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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pagaivanukku Arulvaai

From Kidaari · 2016

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singer
Haricharan
Music director
Darbuka Siva
Details
Kidaari2016

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
{Pagaivanukku arulvaai{Grace your enemy,
Nan nenjaeO good heart,
Pagaivanukku arulvaai} (2)Grace your enemy} (2)
Male
{Pugai naduvinil{In the midst of smoke,
Thee iruppadhaithat fire exists,
Boomiyil kandomaewe have seen on this earth,
Nan nenjaeO good heart,
Boomiyil kandomae} (2)we have seen on this earth} (2)
Male
Pagai naduvinilIn the midst of hatred,
Anburuvana namas the embodiment of love, our
Paraman vazhgindranSupreme Lord resides,
Nan nenjaeO good heart,
Paraman vazhgindranSupreme Lord resides.
Female
Ooo…oooo…….oooo…ooo..Ooo…oooo…….oooo…ooo..
Male
{Pagaivanukku arulvaai{Grace your enemy,
Nan nenjaeO good heart,
Pagaivanukku arulvaai} (2)Grace your enemy} (2)
Male
Vazhvai ninaithapinHaving desired life,
Thazhvai ninaippadhuto think of downfall,
Vazhvukku neraamois that worthy of a meaningful life?
Male
Thazhvu pirarkkennaWishing downfall upon others,
Thaan azhivan endrawill cause one's own destruction,
Saathiram kelayohave you not heard this scripture?
Male
Thinna varumComing to devour you,
Puli thannaiyumeven a tiger itself,
Anbodu sindhaiyilwith love in your heart,
Potriduvaaipraise and honor it!
Male
Annaiyin parasakthiThe Divine Mother Parasakthi,
Avvuru vayinalhas taken that very form,
Avalai kumbiduvaaiworship her,
Avalai kumbiduvaaiworship her!
Female
Mmmm…mmm…mmm…mmm…Mmmm…mmm…mmm…mmm…
Male
{Pagaivanukku arulvaai{Grace your enemy,
Nan nenjaeO good heart,
Pagaivanukku arulvaai} (2)Grace your enemy} (2)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic philosophical poem written by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar delivers a profound spiritual message of non-violence, unconditional forgiveness, and divine oneness. Bharathiyar instructs his own mind ('Nan nenjae') to show love and grace even towards enemies. He illustrates that just as fire is concealed within smoke, the Supreme Lord (as love) resides inside hostile environments.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Apostrophe (Munnilai)

Nan nenjae

Directly addressing one's own conscience or heart throughout the song ('Nan nenjae').

Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagamm)

Pugai naduvinil thee iruppadhai

Comparing God's hidden presence amidst enmity to fire concealed within smoke ('Pugai naduvinil thee iruppadhai').

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyming)

Vazhvai ninaithapin / Thazhvai ninaippadhu

Rhyming of the second letter in consecutive lines: 'Vazhvai' and 'Thazhvai' (the 'zh' sound).

Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)

Pagaivanukku arulvaai

Repeated refrain emphasizing the core message of showing mercy to enemies.

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Trivia

This track is based on the famous poem 'Pagaivanukku Arulvaai' by the legendary nationalist poet Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar. For the 2016 film 'Kidaari', the poem was set to a modern rock-influenced composition by music director Darbuka Siva.

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