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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nallavar Kuralukku

From Dr. Siva · 1975

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Dr. Siva1975

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aa… aahaahaa… aahaahaa… aahaahaa…Aa… aahaahaa… aahaahaa… aahaahaa…
Aahaahaa… aahaahaa… aahaahaa…Aahaahaa… aahaahaa… aahaahaa…
Aehaehae… aehaehae… aehaehae… ae… ae… ae…Aehaehae… aehaehae… aehaehae… ae… ae… ae…
Male
Nallavar kuralukku madhippirukkumThere is respect for the voice of a good person
Indha naattilaeIn this country
Idhai naan sellum paadhaiyil kandu kondaenI realized this along the path I traveled
Indha kaattilaeIn this forest
Male
Nallavar kuralukku madhippirukkumThere is respect for the voice of a good person
Indha naattilaeIn this country
Idhai naan sellum paadhaiyil kandu kondaenI realized this along the path I traveled
Indha kaattilaeIn this forest
Engum naan paarkkiren edhiroli kaetkkirenEverywhere I look, I hear an echo
Engum naan paarkkiren edhiroli kaetkkirenEverywhere I look, I hear an echo
Kaetkkiren… kaetkkiren… kaetkkiren…I hear… I hear… I hear…
Male
Malai pol uyarndha manamirundhaalIf one possesses a mind as noble and high as a mountain
Endha nilaiyilum manidhan vaazhalaamA human can thrive under any circumstance
Malai pol uyarndha manamirundhaalIf one possesses a mind as noble and high as a mountain
Endha nilaiyilum manidhan vaazhalaamA human can thrive under any circumstance
Male
Nalla pani pol urugum gunam irundhaalIf one has a nature that melts like pure snow
Endha pagaivanum veezhndhida kaanalaamOne will witness even the strongest enemy fall
Maaperum sabaiyilum maalaigal soodalaamThey will be honored with garlands even in grand assemblies
Maaperum sabaiyilum maalaigal soodalaamThey will be honored with garlands even in grand assemblies
Soodalaam… soodalaam… soodalaam…They will be honored… honored… honored…
Male
Nallavar kuralukku madhippirukkumThere is respect for the voice of a good person
Indha naattilaeIn this country
Idhai naan sellum paadhaiyil kandu kondaenI realized this along the path I traveled
Indha kaattilaeIn this forest
Male
Iraigalai virumbi iravu pagalSeeking prey night and day
Sila paravaigal thiriyum kaattilaeCertain birds wander in the forest
Andha paravaigal inathil pirandhavar polJust like creatures born of that bird species
Silar padhavikku alaivaar naattilaeSome people wander around chasing position and power in the country
Andha paravaigal inathil pirandhavar polJust like creatures born of that bird species
Silar padhavikku alaivaar naattilaeSome people wander around chasing position and power in the country
Pattamum padhaviyum thaedinaal koodumoCan titles and power be gained merely by chasing them?
Pattamum padhaviyum thaedinaal koodumoCan titles and power be gained merely by chasing them?
Koodumo… koodumo… koodumo…Can it be gained… gained… gained…
Male
Chedi mael padarndha kodigalai polJust like vines winding around plants
Perum thalaivarum thondarum saeralaamGreat leaders and followers can unite seamlessly
Chedi mael padarndha kodigalai polJust like vines winding around plants
Perum thalaivarum thondarum saeralaamGreat leaders and followers can unite seamlessly
Male
Avar madiyinil edhaiyum maraithadhillaiWith nothing hidden in their lap or heart
Indha maanilam avar vasam aagalaamThis vast earth can come under their guidance
Avar madiyinil edhaiyum maraithadhillaiWith nothing hidden in their lap or heart
Indha maanilam avar vasam aagalaamThis vast earth can come under their guidance
Thyaagamum seelamum dhaesathai aalalaamSacrifice and virtue alone can rule the nation
Thyaagamum seelamum dhaesathai aalalaamSacrifice and virtue alone can rule the nation
Aalalaam… aalalaam… aalalaam…Can rule… rule… rule…
Male
Nallavar kuralukku madhippirukkumThere is respect for the voice of a good person
Indha naattilaeIn this country
Idhai naan sellum paadhaiyil kandu kondaenI realized this along the path I traveled
Indha kaattilaeIn this forest

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the 1975 Tamil movie 'Dr. Siva', written by Vaali, serves as a philosophical reflection on leadership, integrity, and righteousness. The protagonist draws parallels between nature—specifically a forest—and human society, emphasizing that true respect and power cannot be acquired by selfishly chasing titles or positions. Just as birds roam endlessly seeking prey, self-serving opportunists roam seeking political power, but true leadership is born of sacrifice, humility, and transparency.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Malai pol uyarndha manamirundhaal

Compares a noble heart to a high mountain ('Malai pol uyarndha manamirundhaal') and a gentle, compassionate nature to melting snow ('Nalla pani pol urugum gunam').

Emona / Rhyme (Monai and Etukai)

Indha naattilae / Indha kaattilae

Use of rhyming ending syllables such as 'naattilae' and 'kaattilae' to establish rhythm and musicality.

Metaphor & Political Allegory

Andha paravaigal inathil pirandhavar pol / Silar padhavikku alaivaar naattilae

Compares predatory birds roaming the woods for prey to opportunistic politicians hungering for office in society.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Dr. Siva' stars Sivaji Ganesan and Jayalalithaa. The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, and this iconic philosophical track was sung by T. M. Soundararajan, featuring lyrics by Vaali that subtly echoed contemporary political commentary in Tamil Nadu during the mid-1970s.

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