (Thuyarakkadal), and poverty to a storm (Varumai puyal).

Hyperbole / Comparison (Uwamai)

“Kadalinum aazhndhadhu naesam”

Sibling love and affection are described as being deeper than the vast ocean.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

“Kodumaiyin kugaiyadaa ulagam”

The world is metaphorically described as a cave of cruelty.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

“Karuvilae uruvaana kaayam / Theruvilae alaindhaalum”

The second consonant 'ru' rhymes across lines, enhancing the rhythmic cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

'En Thangai' (1952) starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) was a massive success that established MGR's screen image as a compassionate, self-sacrificing hero devoted to family values. The play on which the movie was based was written by C. N. Annadurai, and A. Maruthakasi's lyricism added deep moral and philosophical weight to the soundtrack.

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