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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Madhiyaathar Vaasal

From Satharam · 1956

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
Trichy Loganathan
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Satharam1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Madhiyaadhar vaasal madhiththorukaal sendruGoing even once to the doorstep of those who do not respect you
Madhiyaamai kodi perumWill bring millions of disrespects.
Endra madhi sonna avvai mozhi thannai pottriPraising the wise words of Avvaiyar who taught this,
Vaazhvadhae prumai tharumLiving accordingly brings true pride.
Haa aa..aa..aa…aa..aaHaa aa..aa..aa…aa..aa
Male
Mann meedhu maanam ondrae pradhaanamOn this earth, honor alone is paramount,
Endrennum gunam vendumOne must possess such a character always.
Idhai marandhaale vazhvil kidaikkum sanmaanamIf one forgets this, the reward received in life
Maravaadha avamaanamIs an unforgettable disgrace.
Male
Mann meedhu maanam ondrae pradhaanamOn this earth, honor alone is paramount,
Endrennum gunam vendumOne must possess such a character always.
Idhai marandhaale vazhvil kidaikkum sanmaanamIf one forgets this, the reward received in life
Maravaadha avamaanamIs an unforgettable disgrace.
Male
Kannaana kanavan thanmaana thannaiThe beloved husband and her own self-respect
Kaapaattrum penn deivamAre protected by the divine woman.
Kannaana kanavan thanmaana thannaiThe beloved husband and her own self-respect
Kaapaattrum penn deivamAre protected by the divine woman.
Manam punnaagi sindhum kanneerai kaanaSeeing tears shed from a wounded heart,
Porukaadhada deivamEven God cannot tolerate it.
Male
Ennaadha thunbam edhu vandha podhumWhatever unimaginable sorrow comes your way,
Edhir kolla thayangaadheDo not hesitate to face it.
Eliyorkkaaga nee seidha thiyaagamThe sacrifice you made for the poor and humble,
Idhai logam maravaadheThis world will never forget.
Ennaadha thunbam edhu vandha podhumWhatever unimaginable sorrow comes your way,
Edhir kolla thayangaadheDo not hesitate to face it.
Eliyorkkaaga nee seidha thiyaagamThe sacrifice you made for the poor and humble,
Idhai logam maravaadheThis world will never forget.
Male
Azhiyaadha inbam puviyorgal ennumUndying happiness, which people on earth seek,
Panangaasile illaiDoes not lie in money or wealth.
Haa aa aa aaHaa aa aa aa
Azhiyaadha inbam puviyorgal ennumUndying happiness, which people on earth seek,
Panangaasile illaiDoes not lie in money or wealth.
Mei yanbae ennaalum azhiyaadha inbamTrue love alone is eternal happiness,
Adharkku eedu ver illaiThere is no equal to it.
Male
Mann meedhu maanam ondrae pradhaanamOn this earth, honor alone is paramount,
Endrennum gunam vendumOne must possess such a character always.
Idhai marandhaale vazhvil kidaikkum sanmaanamIf one forgets this, the reward received in life
Maravaadha avamaanamIs an unforgettable disgrace.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song emphasizes the supreme value of honor, self-respect, true love, and selfless sacrifice. Citing the ancient Tamil poet Avvaiyar's wisdom against visiting places where one is not respected, the lyrics assert that living a dignified life is the greatest pride, while compromising self-respect leads only to everlasting shame. It further praises the virtue of a noble woman who safeguards both her family and her self-respect, noting that divine justice empathizes with genuine human suffering. Encouraging moral courage in the face of adversity, the song highlights that true, imperishable happiness comes not from material riches, but from love and sacrifices made for the downtrodden.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Mann meedhu maanam ondrae pradhaanam

Repetition of the initial 'm' sound across 'Mann' and 'maanam' creates rhythmic emphasis on self-respect.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Idhai marandhaale vazhvil kidaikkum sanmaanam / Maravaadha avamaanam

Matching end sounds with 'sanmaanam' and 'avamaanam' enhances melodic structure and textual symmetry.

Ethirai (Antithesis / Moral Contrast)

Idhai marandhaale vazhvil kidaikkum sanmaanam / Maravaadha avamaanam

Juxtaposes 'sanmaanam' (reward/honor) with 'avamaanam' (disgrace) to highlight the consequence of abandoning self-respect.

Allusion (Ilakkiya Kurippu)

Madhiyaadhar vaasal madhiththorukaal sendru ... Endra madhi sonna avvai mozhi thannai pottri

Direct citation of classical Tamil ethical poet Avvaiyar's famous maxim regarding self-respect.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song opens with a direct quotation from Avvaiyar's classic ethical text (Kondrai Vendhan / Moodhurai literature), which advises against seeking entry into homes where one is unappreciated. Lyricist A. Maruthakasi seamlessly blended traditional Sangam-inspired moral wisdom into modern film songwriting, beautifully rendered in Trichy Loganathan's expressive voice under G. Ramanathan's musical direction.

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