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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Neeyum Naanum Ondru Sad

From Koduthu Vaithaval · 1963

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Koduthu Vaithaval1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Neeyum naanum ondruYou and I are one,
Oru nilaiyil paarthaal indruIf viewed from a certain perspective today.
Female
Neeyum naanum ondruYou and I are one,
Oru nilaiyil paarthaal indruIf viewed from a certain perspective today.
Neeyum naanum ondruYou and I are one.
Female
Azhagai unakku kodutha iraivanThe God who gave you beauty,
Arivil mayakkam koduthu vittaanHas clouded your mind with delusion.
Azhagai unakku kodutha iraivanThe God who gave you beauty,
Arivil mayakkam koduthu vittaanHas clouded your mind with delusion.
Vizhiyai enakku kodutha iraivanThe God who gave me vision,
Vazhiyai kaatta maruthu vittaanHas refused to show me the way.
Female
Neeyum naanum ondruYou and I are one.
Female
Uravumillai pagaiyumillai …There is neither relationship nor enmity...
Uyarvum thaazhvum unakkillai…You have neither high nor low status...
Iravumillai…. pagalum illaiThere is no night, nor is there day...
Edhuvum ulagil enakkillaiNothing in this world belongs to me,
Edhuvum ulagil enakkillai enakkillaiNothing in this world belongs to me, belongs to me.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a deeply philosophical contemplation on shared misfortune and human helplessness. The speaker compares their state with another person's, drawing a poetic parallel: while one was blessed with physical beauty but cursed with a confused intellect, the other was granted eyesight but denied a clear path in life. Ultimately, both remain trapped in tragic circumstances beyond their control.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis (Muran)

Uravumillai pagaiyumillai … Uyarvum thaazhvum unakkillai… Iravumillai…. pagalum illai

Contrasting pairs are used to show absolute neutrality and loss of distinction, such as relationship/enmity, high/low, and night/day.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Vizhiyai enakku kodutha iraivan / Vazhiyai kaatta maruthu vittaan

Matching initial consonant sounds in words within the same line, such as 'Vizhiyai' and 'Vazhiyai'.

Epanalepsis (Repetition)

Neeyum naanum ondru

Repetition of the refrain 'Neeyum naanum ondru' emphasizes unity in grief and existential equality.

Did you know?

Trivia

The 1963 Tamil film 'Koduthu Vaithaval' stars M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), E. V. Saroja, and L. Vijayalakshmi. The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, featuring lyrics by A. Maruthakasi and Vaali.

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