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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maanila Vazhvu Perum

From Ashok Kumar · 1941

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singer
M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar
Music director
Alandur Sivasubramaniyam
Details
Ashok Kumar1941

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Maanila vaazhvu perum aanandhamLife on this earth brings immense joy
Maanila vaazhvu perum aanandhamLife on this earth brings immense joy
Vaanulagor ariyaar en kannaeEven the dwellers of heaven do not know this, my dear
Maanila vaazhvu perum aanandhamLife on this earth brings immense joy
Vaanulagor ariyaar en kannaeEven the dwellers of heaven do not know this, my dear
Maanila vaazhvu perum aanandhamLife on this earth brings immense joy
Vaanulagor ariyaar en kannaeEven the dwellers of heaven do not know this, my dear
Maanila vaazhvu perumLife on this earth brings great
Aanandham…aa…haa…aa…Joy… ah… haa… ah…
Male
Gaanamudan ezhil maanvizhi maadhaeOh beautiful deer-eyed woman, blessed with song
Gaanamudan ezhil maanvizhi maadhaeOh beautiful deer-eyed woman, blessed with song
Male
Gaanamudan ezhil maanvizhi maadhaeOh beautiful deer-eyed woman, blessed with song
Abimaanamum anbum kalandhirundhaalIf affection and love remain blended together
Abimaanamum anbum kalandhirundhaal indhaIf affection and love remain blended together, this
Male
Maanila vaazhvu perum aanandhamLife on this earth brings immense joy
Vaanulagor ariyaar en kannaeEven the dwellers of heaven do not know this, my dear
Maanila vaazhvu perumLife on this earth brings great
Aanandham…aa…haa…aa…Joy… ah… haa… ah…
Male
En mana unmai nilai nee ariyaFor you to know the true state of my heart
En mana unmai nilai nee ariyaFor you to know the true state of my heart
Eduthuraitthum maunam padaithanai anbaeEven after I explained it, you remained silent, my love
Edutthuraithum maunam padaithanai anbaeEven after I explained it, you remained silent, my love
Un mana sammadham undo illaiyoDo you give consent in your heart or not?
Un mana sammadham undo illaiyoDo you give consent in your heart or not?
Male
Un mana sammadham undo illaiyoDo you give consent in your heart or not?
Unarndhu maghizha veli kaattalaaghaadhoCan you not express it outward so I may feel it and rejoice?
Naan unarndhu maghizha veli kaattalaaghaadhoCan you not express it outward so that I may feel it and rejoice?
Male
Maanila vaazhvu perum aanandhamLife on this earth brings immense joy
Vaanulagor ariyaar en kannaeEven the dwellers of heaven do not know this, my dear
Maanila vaazhvu perumLife on this earth brings great
Aanandham…aa…haa…aa…Joy… ah… haa… ah…

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song celebrates the unmatched joy of earthly human existence when enriched by love and affection. The protagonist expresses that even celestial beings in heaven do not experience the profound happiness found in human emotional connection. Addressing his beloved—a beautiful woman with deer-like eyes—he highlights how love turns mortal life into a divine experience. In the latter half, he earnestly asks her to reveal her true feelings, pleading with her to break her silence and confirm her consent so that he can rejoice in their mutual affection.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Imagery (Metaphor)

Gaanamudan ezhil maanvizhi maadhae

The epithet 'Maanvizhi' compares the heroine's gentle, lovely eyes to those of a deer, a traditional classical Tamil literary convention (Uvamai).

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Vaanulagor ariyaar en kannae

The lyricist claims that even heavenly beings ('Vaanulagor') are ignorant of the true joy of earthly life, exaggerating mortal happiness to emphasize the power of human love.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Maanila vaazhvu perum aanandham / Vaanulagor ariyaar en kannae

Rhyming of the second letter 'na' across lines: 'Maanila' and 'Vaanulagor' share long vowel first syllables paired with similar second consonants.

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Trivia

'Ashok Kumar' (1941) was a landmark Tamil historical drama starring the legendary singer-actor M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT). Written by Udumalai Narayanakavi, the film's soundtrack featured Carnatic music compositions that became wildly popular across Tamil Nadu.

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