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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nallathan Yosi

From Sontham (1973) · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
M. S. Vishwanathan, P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Sontham (1973)
Movie release year
1973
Lyrics added on
22 Apr 2024

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kaarmegam manasu vachcha
Kaadellaam mazhai pozhiyum
Yaer uzhavar manasu vachcha
Engaeyum nel vilaiyum
Kulam parththu valai virichchaa
Koottamaa meen kidaikkum
Kolvatharkkum koduppatharkkum
Manasuthaanae karanamaam
Oo….ooh…oo…ooh…ohhha….
Nallaaththaan yosikkireenga
Namakenna kurainju pochu
Ellorkkum melae neega
Edhilaethaan thaazhnthu pochu
Nallaaththaan yosikkireenga
Namakenna kurainju pochu
Ellorkkum melae neega
Edhilaethaan thaazhnthu pochu
Maanamthaan perisu endru
Sonna mama
Malai poae ooraar munnae
Nillu mama…
Maanamthaan perisu endru
Sonna mama
Malai poae ooraar munnae
Nillu mama…
Thattil vaiththa pattu selai
Kettu povathumillai
Thangam rendu thundaanaalum
Maaththu povathillai
Kotti pona santhanaththil
Vaasam povathumillai
Kobam kondathaal ungal
Gunam povathumillai
Maanamthaan perisu endru
Sonna mama
Malai poae ooraar munnae
Nillu mama…
Nallaaththaan yosikkireenga
Namakenna kurainju pochu
Ellorkkum melae neega
Edhilaethaan thaazhnthu pochu
Vaasam ulla mullai undu
Soodum aasai vendum
Vanna vanna thottam undu
Aadum aasai vendum
Manjam endru ondru undu
Nenjil kolla vendum
Mangai sonna jadaiyai
Enni kolla vendum
Maanamthaan perisu endru
Sonna mama
Malai poae ooraar munnae
Nillu mama…
Nallaaththaan yosikkireenga
Namakenna kurainju pochu
Ellorkkum melae neega
Edhilaethaan thaazhnthu pochu
Maanamthaan perisu endru
Sonna mama
Malai poae ooraar munnae
Nillu mama…
If the dark clouds make up their mind,
rain will pour all over the forest.
If the ploughing farmers set their mind to it,
paddy will grow everywhere.
If you cast a net knowing where the fish gather,
they will be caught in abundance.
Whether to take a life or to give generously,
it is only the heart that decides.
Ooh… ooh… oo… ooh… oh-haa…
You think about things so wisely,
what are we lacking anyway?
You stand above everyone else,
in what way have you ever fallen low?
You think about things so wisely,
what are we lacking anyway?
You stand above everyone else,
in what way have you ever fallen low?
"Self-respect is greater than anything,"
you always said, Mama—
stand like a mountain before the townfolk,
stand tall, my dear!
"Self-respect is greater than anything,"
you always said, Mama—
stand like a mountain before the townfolk,
stand tall, my dear!
A silk sari kept on a plate
will never get ruined.
Even if gold breaks into two pieces,
it never loses its purity.
Even if sandalwood paste is spilled,
its fragrance will never fade.
Just because you got angry,
your good nature is not lost.
"Self-respect is greater than anything,"
you always said, Mama—
stand like a mountain before the townfolk,
stand tall, my dear!
You think about things so wisely,
what are we lacking anyway?
You stand above everyone else,
in what way have you ever fallen low?
Fragrant jasmine flowers are here,
you only need the desire to wear them.
A colorful garden is here,
you only need the wish to enjoy it.
A bed of love awaits,
you should keep that in mind.
The hints this young woman gave,
you should think about and understand.
"Self-respect is greater than anything,"
you always said, Mama—
stand like a mountain before the townfolk,
stand tall, my dear!
You think about things so wisely,
what are we lacking anyway?
You stand above everyone else,
in what way have you ever fallen low?
"Self-respect is greater than anything,"
you always said, Mama—
stand like a mountain before the townfolk,
stand tall, my dear!
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song is an uplifting and philosophical dialogue designed to boost self-worth and dignity. It opens with the premise that human intent and state of mind govern all outcomes—just as dark clouds choose to bring rain and farmers choose to cultivate grain. The narrative reassures an elder figure (uncle) that temporary setbacks or moments of anger do not diminish intrinsic virtue, drawing vivid analogies to gold retaining its value even if broken, silk remaining pristine, and sandalwood keeping its fragrance even when spilled. In the latter half, the tone turns romantically encouraging, urging one to embrace life's pleasures, beauty, and subtle affectionate gestures. Kannadasan's lyrics blend deep folk wisdom with affectionate banter, encouraging the listener to stand firm and proud like a majestic mountain in the face of society.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

“Malai poae ooraar munnae / Nillu mama…”

Compares standing tall with honor in front of society to standing majestic like a mountain ('Malai poae').

Uruvagam & Metaphorical Analogies

“Thangam rendu thundaanaalum / Maaththu povathillai”

Uses gold, silk, and sandalwood as metaphors for inner human character, which retains its inherent value regardless of external damage or circumstances.

Moonaal / Monai (Initial Alliteration)

“Kaarmegam manasu vachcha / Kaadellaam mazhai pozhiyum”

Matching initial consonants across lines (e.g., Kaarmegam / Kaadellaam).

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

“Thattil vaiththa pattu selai ... Thangam rendu thundaanaalum”

The second consonant 't' / 'ng' creates rhythmic rhyming across verse lines (Thattil / Thangam / Kotti / Kobam).

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by M. S. Viswanathan for the 1973 movie 'Sontham', this track features MSV himself behind the microphone alongside legendary singer P. Susheela. MSV's distinctive voice brings a uniquely authentic, earthy charm to Kannadasan's philosophical lines.

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From the same album

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