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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paattum Bharatham

From Vanangamudi – 1957 Film · 1957

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Vanangamudi – 1957 Film1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Paattum bharathamum panbulla naadagamumWill music, dance, and cultured drama
Naattirukku nalla payan tharumaaBring good benefits to the country?
Ennippaaraamal poraadum maandharaalDue to people fighting without thinking,
Palanattru maarividumaaWill it turn out to be useless?
Male
Oongaaramaai vilangum naadhamThe sound that shines as the primordial Om,
Oongaaramaai vilangum naadhamThe sound that shines as the primordial Om,
Andha reengaramae inba geedhamThat humming vibration itself is a joyful song,
Oongaaramaai vilangum naadhamThe sound that shines as the primordial Om.
Male
Aangaara ullamae amaidhiyum perumaeEven an arrogant heart will gain peace,
Aangaara ullamae amaidhiyum perumaeEven an arrogant heart will gain peace,
Neengaadha thuyar maari nimmadhi tharumaeUnceasing sorrow will change and grant tranquility,
Neengaadha thuyar maari nimmadhi tharumaeUnceasing sorrow will change and grant tranquility.
Nigar yedhu …puvi meedhu…idharkku nigaryedhu…puvi meedhuWhat is equal to this on earth... what can compare to this on earth?
Iyalum isaiyum kalaiyumLiterature, music, and fine arts
Igamadhil magizhvura sugantharumBring delightful bliss and comfort in this world.
Oongaaramaai vilangum naadhamThe sound that shines as the primordial Om.
Male
Isai paadum suvaiyaalae asaindhaadum naagamSwaying to the delicious taste of singing music is the cobra,
Isai paadum suvaiyaalae asaindhaadum naagamSwaying to the delicious taste of singing music is the cobra,
Idar soozhum alai maevum oliyaavum raagamEven all sounds amidst ocean waves of trouble become a raga,
Idar soozhum alai maevum oliyaavum raagamEven all sounds amidst ocean waves of trouble become a raga.
Aavinagalum magizhum isaiyaeMusic that brings joy even to herds of cattle,
Kaaviyamadhil pugazhum isaiyaeMusic praised in epic literature,
Male
Thaalaeloovena theethillaaLike a lullaby without any flaw,
Amudha geethamae thavazhumNectar-like song gently crawls,
Bodhaiyaal madhalai thoongumaeUnder its sweet spell, the baby falls asleep.
Inaiyillaadha kalaiyidhaagumThis is a matchless art form,
Engum pugazhuravae kanindhu niraindhuRipened and fulfilled to gain renown everywhere!
Oongaaramaai vilangum naadhamThe sound that shines as the primordial Om,
Andha reengaramae inba geedhamThat humming vibration itself is a joyful song,
Oongaaramaai vilangum naadhamThe sound that shines as the primordial Om.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic composition from the 1957 Tamil film Vanangamudi, composed by G. Ramanathan and sung by T. M. Soundarajan, serves as a grand homage to the divine power of music and sound (Omkara Nadham). It opens with a reflective question on whether art, drama, and music can bring positive change to a society plagued by thoughtless conflict, but quickly resolves into a celebration of music's profound ability to heal human emotions and bring cosmic order.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Paattum bharathamum panbulla naadagamum

Matching initial letters ('Pa') across words in a line for melodic flow ('Paattum' and 'panbulla').

Edugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Aangaara ullamae amaidhiyum perumae

The second letter 'ng' matches across consecutive couplet lines ('Aangaara' and 'Neengaadha').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Amudha geethamae thavazhum

Describing the song directly as 'Amudha geetham' (Nectar song), comparing divine music to heavenly ambrosia.

Rhetorical Question

Naattirukku nalla payan tharumaa

Using a rhetorical question to prompt reflection on the societal benefit of fine arts.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is set in classical Carnatic ragas and reflects traditional Tamil literary motifs regarding the tri-fold Tamil arts (Iyal, Isai, Drama). The film Vanangamudi starring Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri featured a memorable musical score by legendary music director G. Ramanathan.

Keep listening

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