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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naan Nallavar

From Kattila Thottila · 1973

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
V. Kumar
Details
Kattila Thottila1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aa….aah…..aa…..aa….Aa... aah... aa... aa...
Female
Naan nallavar illaram nalamura vendukiraenI pray for the domestic life of good people to prosper
Naan mangala geethangal aayiram paadugiraenI sing a thousand auspicious songs
Nadanthavai nadanthavaiyaagattumLet what has happened be in the past
Ini nadappavai nallavaiyaagattumLet what happens hereafter be good
Female
Naan nallavar illaram nalamura vendukiraenI pray for the domestic life of good people to prosper
Naan mangala geethangal aayiram paadugiraenI sing a thousand auspicious songs
Naan paadugiraenI am singing
Female
Pandiyan thirumagal vetkaththilaeThe divine daughter of the Pandiya kingdom is in shyness
Sokkanaadharum naayagi pakkathilaeLord Sokkanathar is right beside his consort
Pandiyan thirumagal vetkaththilaeThe divine daughter of the Pandiya kingdom is in shyness
Sokkanaadharum naayagi pakkathilaeLord Sokkanathar is right beside his consort
Iruvarum oonjalil aadugiraarBoth of them swing on the swing
Kannil oruvarai oruvar thedugiraarIn each other's eyes, they seek one another
Adhu thaabathilaa….manasthaabathilaaIs it out of longing... or out of misunderstanding?
Female
Naan nallavar illaram nalamura vendukiraenI pray for the domestic life of good people to prosper
Naan mangala geethangal aayiram paadugiraenI sing a thousand auspicious songs
Naan paadugiraenI am singing
Female
Moovarum moondru tamil polae endrumThe three of us, like the three forms of Tamil, forever
Malarnthiruppom ungal vizhi melaeShall bloom right before your eyes
Moovarum moondru tamil polae endrumThe three of us, like the three forms of Tamil, forever
Malarnthiruppom ungal vizhi melaeShall bloom right before your eyes
Vaazhvathum valarvathum yaaraalaeBy whom do we live and flourish?
Neengal vaarththidum anbu neeraalaeBy the water of love that you shower upon us
Female
Naan nallavar illaram nalamura vendukiraenI pray for the domestic life of good people to prosper
Naan mangala geethangal aayiram paadugiraenI sing a thousand auspicious songs
Nadanthavai nadanthavaiyaagattumLet what has happened be in the past
Ini nadappavai nallavaiyaagattumLet what happens hereafter be good
Nadanthavai nadanthavaiyaagattumLet what has happened be in the past
Ini nadappavai nallavaiyaagattumLet what happens hereafter be good

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from 'Kattila Thottila' expresses a deep, benevolent prayer for happiness and stability within a family. The singer offers auspicious wishes, encouraging everyone to let go of past bitterness and move forward into a harmonious future. Using references to Lord Shiva (Sokkanathar) and Goddess Meenakshi (Pandiyan Thirumagal), as well as comparing family unity to Mutthamizh (the three divisions of the Tamil language), the song highlights marital affection, forgiveness, and the sustaining power of unconditional love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Naan nallavar illaram nalamura vendukiraen

Repetition of the 'Na' sound at the beginning of words in 'Naan nallavar illaram nalamura', producing a smooth phonetic rhythm.

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Nadanthavai nadanthavaiyaagattum / Ini nadappavai nallavaiyaagattum

The second consonant sound 'da' matches across lines ('Nadanthavai' / 'nadappavai'), creating a balanced flow.

Upamai (Simile)

Moovarum moondru tamil polae endrum

The trio of family members is compared to 'Moondru Tamil' (Iyal, Isai, Nadagam), signifying completeness and intrinsic harmony.

Urvagam (Metaphor)

Neengal vaarththidum anbu neeraalae

Love is depicted as nourishing water ('anbu neer') that enables life and prosperity to bloom.

Did you know?

Trivia

The line 'Nadanthavai nadanthavaiyaagattum, ini nadappavai nallavaiyaagattum' written by lyricist Vaali became an iconic Tamil maxim widely quoted in popular culture, everyday discourse, and political speeches to advocate letting go of past conflicts for a better tomorrow.

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