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IsaimozhiLyrics · Translation · Meaning

Lyrics & meaning

Manathil Uruthi Vendum

From Manathil Urudhi Vendum · 1987

Lyricist: Vaali
Singer: K. J. Yesudas
Music director: Ilayaraja
Movie name: Manathil Urudhi Vendum
Movie release year: 1987
Lyrics added on: 15 May 2022

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics

↻ English translation

Manathil uruthi vendum

Vaarththaiyilae thelivum vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Vaarththaiyilae thelivum vendum

Unarchchi enbathu vendum

Olipadaiththa paarvai vendum

Nyaanadheepam yaettra vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Vaarththaiyilae thelivum vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Iraivanum palavitha thadaigalai thagarthingu

Vaazhnthu kaatta vendum

Ilakkiya penmaikku ilakkanam neeyena

Yaarum pottra vendum

Maadhar thammai keli pesum

Moodar vaayai mooduvom

Maanam kaakkum maanthar yaarkkum

Maalai vaangi poduvom

Veedu kaakkum pennai vaazhththi

Naadum yaedum pesa vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Vaarththaiyilae thelivum vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Samaikkindra karangalum sariththiram padaippathai

Bhoomi paarkka vendum

Dhooraththu dhesaththil bharatha penmaiyum

Paada ketkka vendum

Pengal koottam peigal endru

Paadal sonna siththargalum

Eendra thaayum penmai endru

Ennidaatha piththarkalae

Yaesinaalum pesinaalum

Anjidaamal vaazha vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Vaarththaiyilae thelivum vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

Manathil uruthi vendum

There must be strength of will in the mind

There must be clarity in our words

There must be strength of will in the mind

There must be clarity in our words

There must be true passion within us

There must be a bright, radiant vision

The lamp of wisdom must be lit...

There must be strength of will in the mind

There must be clarity in our words

There must be strength of will in the mind

There must be strength of will in the mind

Breaking through every obstacle, even those set by God,

you must live and prove yourself here.

That you are the true definition of noble womanhood,

everyone should praise.

Those who mock and ridicule women—

we will shut the mouths of those fools.

For anyone who protects honor and dignity,

we will garland and honor them.

Praising the woman who protects the home,

the nation and its written history must speak...

There must be strength of will in the mind

There must be clarity in our words

There must be strength of will in the mind

There must be strength of will in the mind

The hands that cook creating history—

the earth must witness this.

In distant lands across the world,

the song of Indian womanhood must be heard.

Those who said women are like demons—

even the Siddhars (mystic sages) who sang such songs,

failing to realize that the mother who bore them was a woman too,

were nothing but madmen.

Whether they insult or speak ill,

one must live without fear.

There must be strength of will in the mind

There must be clarity in our words

There must be strength of will in the mind

There must be strength of will in the mind

Male

Male

Male

Male

Male

Male

Male

Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

The song 'Manathil Urudhi Vendum' is a powerful feminist and motivational anthem adapted by Vaali for K. Balachander's 1987 film of the same name. Drawing core inspiration from Mahakavi Subramania Bharati's iconic poem, the lyrics call for mental fortitude, clarity of thought, vision, and wisdom. It advocates for the dignity, equality, and independence of women in society. The lyrics boldly confront misogyny and patriarchal traditions, calling out ancient commentators who disparaged women while reminding them that every person originates from a woman's womb. It urges women to break past limitations, create history through their daily labors, and live with untamed courage and self-respect regardless of societal judgment.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)

“Manathil uruthi vendum / Vaarththaiyilae thelivum vendum”

The word 'vendum' (is required/must) is repeatedly placed at the end of consecutive lines to create a rhythmic, compelling sense of necessity and urgency.

Ethirai (Second letter rhyming in Tamil prosody)

“Maadhar thammai keli pesum / Moodar vaayai mooduvom”

The second consonant sound matches across adjacent lines, maintaining classic Tamil poetic harmony (Maadhar / Moodar / Maanam / Maalai).

Metaphor

“Nyaanadheepam yaettra vendum”

'Nyaanadheepam' translates to 'lamp of wisdom', metaphorically comparing spiritual and intellectual enlightenment to lighting a flame.

Moonaikkal (Initial Consonant Alliteration)

“Samaikkindra karangalum sariththiram padaippathai”

Matching starting letters across words in a single line ('Samaikkindra' and 'Sariththiram') to enhance oral flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

The phrase 'Manathil Urudhi Vendum' comes directly from Mahakavi Subramania Bharati's famous early 20th-century poem. Lyricist Vaali adapted Bharati's philosophical tone and modern feminist ideals to fit the narrative of K. Balachander's movie, which centers on a strong nurse (played by Suhasini) managing her family's struggles independently. Set to an uplifting tune by Ilaiyaraaja and sung with vigor by K. J. Yesudas, the song remains one of Tamil cinema's most famous anthems of empowerment.

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