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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pesaathe

From Dheepam · 1977

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Dheepam1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pesaadhae vaayulla oomai neeDo not speak, you are a mute person who possesses a voice
Sondham enna bandham ennaWhat is kinship, what is relationship?
Sonnaal paavamae pesaadhaeIf spoken aloud, it is a sin; do not speak
Male
Pesaadhae vaayulla oomai neeDo not speak, you are a mute person who possesses a voice
Sondham enna bandham ennaWhat is kinship, what is relationship?
Sonnaal paavamae pesaadhae pesaadhae…If spoken aloud, it is a sin; do not speak, do not speak...
Male
Nee thandha vaazhkaikkumBetween the life that you gave me
Naan thandha vaarthaikkumAnd the promise that I gave you
Ingae poraattamaa… aa…aa..aa…aa…Is there a constant struggle here? Ah...
Male
Nee thandha vaazhkaikkumBetween the life that you gave me
Naan thandha vaarthaikkumAnd the promise that I gave you
Ingae poraattamaa…Is there a constant struggle here?
Male
Naan ingu dheepam unakkenna kobamI am a lamp lighting up here, why are you angry at me?
Naan ingu dheepam unakkenna kobamI am a lamp lighting up here, why are you angry at me?
Puyal endra kaatril yetri vaithaaiYou lit me up right in the middle of a tempestuous storm
Male
Pesaadhae vaayulla oomai neeDo not speak, you are a mute person who possesses a voice
Sondham enna bandham ennaWhat is kinship, what is relationship?
Sonnaal paavamae pesaadhae pesaadhae…If spoken aloud, it is a sin; do not speak, do not speak...
Male
Kannukku imai ellaamWhen the very eyelids meant for protection
Mullaagi varum podhuTurn into sharp thorns against the eyes
Kannai yaar kaappadhu… uuu..uu..uu..Who is left to protect the eyes? Ooh...
Male
Kannukku imai ellaamWhen the very eyelids meant for protection
Mullaagi varum podhuTurn into sharp thorns against the eyes
Kannai yaar kaappadhu…Who is left to protect the eyes?
Male
Yen thangai endrenI questioned 'Why my sister?'
Yen thambi sendraanWhy did my brother walk away?
Yen thangai endrenI questioned 'Why my sister?'
Yen thambi sendraanWhy did my brother walk away?
Kanneeril ennai aatti vaithaanHe left me drowning and swaying in tears
Male
Pesaadhae vaayulla oomai neeDo not speak, you are a mute person who possesses a voice
Sondham enna bandham ennaWhat is kinship, what is relationship?
Sonnaal paavamae pesaadhae pesaadhae…If spoken aloud, it is a sin; do not speak, do not speak...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song expresses profound sorrow, emotional turmoil, and the agony of unspoken pain within familial relationships. The speaker addresses someone forced into silence—a person with speech who is compelled to act mute due to agonizing circumstances. The lyrics reflect the inner conflict between upholding a given promise and living through unbearable hardship, comparing the speaker's life to a fragile lamp lit amidst a raging storm.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Naan ingu dheepam unakkenna kobam / Puyal endra kaatril yetri vaithaai

Comparing oneself to a lamp lit in a tempestuous storm ('Naan ingu dheepam... Puyal endra kaatril yetri vaithaai') highlights extreme vulnerability and suffering.

Paradox / Oxymoron

Pesaadhae vaayulla oomai nee

Describing someone as a 'mute who possesses a mouth/voice' ('Vaayulla oomai') conveys forced silence despite having the ability to speak.

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Nee thandha vaazhkaikkum / Naan thandha vaarthaikkum

Rhyming of the second consonant sound across consecutive lines ('vaazhkaikkum' and 'vaarthaikkum').

Imagery

Kannukku imai ellaam mullaagi varum podhu

The image of protective eyelids turning into sharp thorns ('Kannukku imai ellaam mullaagi varum podhu') symbolizes loved ones becoming the source of betrayal and hurt.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Dheepam' (1977) featured music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with iconic vocal renditions by K. J. Yesudas and lyrics by poet Pulamaipithan. The movie was a remake of the Malayalam hit 'Theekkanal' and prominently highlighted themes of sacrifice and familial obligations.

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