Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mayakkam Kuzhappam

From Aan Pillai Singam · 1975

Lyricist
‘Avinasi’ Mani
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Vijaya Bhaskar
Details
Aan Pillai Singam1975

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mayakkam kuzhappam nerumpothuWhen dizziness or confusion approaches
Payanthaal kozhai nenjamIf you fear, the heart is a coward
Thairiyamaaga poruppai yaerkkaTo take responsibility courageously
Thuninthaal aambillai singamIf one dares, he is a male lion
Vaa……..thirumbi…..vaa…..Come... return... come...
Female
Mayakkam kuzhappam nerumpothuWhen dizziness or confusion approaches
Payanthaal kozhai nenjamIf you fear, the heart is a coward
Thairiyamaaga poruppai yaerkkaTo take responsibility courageously
Thuninthaal aambillai singamIf one dares, he is a male lion
Vaa……..thirumbi…..vaa…..Come... return... come...
Female
Manamirunthaal nalla vazhi pirakkumWhere there is a will, a good path will open
Thunivirunthaal endrum vettri varumIf there is courage, victory will always come
Soozhum pagai vantha podhumEven when surrounding enmity confronts you
Vellum vaai kaana vendumOne must find a way to overcome and win
Ulagam unai potra vendumThe world must praise and respect you
Female
Mayakkam kuzhappam nerumpothuWhen dizziness or confusion approaches
Payanthaal kozhai nenjamIf you fear, the heart is a coward
Thairiyamaaga poruppai yaerkkaTo take responsibility courageously
Thuninthaal aambillai singamIf one dares, he is a male lion
Vaa……..thirumbi…..vaa…..Come... return... come...
Female
Sri ramanukkum intha sodhanaithaanEven Lord Rama faced such trials
Antha gowravarkkum vantha vedhanaithaanEven the Kauravas caused such anguish
Mudhalil adharmam vendraalumEven if unrighteousness wins initially
Mudivil dharmam thaan vellumIn the end, righteousness alone will prevail
Adhanai enna vendumOne must remember and ponder this truth
Female
Mayakkam kuzhappam nerumpothuWhen dizziness or confusion approaches
Payanthaal kozhai nenjamIf you fear, the heart is a coward
Thairiyamaaga poruppai yaerkkaTo take responsibility courageously
Thuninthaal aambillai singamIf one dares, he is a male lion
Aambillai singam……A male lion...
Female
Vaazhkkai endraal pala vazhiyirukkumLife offers many different paths
Adhil nalvazhiyai naam amaiththu kolvomOut of those, let us forge a good path for ourselves
Nambi varuvorao kaappomLet us protect those who come to us in trust
Yaeiththu pizhaipporai saaippomLet us overthrow those who survive through deceit
Vaazhum muraiyodu vaazhvomLet us live according to a principled way of life
Female
Mayakkam kuzhappam nerumpothuWhen dizziness or confusion approaches
Payanthaal kozhai nenjamIf you fear, the heart is a coward
Thairiyamaaga poruppai yaerkkaTo take responsibility courageously
Thuninthaal aambillai singam……If one dares, he is a male lion...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This uplifting motivational track emphasizes courage, moral fortitude, and taking accountability during times of confusion and crisis. It contrasts cowardly retreat with the heroic ideal of an 'Aan Pillai Singam' (a lion among men) who steps up bravely to shoulder responsibilities. Drawing upon epic moral parallels like the trials faced by Sri Rama, the lyrics offer reassurance that while injustice (adharmam) may gain temporary victories, ultimate victory always belongs to righteousness (dharmam). The song urges the listener to choose the path of integrity, protect those who place their trust in them, destroy deceitful elements, and live an honorable life that earns the world's respect.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Thuninthaal aambillai singam

Compares a courageous man taking up responsibility to a 'male lion' (Aambillai singam), symbolizing boldness, leadership, and nobility.

Antithesis / Moral Contrast

Mudhalil adharmam vendraalum / Mudivil dharmam thaan vellum

Contrasts initial temporary victory of unrighteousness (Adharmam) with the ultimate inevitable victory of righteousness (Dharmam).

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Mudhalil adharmam vendraalum / Mudivil dharmam thaan vellum

The second consonant sound 'dha/di' rhymes across consecutive lines ('Mudhalil' / 'Mudivil').

Alliteration / Monai

Vaazhkkai endraal pala vazhiyirukkum / Vaazhum muraiyodu vaazhvom

Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'Vaazhkkai' and 'Vaazhum' reinforcing rhythm and mnemonic impact.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Aan Pillai Singam' (1975) was directed by Avinasi Mani, who also wrote the screenplay and lyrics for the film. The movie stars Sivakumar, Sujatha, and Vijayakumar, with music scored by the veteran composer Vijaya Bhaskar.

Keep listening

More from Aan Pillai Singam