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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pathigalaa Udan Pirappa

From Anbulla Malare · 1984

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Anbulla Malare1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Paathieegalaa udan pirappaDid you see, my siblings?
Paathieegalaa en udan pirappaDid you see, my siblings?
Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappaeMy life has become like that of a street entertainer.
Paathieegalaa en udan pirappaDid you see, my siblings?
Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappaeMy life has become like that of a street entertainer.
Viradhangal irundhum sugamae illaDespite keeping religious fasts, there is no happiness.
Sugam kettadhaala viradham illaBecause happiness was ruined, there are no fasts anymore.
Saelaikkulla manasa vittadhaalaBecause I surrendered my heart to a saree (woman).
Male
Paathieegalaa en udan pirappaDid you see, my siblings?
Male :HaanMale: Haan
Male :Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappaeMale: My life has become like that of a street entertainer.
Male :HahahaMale: Hahaha
Male
Onnirundhaa adhu thaan mariyaadhaHaving just one is what brings honor and respect.
Onnukku mel irundhaa odhavaadhuHaving more than one will lead to no good.
Onnirundhaa adhu thaan mariyaadhaHaving just one is what brings honor and respect.
Onnukku mel irundhaa odhavaadhuHaving more than one will lead to no good.
Male
Pombalainnaa sabalamadaaBeing tempted by women leads to weakness, my friend.
Kan pona pakkam bodhaiyilae alaiyumadaaWherever the eyes wander, one wanders in intoxication, my friend.
Pombalainnaa sabalamadaaBeing tempted by women leads to weakness, my friend.
Kan pona pakkam bodhaiyilae alaiyumadaaWherever the eyes wander, one wanders in intoxication, my friend.
Angonna nenachu ingonna anachaaThinking of one over there and embracing another over here,
Maattikkuvae madaiyaa alaiyaadhaeYou will get trapped, you fool; do not wander around.
Male
Paathieegalaa en udan pirappaDid you see, my siblings?
Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappaeMy life has become like that of a street entertainer.
Viradhangal irundhum sugamae illayaeDespite keeping fasts, there is no happiness at all.
Sugam kettadhaala viradham illaBecause happiness was ruined, there are no fasts anymore.
Saelaikkulla manasa vittadhaalaBecause I surrendered my heart to a saree (woman).
Male
Paathieegalaa en udan pirappaDid you see, my siblings?
Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappae ..hahaMy life has become like that of a street entertainer.. haha
Male
Onna vittaa enakku thunai yaaruBesides you, who else is my companion?
Poo irundhaa manakkum indha naaruIf accompanied by a flower, even this plain fiber smells sweet.
Onna vittaa enakku thunai yaaruBesides you, who else is my companion?
Poo irundhaa manakkum indha naaruIf accompanied by a flower, even this plain fiber smells sweet.
Male
Manasarinju thavaru yedhum adangoppuraanaeKnowing it fully, did I make any mistake? Goodness gracious!
Idhu varaikkum senjadhillae ada paaviUntil now I have never committed one, you sinner!
Appadiyae sabala pattu naan poyirundhaaEven if I had succumbed to temptation and strayed,
Adhula onnum kutham illaeThere is no great crime in that.
Onnoda aruma onnoda perumaYour value and your glory,
Athanaiyum adhanaal therinjenaeI came to realize all of it through that experience!
Male
Paathieegalaa en udan pirappaDid you see, my siblings?
Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappaeMy life has become like that of a street entertainer.
Viradhangal irundhum sugamae illa aiyoDespite fasts, there is no happiness, oh dear!
Sugam kettadhaala viradham illa aamaBecause happiness was ruined, there are no fasts, yes!
Saelaikkulla manasa vittadhaalaBecause I surrendered my heart to a saree (woman).
Male
Paathieegalaa en udan pirappaDid you see, my siblings?
Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappaeMy life has become like that of a street entertainer.
Haanhaan haanHaanhaan haan

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song is a humorous and reflective folk-style track from the film 'Anbulla Malare' (1984), featuring lyrics by Gangai Amaran. The singer humorously laments his chaotic life, comparing it to that of a street performer or clown ('koothaadi'). He reflects on themes of fidelity, marital respect, and temptation, warning against straying in relationships while acknowledging his spouse's true worth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappae

Compares the protagonist's chaotic lifestyle directly to that of a street dancer/actor ('koothaadi').

Synecdoche

Saelaikkulla manasa vittadhaala

Uses 'Saelai' (saree), a single item of clothing, to represent a woman.

Analogy / Metaphor

Poo irundhaa manakkum indha naaru

Uses the image of a plain string/fiber ('naaru') acquiring fragrance when bound with flowers ('poo') to denote how a person gains value through good companionship.

Antithesis / Irony

Viradhangal irundhum sugamae illa / Sugam kettadhaala viradham illa

Juxtaposes religious fasts ('viradham') and happiness ('sugam') to highlight the ironic futility of his penance.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by Gangai Amaran for the 1984 movie 'Anbulla Malare', this song makes clever use of popular Tamil proverbs and informal slang to deliver practical relationship advice wrapped in folk humor.

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