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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Malarae Kurinji Malarae Sad

From Dr. Siva · 1975

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Dr. Siva1975

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Malarae… kurinji malarae…O flower... rare Kurinji flower...
Thalaivan sooda nee malarndhaaiYou bloomed so that the beloved leader could wear you
Pirandha payanai nee adaindhaaiYou attained the true purpose of your birth
Male
Malarae kurinji malaraeO flower, rare Kurinji flower
Male
Naayagan nizhalae naayagi ennumDeclaring that the heroine is the shadow of the hero,
Kaaviyam solli kazhuthinil minnumReciting a legend and shining around the neck,
Magalae un thirumaangalyamIs your sacred wedding thread, my daughter
Thaai vazhi sondam aayiram irundhumEven if there are a thousand relationships on the maternal side,
Thalaivanin anbil vilaivadhu thaanaeIt is only within the love of your husband that it blossoms—
Uravennum saamraajiyamThe vast empire known as togetherness
Male
Thalaivan sooda nee malarndhaaiYou bloomed so that the beloved leader could wear you
Pirandha payanai nee adaindhaaiYou attained the true purpose of your birth
Male
Malarae… kurinji malarae…O flower... rare Kurinji flower...
Malarae… kurinji malarae…O flower... rare Kurinji flower...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song compares a newlywed bride or daughter to the 'Kurinji' flower, an auspicious bloom that appears only once every twelve years in Tamil tradition, symbolizing rare and precious grace. The lyrics express warm blessings for her marital life, noting that her holy wedding thread ('Thirumaangalyam') signifies her union as her husband's life partner and shadow. It further reflects on life's deep bonds, highlighting that while one may possess hundreds of maternal relatives, the true 'empire of relationships' is built upon the foundational love and devotion shared with one's chosen life partner.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Malarae… kurinji malarae…

Compares the bride/daughter to the rare 'Kurinji' flower, which blooms once every 12 years, elevating her value and uniqueness.

Metaphor

Uravennum saamraajiyam

Describes family and love as a 'saamraajiyam' (empire), giving an expansive, grand status to emotional bonds.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Naayagan nizhalae naayagi ennum

Repetition of the initial 'Na' sound across complementary terms 'Naayagan' (hero) and 'Naayagi' (heroine).

Refrain (Irattakilavi / Anaphora)

Malarae… kurinji malarae…

Repetition of the phrase 'Malarae kurinji malarae' throughout the song to reinforce the central theme and musical motif.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song from the 1975 movie 'Dr. Siva' starring Sivaji Ganesan and Jayalalithaa was composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Vaali, sung by K. J. Yesudas and Vani Jairam. The 'Kurinji' flower holds immense significance in ancient Sangam Tamil poetry (Kurinji-thinai) where it represents the mountainous landscape and is revered as a symbol of rare, enduring affection.

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