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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pasathal Enaiyeendra Annai

From Amuthavalli · 1959

Lyricist
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
Singer
T. R. Mahalingam
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Amuthavalli1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Paasathaal enai yeendra annai thandhaiThe mother and father who gave birth to me with immense affection,
Padhai padhaithu nirkkindraar maganai kaanaAre standing in anxious agony to catch a glimpse of their son.
Pesathaan vaarthaiyillaa karppu mangaiA virtuous, chaste woman who has no words left to speak,
Pidiyendraal thannuyirai kanavan vaazhaWould surrender her very life if asked, so her husband may live.
Male
Maasattra anbukku maranam undooCan there ever be death for pure, flawless love?
Madhi kettu vandhaayoo vanjaga paambhaeHave you come losing your senses, treacherous serpent?
Vaazhathaan vendum naan kadamaikkaagaI must live on to fulfill my solemn duty,
Manamirundhaal oodividu maaya paambhaeIf you have a heart, slither away, illusionary serpent!
Maaya paambhaeOh illusionary serpent!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

In this dramatic verse, the protagonist confronts a deceitful or mystical serpent that stands as an obstacle in his path. He remembers his loving parents waiting anxiously for his return and his devoted wife who would willingly sacrifice her life for his well-being. Questioning whether immortal, pure love can ever be destroyed, he rebukes the serpent for attempting to harm him out of foolish wickedness. Ultimately, he declares that he must survive to carry out his life's sacred duties and appeals to whatever conscience the illusionary serpent might have to leave him in peace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Mohnai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Paasathaal enai yeendra annai thandhai / Padhai padhaithu nirkkindraar maganai kaana

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in 'Paasathaal' and 'Padhai padhaithu' enhances the dramatic rhythm.

Rhetorical Question

Maasattra anbukku maranam undoo

The line poses a philosophical question ('Is there death for pure love?') to emphasize that true love transcends mortality.

Metaphor / Apostrophe

Manamirundhaal oodividu maaya paambhae

Addressing the snake directly as 'maaya paambhae' (illusionary serpent) serves as a metaphor for treacherous obstacles or deceitful enemies in life.

Did you know?

Trivia

This dramatic track from the 1959 Tamil film 'Amuthavalli' features the powerful vocal rendition of T. R. Mahalingam. Written by the legendary poet Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram and composed by Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy, the lyrics seamlessly blend personal devotion, duty, and deep philosophical reflections even within a theatrical plot setup.

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