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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oliyaadudhu

From Rail · 2024

Lyricist
Ramesh Vaidya
Singer
S. J. Jananiy
Music director
S. J. Jananiy
Details
Rail2024

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Arumeenena thamizh paadiyaThe auspicious Karthigai lamp,
Thirukaarthigai dheepamSung in Tamil as the six stars (Arumeen).
Muzhuvaanilum arasaalgiraRuling over the entire vast sky,
Nilavum inai serumThe full moon joins in harmony.
Thirukaarthigai dhinameOn this sacred day of Thirukaarthigai,
Engal thiruve varuvaayeO our divine fortune, please come to us.
Irul pokkidum vazhiyaiShow us the path that dispels darkness,
Oli sirippaal tharuvaayeGrant it through your radiant, smiling light.
Female
Pori polum ven malar polavumLike bright sparks, like delicate white blossoms,
Sirippe manamengumLaughter and joy fill every heart.
Karivaanamum karuvaanaththilEven in the dark expanse of the night sky,
Oli poovena sindhumLight showers down like blooming flowers.
Female
Karinaalodu keduneramumMay ominous days and ill-fated times,
Innaalodu agalaDepart forever with the arrival of this day.
Oli veesudhu oli veesudhuLight shines brightly, light shines brightly,
Oyilaana man agaleO graceful earthen lamp!
Female
Oliyaadudhu chudaraadudhuThe light dances, the flame sways elegantly,
ThirunaalidhudhaaneThis indeed is the holy day of celebration.
Manadhodoru kanavaanadhuA cherished dream held within the heart,
Nanavaagira naaleToday is the day it turns into reality.
Female
Vidhi maarudhu vinai theeruthuDestiny transforms, past karma comes to an end,
Vidivaaguthu pagaleDawn breaks, bringing forth the bright day.
Irulodudhu irulodudhuDarkness flees, darkness runs away,
Oli veesudhu agaleThe earthen lamp radiates its light.
Female
Agamengilum sugam pongidumHappiness overflows within every soul,
Idham thangidum dhinameA day filled with soothing comfort.
Thodarvedhanai idaraadhenaDecreeing that persistent pain shall no longer hurt,
Dhidamkondadhu manameThe mind has found inner strength.
Female
Thuyar theerkkira thunaiyaaiavanAs a companion who cures all sorrow,
Varuvaanena iruppenI shall wait with faith that he will arrive.
Irulodudhu irulodudhuDarkness flees, darkness runs away,
Oli veesudhu agaleThe earthen lamp radiates its light.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Rail' (2024) is a deeply spiritual and optimistic anthem centered around the festival of Thirukaarthigai Deepam. It uses the illumination of traditional earthen lamps as a metaphor for divine arrival, hope, and the dissipation of inner and outer darkness. The lyrics invoke celestial imagery—stars, the moon, and glowing flames—to signify new beginnings, the ending of bad fortune, and the fulfillment of long-cherished dreams. Throughout the track, the singer expresses resilience and unwavering faith. The light of the lamp symbolizes a transformative force that alters fate, erases past karma, and heals persistent emotional pain. Ultimately, it is a celebration of spiritual joy, inner strength, and the triumph of light over adversity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Pori polum ven malar polavum

Compares laughter and glowing light to sparks ('pori polum') and white flowers ('ven malar polavum').

Uruvagamb (Metaphor)

Karivaanamum karuvaanaththil / Oli poovena sindhum

Metaphorically describes the scattering light in the dark sky as flowers of light ('oli poovena').

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Vidhi maarudhu vinai theeruthu / Vidivaaguthu pagale

Repetition of the initial letter sound 'Vi' in 'Vidhi', 'Vinai', and 'Vidivaaguthu'.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Karinaalodu keduneramum / Innaalodu agala

Rhyming of the second letter 'ri' across lines: 'Karinaalodu' and 'Innaalodu'.

Anaphora / Repetition

Irulodudhu irulodudhu

Repetition of phrase 'Irulodudhu' to emphasize the rapid retreat of darkness upon lighting the lamp.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed and sung by S. J. Jananiy with lyrics by Ramesh Vaidya, this song draws heavily on classical Tamil imagery associated with Karthigai Deepam. 'Arumeen' refers to Krittika (the Pleiades star cluster), which in Tamil tradition and Sangam literature is closely linked to Murugan and the lighting of the holy deepam.

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