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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maathargal Vazhkkai

From Bhagya Devathai · 1959

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
K. Jamunarani
Music director
Master Venu
Details
Bhagya Devathai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Maatharkal vaazhkkaiyin yanthiramaaAre women merely machines in the machine of life?
Aadavar seitha thanthiramaaIs this a cunning trick devised by men?
Manathirkisaintha maapillai theduthalSearching for a groom agreeable to one's heart,
Mangaiyar kaanum suyanalamaaIs that selfishness on the part of women?
Ila mangaiyar kaanum suyanalamaaIs that selfishness on the part of young women?
Female
Maatharkal vaazhkkaiyin yanthiramaaAre women merely machines in the machine of life?
Aadavar seitha thanthiramaaIs this a cunning trick devised by men?
Female
Vaazhkkaiyum orunaal vasanthamum orunaalLife lasts but a moment, spring lasts but a moment,
Vaanavil pola vaalipam thaanaeYouth itself is transient like a rainbow.
Maraiyum munnaalae magizhvathanaalaeIf one finds joy before it disappears,
Maaraana seyalendru sollaalaamaCan that be called an improper deed?
Female
Maatharkal vaazhkkaiyin yanthiramaaAre women merely machines in the machine of life?
Aadavar seitha thanthiramaaIs this a cunning trick devised by men?
Female
Malar vandinam pola magizhvenaeI shall rejoice like flowers and swarms of bees,
Naan valarmathi pol thigazhvenaeI shall glow like the bright waxing moon.
Malai asainthaalum nilai thavaraamalEven if mountains move, without faltering from my path,
Maanam pirathaanamaai vaazhvaenaeI shall live holding honor as my highest priority.
Female
Maatharkal vaazhkkaiyin yanthiramaaAre women merely machines in the machine of life?
Aadavar seitha thanthiramaaIs this a cunning trick devised by men?
Female
Irumanam searnthu oru manamaanalIf two hearts unite to become one mind,
Thirumana melam kottanumaaIs beating the wedding drums strictly necessary?
Maraimugamaaga valarnthidum kadhalWill love that grows in secret,
Malaraamalae mangu poe vidumaaFade away into darkness without ever blooming?
Female
Maatharkal vaazhkkaiyin yanthiramaaAre women merely machines in the machine of life?
Aadavar seitha thanthiramaaIs this a cunning trick devised by men?
Female
Yaemaattruvaarum yaamaaruvaarumThose who deceive and those who are deceived,
Illaamal illai naattinilaeAre certainly present throughout this country.
Idhai ennaamal ulagil pennaaga piranthuWithout understanding this, being born as a woman in this world,
Yaengi thavippatho veettinilae…..Should one languish and suffer inside the home?
Female
Maatharkal vaazhkkaiyin yanthiramaaAre women merely machines in the machine of life?
Aadavar seitha thanthiramaaIs this a cunning trick devised by men?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the 1959 film 'Bhagya Devathai' raises bold, progressive questions about societal expectations placed on women. The protagonist questions whether women are viewed merely as emotionless machines and whether social marriage conventions are tricks created by men to control them. She argues that seeking love and happiness on one's own terms is a natural desire rather than selfishness, comparing youth to a fleeting rainbow that ought to be enjoyed before it passes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Vaanavil pola vaalipam thaanae

Compares fleeting youth to a temporary rainbow to highlight the transient nature of life's prime years.

Simile (Uvamai)

Naan valarmathi pol thigazhvenae

Compares the speaker's radiance and graceful growth to the beauty of a waxing moon.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Malai asainthaalum nilai thavaraamal

Uses an exaggerated image of a mountain shaking to emphasize unbreakable resolve and unwavering virtue.

Alliteration (Moonaai)

Maatharkal vaazhkkaiyin yanthiramaa

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'Ma' across successive lines creating melodic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

Bhagya Devathai (1959) was directed by Tapi Chanakya and featured music composed by Master Venu. Lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass was known for embedding strong social commentary and philosophical questioning into film songs during the Golden Age of Tamil Cinema.

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