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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Menmai Paduvaai Manamey

From Rowthiram · 2011

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singer
Palakkad Sriram
Music director
Prakash Nikki
Details
Rowthiram2011

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Menmai paduvaai manamae kelListen, O mind, attain greatness!
Vin meen needhi mun vizhundhaalumEven if stars fall down before justice,
Aanmai thavari nadungaadhaeDo not lose your valor and tremble.
Bayandhaal payan illaiThere is no use in being afraid.
Male
Menmai paduvaai manamae kelListen, O mind, attain greatness!
Vin meen needhi mun vizhundhaalumEven if stars fall down before justice,
Aanmai thavari nadungaadhaeDo not lose your valor and tremble.
Bayandhaal payan illaiThere is no use in being afraid.
Male
Achamillai amungudhal illaiThere is no fear, there is no suppression.
Gnaanamillai nadungudhal illaiThere is no sorrow, there is no trembling.
Paavamillai padhungudhalillaiThere is no sin, there is no cowering.
Bayandhaal payanillaiThere is no use in being afraid.
Male
Achamillai amungudhal illaiThere is no fear, there is no suppression.
Gnaanamillai nadungudhal illaiThere is no sorrow, there is no trembling.
Paavamillai padhungudhal illaiThere is no sin, there is no cowering.
Bayandhaal payanillaiThere is no use in being afraid.
Male
Edhir veridhu vidar padamaattom….We will not be defeated by adversaries or adversity...
Andam sidharinaalum anjamaattomEven if the universe shatters, we will not fear!
Edhir veridhu vidar padamaattom….We will not be defeated by adversaries or adversity...
Andam sidharinaalum anjamaattomEven if the universe shatters, we will not fear!
Male
Yaarukkum anjom edharkum anjomWe fear no one, we fear nothing!
Engum anjom eppodhum anjomWe fear nowhere, we fear never!
Yaarukkum anjom edharkum anjomWe fear no one, we fear nothing!
Engum anjom eppodhum anjomWe fear nowhere, we fear never!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poem by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar serves as an empowering anthem calling for absolute fearlessness and moral fortitude. Addressing his own mind, the poet urges it to strive for high virtues and maintain composure regardless of how catastrophic the external circumstances may be. Even if celestial bodies collapse or the entire universe disintegrates, a righteous mind must never yield to fear or retreat in cowardice.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Hyperbole

Andam sidharinaalum anjamaattom

Exaggeration of ultimate cosmic destruction ('even if the universe shatters') to emphasize unwavering human resolve.

Epistrophe (Repetition)

Yaarukkum anjom edharkum anjom / Engum anjom eppodhum anjom

Repetition of 'anjom' (we fear not) at the end of multiple phrases creates a rhythmic and forceful emphasis on bravery.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Achamillai amungudhal illai

Repetition of the initial 'A' sound ('Achamillai', 'amungudhal') creates musicality and flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

While the lyrics belong to the iconic revolutionary poet Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar, the music for this song in the film Rowthiram (2011) was composed by Prakash Nikki, starring Jiiva and Shriya Saran.

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