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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Manamagale Marumagale

From Saradha · 1962

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, L. R. Eswari
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Saradha1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Panam irukkum balam irukkumThere will be wealth, there will be strength
Ungal vaasalilAt your doorstep
Female
Nalla gunam irukkum kulam irukkumThere will be good character and noble lineage
Engal vaasalilAt our doorstep
Female
Pon manamum porul manamumGolden hearts and material riches
Ungal vaasalilAt your doorstep
Female
Pudhu poo manamum paa manamumThe fragrance of fresh flowers and poetic verses
Engal vaasalilAt our doorstep

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song written by Kannadasan contrasts material power with moral and cultural richness. It highlights that while the privileged house holds money, influence, and material wealth, the humble home is rich in good character, family values, natural beauty, and poetic art. Ultimately, the song conveys that true nobility and fulfillment reside in virtue, affection, and artistic heritage rather than mere financial prosperity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Contrast

Ungal vaasalil / Engal vaasalil

Contrasts the attributes found at 'your doorstep' (wealth and strength) with those at 'our doorstep' (character and art).

End Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Ungal vaasalil

Repeated refrain of 'vaasalil' creates a rhythmic cadence at the end of alternating lines.

Internal Rhyme and Alliteration (Monai / Edhugai)

Panam irukkum balam irukkum

Uses matching sound structures like 'Panam/Balam' and 'Poo manamum/Paa manamum' to give poetic flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

From the 1962 film 'Saradha', this song features lyrics by Kannadasan set to music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It remains a classic example of using simple comparative couplets to contrast material riches with spiritual and cultural virtues.

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