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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maradha Sogam Thano

From Manjal Mahimai · 1959

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singers
P. Susheela, Ghantasala
Music director
Master Venu
Details
Manjal Mahimai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Maradha sogam thaanoIs this an inescapable sorrow?
Yaarodu naan solvenooTo whom shall I share my grief?
Valam perum kaadhal malaradhu pomooWill this prosperous love wither away without blooming?
Male
Maradha sogam thaanoIs this an inescapable sorrow?
Yaarodu naan solvenooTo whom shall I share my grief?
Valam perum kaadhal malaradhu pomooWill this prosperous love wither away without blooming?
Female
Periyorgal kaayamae seriyendruThat the actions caused by elders are right,
Naan kollavoShould I accept that?
Periyorgal kaayamae seriyendruThat the actions caused by elders are right,
Naan kollavoShould I accept that?
Urimaiyaam nesamaeIs my rightful affection
Sirithendru thallavooTo be tossed aside as insignificant?
Vilaiyaana paandam polaeLike a precious artifact displaced,
Nilaimaari ponen nanaeI have become completely altered in condition.
Valam perum kaadhal malaradhu pomooWill this prosperous love wither away without blooming?
Male
Maanae unnaasaiOh deer-like maiden, your beloved
Manavalan naanendraeThat I am indeed your bridegroom,
Maanae unnaasaiOh deer-like maiden, your beloved
Manavalan naanendraeThat I am indeed your bridegroom,
Maanbodu kooravaeTo state this with honor and dignity,
Vagaiyedhum kaanenaeI see no way or means.
Malarodu uravae konduHaving built a bond with the blossom,
Ulavadha manamae aanenI have become a heart that drifts aimlessly.
Valam perum kaadhal malaradhu pomooWill this prosperous love wither away without blooming?
Female
Maradha sogam thaanoIs this an inescapable sorrow?
Yaarodu naan solvenooTo whom shall I share my grief?
Valam perum kaadhal malaradhu pomooWill this prosperous love wither away without blooming?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant duet portrays the emotional turmoil and distress of two lovers caught between societal/family obligations and their deep affection for each other. The female protagonist laments her situation, questioning if she must quietly accept the painful decisions imposed by elders, wondering if her genuine love will wither before it gets a chance to bloom. She feels as vulnerable and displaced as a precious object whose worth is overlooked. The male protagonist echoes her sorrow, expressing helplessness in declaring his rightful place as her partner with dignity. Deprived of the means to stand up for their bond, both feel helpless and adrift, wondering if their profound love is destined to end in unfulfilled sorrow.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Vilaiyaana paandam polae

Compares the protagonist's lost emotional stability and altered life condition to a precious vessel or artifact being displaced ('Vilaiyaana paandam polae').

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Valam perum kaadhal malaradhu pomoo

Love is metaphorically visualized as a flourishing flower ('Malaradhu pomoo') that risks dying before it fully blossoms.

Traditional Epithet (Uvamai Aagupeyar)

Maanae unnaasai

Using 'Maanae' (deer-like maiden) as an affectionate form of address to describe gentleness and beauty.

Rhetorical Question

Maradha sogam thaano

Asking 'Maradha sogam thaano' and 'Naan kollavo' heightens the angst and helplessness felt by the lovers.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Manjal Mahimai' (1959) features music by Master Venu, adapting melodies from its original Telugu counterpart 'Antha Manavallethe'. Udumalai Narayanakavi's deeply philosophical and emotionally grounded lyricism perfectly captured the pathos, brought to life through the legendary vocal pairing of P. Susheela and Ghantasala.

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