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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nee Enthan

From Pangaligal · 1961

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
V. Dakshinamurthy
Details
Pangaligal1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nee endhan pillai naan undhan annaiYou are my child, I am your mother
Nizhal pola thodarnthomadaWe followed each other like a shadow, my dear
Indru thaai endrum illai saeiyendrum illaiToday there is no mother and no child
Thaniyaga pirindhomadaWe have separated alone, my dear
Thaniyaga pirindhomadaWe have separated alone, my dear
Female
Uravaaga irundhoor pagaiyaana pinnaeAfter those who were relatives turned into enemies
Manam yedhu magizhvaedhadaaWhere is the joy in one's heart, my dear?
Pagaiyaana koottam uravaana pinnaeAfter the group of enemies became relatives
Panam yedhu sugam yedhadaWhat use is money, what pleasure remains, my dear?
Panam yedhu sugam yedhada ..What use is money, what pleasure remains, my dear?
Female
Haaa…aaa..aaaaHaaa...aaa..aaaa
Panakkaarar endru uzhaippazhlar thammaiBeing wealthy, without respecting the hardworking laborers
Madhikaaamal vaazhndhaaradaThey lived their lives, my dear
Female
Panakkara vaazhvu pariponadhaaleBecause that rich life was lost completely
Irul soozhndha podhumEven when darkness surrounds them
Avarkaaga vaazhvenadaI will live for them, my dear
Avarkaaga vaazhvenadaI will live for them, my dear
Avarkaaga vaazhvenadaI will live for them, my dear
Female
Nee endhan pillai naan undhan annaiYou are my child, I am your mother
Nizhal pola thodarnthomadaWe followed each other like a shadow, my dear
Indru thaai endrum illai saeiyendrum illaiToday there is no mother and no child
Thaniyaga pirindhomadaWe have separated alone, my dear
Thaniyaga pirindhomadaWe have separated alone, my dear

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song from Pangaligal reflects the sorrow of severed familial bonds, economic downfall, and unconditional maternal devotion. The speaker laments how sweet relationships have turned bitter due to pride and changing fortunes, emphasizing that neither money nor status brings genuine happiness when family ties break. Despite the tragic downfall of the once-wealthy who disregarded hardworking people, the mother figure vows to stand by her loved ones and live for them even in their darkest hours. Kannadasan eloquently highlights human impermanence and maternal sacrifice through these emotive lyrics.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Nizhal pola thodarnthomada

Compares the inseparable bond between mother and child to a shadow following a person.

Antithesis / Contrast (Muran)

Uravaaga irundhoor pagaiyaana pinnae / Pagaiyaana koottam uravaana pinnae

Contrasts relatives turning into enemies with enemies becoming relatives to show the unpredictable nature of worldly relationships.

Rhetorical Question

Panam yedhu sugam yedhada

Asks a rhetorical question emphasizing that wealth holds no value when peace of mind and affection are lost.

Repetition / Anaphora

Avarkaaga vaazhvenada

Repetition of 'Avarkaaga vaazhvenada' reinforces the resolute determination of selflessness and sacrifice.

Did you know?

Trivia

Pangaligal (1961), starring Gemini Ganesan and M. R. Radha, features music by veteran composer V. Dakshinamurthy. Kannadasan's philosophical lyricism brilliantly captures Tamil culture's deep value for maternal bonds and social critique of material pride.

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