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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naadu Sezhipathellaam Yer Munaiyale

From Raja Malaiya Simman · 1959

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
S. Janaki, S. C. Krishnan
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Raja Malaiya Simman1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Naadu sezhipadhelleam yer muniyaalaeThe whole country prospers because of the tip of the plow.
Pudhu yedu pirappadhellaam ezhudhu kol munaiyalaeEvery new book is born because of the tip of the writing pen.
Female
Indha iru munaikkum paadhukaapu yedhanaalaeWhat provides protection to these two tips?
Yedhanaalae yedhanaalae yedhanaalae….By what? By what? By what?
Male
Idhanaalae idhanaalae idhanaalaeBecause of this, because of this, because of this!
Male
Idhanaalae idhanaalae idhanaalaeBecause of this, because of this, because of this!
Idhanaalae idhanaalae idhanaalaeBecause of this, because of this, because of this!
Maarai thatti nimirndhu nindruThumping one's chest and standing tall,
Por munaikku odi sendruRunning swiftly to the battlefield,
Veeranaaaga vaazhnthidalaam idhanaalaeOne can live as a brave hero because of this!
Maarai thatti nimirndhu nindruThumping one's chest and standing tall,
Por munaikku odi sendruRunning swiftly to the battlefield,
Veeranaaaga vaazhnthidalaam idhanaalaeOne can live as a brave hero because of this!
Idhanaalae idhanaalae idhanaalaeBecause of this, because of this, because of this!
Female
Veeramillaa aangal mattumOnly men who lack valor,
Veetilulla samayarkkattilInside the kitchen at home,
Kaaikariyai narukkidalaam idhanaaalaeCan chop vegetables because of this!
Veeramillaa aangal mattumOnly men who lack valor,
Veetilulla samayarkkattilInside the kitchen at home,
Kaaikariyai narukkidalaam idhanaaalaeCan chop vegetables because of this!
Idhanaalae idhanaalae idhanaalaeBecause of this, because of this, because of this!
Male
Pala vishayam thannaiyae dhinam ezhudhi thalliyaeWriting down various matters every day,
Munai mazhunghi pona ezhudhukolai seevidaamalaeWithout sharpening the blunt tip of the pen...
Female :Perum soorai kaatrilae nilai maaari rottilaeFemale: In a fierce storm, off-balance on the road,
Thalai saaindhu pona marathai ellaam vettidalaamaeCan chop down all the trees that have fallen over!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful and satirical duet from 'Raja Malaiya Simman' (1959) highlights the importance of valor and military defense alongside agriculture and literature. The song begins with a profound thought: the prosperity of a nation relies on the plow's tip (farming) and the pen's tip (knowledge). However, both essential pillars require protection, which comes from military courage and the tip of the sword. The lyrics humorously contrast true bravery on the battlefield with cowardice, teasing men who lack courage by suggesting they remain confined to domestic tasks like chopping vegetables in the kitchen.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor / Symbolism (Iru Munai)

Naadu sezhipadhelleam yer muniyaalae / Pudhu yedu pirappadhellaam ezhudhu kol munaiyalae

The 'tip of the plow' and 'tip of the pen' serve as metaphors for agriculture and wisdom, representing the core pillars of a thriving civilization.

Anaphora / Repetition

Yedhanaalae yedhanaalae yedhanaalae…. / Idhanaalae idhanaalae idhanaalae

The rhythmic repetition of 'Yedhanaalae' (By what?) and 'Idhanaalae' (Because of this) builds conversational tension and musical momentum.

Iyaibu (Rhyme)

Maarai thatti nimirndhu nindru / Por munaikku odi sendru

The end-rhyming words 'nindru' and 'sendru' provide a rhythmic marching cadence fitting for a battle song.

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Trivia

'Raja Malaiya Simman' (1959) was a action-adventure film starring Ranjan and Rajasulochana, released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. Lyricist A. Maruthakasi crafted this witty dialogue-style song, showcasing the musical duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy's versatility in blending comedy with heroic motifs.

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