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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mannavanaanalum

From Album Songs 2021 · 2021

Lyricist
Traditional
Singer
Gold Devaraj
Music director
Ghibran
Details
Album Songs 20212021

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ye mannavanaanaOh, even if one becomes a king,
Male
Ye mannil pirandhaOh, anyone born on this earth,
Aa mannukkirai thaanIs ultimately prey to this earth itself.
Male
Ye mannavanaanaOh, even if one becomes a king,
Ye chinnavanaanaOh, or even a humble person,
Ye mannil pirandhaOh, anyone born on this earth,
Aa mannukkirai thaanIs ultimately prey to this earth itself.
Male
Ye mannavanaanaOh, even if one becomes a king,
Ye chinnavanaanaOh, or even a humble person,
Ye mannil pirandhaOh, anyone born on this earth,
Aa mannukkirai thaanIs ultimately prey to this earth itself.
Male
{Mannavanaanalum{Even if you are a king,
Maadotum chinnavanaanalumOr a humble person who grazes cattle,
Mannil pirandhalaeIf you are born on this earth,
Marupadi mannukkirai thaanae} (2)You will return to become prey to the earth again} (2)
Male
Ye mannavanaanaOh, even if one becomes a king,
Ye chinnavanaanaOh, or even a humble person,
Ye mannil pirandhaOh, anyone born on this earth,
Aa mannukkirai thaanIs ultimately prey to this earth itself.
Chorus
……………………….....................
Male
{Mannavanaanalum{Even if you are a king,
Maadotum chinnavanaanalumOr a humble person who grazes cattle,
Mannil pirandhalaeIf you are born on this earth,
Marupadi mannukkirai thaanae} (2)You will return to become prey to the earth again} (2)
Male
Ye mannavanaanaOh, even if one becomes a king,
Ye chinnavanaanaOh, or even a humble person,
Ye mannil pirandhaOh, anyone born on this earth,
Aa mannukkirai thaanIs ultimately prey to this earth itself.
Male
Ye mannavanaanaOh, even if one becomes a king,
Ye chinnavanaanaOh, or even a humble person,
Ye mannil pirandhaOh, anyone born on this earth,
Aa mannukkirai thaanIs ultimately prey to this earth itself.
Male
Ye mannavanaanaOh, even if one becomes a king,
Ye chinnavanaanaOh, or even a humble person,
Ye mannil pirandhaOh, anyone born on this earth,
Aa mannukkirai thaanIs ultimately prey to this earth itself.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a deeply philosophical traditional Tamil verse focusing on mortality and the impermanence of human status. It proclaims that regardless of whether someone achieves the highest earthly status as a king or lives a humble life grazing cattle, death serves as the ultimate equalizer. Every human being created from the earth will eventually return to it.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Muran (Antithesis)

Maadotum chinnavanaanalum

Contrasting extremes of social status—'Mannavan' (King) versus 'Chinnavan' (Ordinary cattle herder)—are juxtaposed to highlight that mortality treats everyone equally.

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Mannavanaanalum

The second consonant 'nn' is systematically repeated across lines (Mannavanaanalum / Mannil), creating a rhythmic and lyrical harmony.

Moona (Initial Alliteration)

Marupadi mannukkirai thaanae

Repetition of the 'M' sound at the start of words within the line ('Marupadi', 'mannukkirai').

Did you know?

Trivia

This phrase 'Mannavanaanalum maadotum chinnavanaanalum...' is a famous traditional folk maxim in Tamil Nadu, frequently referenced in folk music, classical poetry, and Tamil cinema to reflect upon the ultimate truth of life and death.

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