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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nilaiyillatha Ulagamithe

From Macha Rekai · 1950

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
A. G. Rathnamala
Music director
C. R. Subbaraman
Details
Macha Rekai1950

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nilaiyilladha ulagamidhaeThis world is unstable and impermanent,
Gnyaayamae poiyaanadhooHas justice itself turned into a lie?
Kolaiyum theecheyal pazhiyum thaanaeWill murder, evil deeds, and guilt,
Veenil pogumo andhoAlas, simply go in vain without retribution?
Female
Nilaiyilladha ulagamidhaeThis world is unstable and impermanent,
Gnyaayamae poiyaanadhooHas justice itself turned into a lie?
Female
Padhavi mogathinaalae arumaiDriven by the lust for power and status,
Padhiyai thunindhu kondraaraeThey dared to murder my precious husband!
Paavi naanae anaadhaiyaanenWretched sinner that I am, I have become an orphan,
Paaril kurayaadhum seidhaenoDid I commit any wrong or fault in this world?
Female
Nilaiyilladha ulagamidhaeThis world is unstable and impermanent,
Gnyaayamae poiyaanadhooHas justice itself turned into a lie?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a heartbreaking lamentation expressing sorrow, disillusionment, and agony over a tragic loss caused by human greed. The singer grieves the betrayal and murder of her beloved husband by those blinded by a desire for power and position. Abandoned and grief-stricken, she feels helpless in a world where truth and righteousness seem to have lost all meaning.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhetorical Question

Gnyaayamae poiyaanadhoo

The line uses a rhetorical question to express profound anguish over the apparent decay of truth and justice.

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Padhavi mogathinaalae arumai / Padhiyai thunindhu kondraarae

The repetition of the second consonant sound 'dha/dhi' in consecutive lines creates a rhythmic poetic flow.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Paavi naanae anaadhaiyaanen / Paaril kurayaadhum seidhaeno

The matching initial 'Pa' sound in both lines creates a melodious vocal repetition.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Macha Rekai' (1950) featured music by the legendary composer C. R. Subbaraman, who played a seminal role in early South Indian film music and served as a mentor to legendary music directors M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy.

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