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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Malainaatile

From Naadu · 2023

Lyricist
Karthik Netha
Singer
Ananthu
Music director
C. Sathya
Details
Naadu2023

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Malai naatilaeIn the mountain land
Un thadam thediyaeSearching for your footsteps
Alai modhudhaeWaves of emotion surge
Agam vaadiyaeMy heart is wilting
Male
Vazhi pokkanaeO traveler
Vazhi kattavaShall I show you the way?
Dhisai kaatinaalIf the direction is shown
Sariyaaga maarum indreEverything will turn out right today
Male
Malai maetilaeOn the mountain mounds
Pala uyir yenguthaeMany souls are longing
Padai meetilaeOn the battlefield
PoradudhaeStruggling to survive
Male
AdivaramaeO foothill
En kural ketkudhaCan you hear my voice?
Oru vaati neeJust once
Un nilam kaana vandhaal ennaWhy don't you come to see your land?
Male
Podhadha kaalamIn times of shortage
Polladha neramIn cruel moments
Nee vandhu ninnaIf you come and stand here
Vidhi thaana maarumaeFate itself will change
Male
Odaana koottamA vast crowd of people
Unnala vaazhumWill thrive because of you
Odatha vaazhkkaiA stagnant life
Thiruthaera odumaeWill move forward like a temple chariot
Male
Thaviya thavikkum ooruThe village is suffering in deep distress
Mazhaiya kilambhi vaaArise and come like rain
Irutta irukku paaruLook, there is darkness everywhere
Oliya odi vaaCome running as light
Male
Malai naadanaeO man of the mountain land
Un mugam paakkirenI behold your face
Idhu podhumaeThis is enough
Namm sanam vaazhumaeOur people will survive and live well
Male
Edhir kalameThe future times
NamathagumaeWill become ours
Magarasana kidaithaaiYou are found as a blessed soul
Nee deivam polaJust like a god

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the movie Naadu (2023) is a poignant and uplifting invocation calling upon a savior or leader to return to their hill country roots. The lyrics capture the grief, longing, and struggle of the local villagers who feel abandoned in difficult times. By invoking imagery of rain refreshing parched soil and light piercing through deep darkness, the song expresses immense faith that the arrival of this respected figure will transform their destiny and breathe life back into the entire community.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Malai naatilae / Alai modhudhae

The second consonant 'lai' rhymes between 'Malai' and 'Alai' across consecutive lines.

Monai (Initial Letter Alliteration)

Podhadha kaalam / Polladha neram

Repetition of the initial letter 'Po' in 'Podhadha' and 'Polladha'.

Upamai (Simile)

Mazhaiya kilambhi vaa

Comparing the arrival of the savior to rain quenching a suffering village using the word 'Mazhaiya'.

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Irutta irukku paaru / Oliya odi vaa

Comparing the protagonist to light ('Oliya') that dispels the darkness ('Irutta').

Upamai (Simile)

Nee deivam pola

Explicit comparison using 'pola' (like) comparing the leader to a divinity or god.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is composed by C. Sathya with lyrics written by Lyricist Karthik Netha, known for his evocative rural and philosophical imagery. Sung passionately by Ananthu, the track underscores the core thematic conflict of the film 'Naadu' (directed by M. Saravanan), which revolves around the struggles of marginalized hill-dwelling communities.

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