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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pirakkum Podhum Azhugindraai

From Kavalai Illaadha Manithan · 1960

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
J. P. Chandrababu
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Kavalai Illaadha Manithan1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pirakkumbodhum azhugindraai…..You cry even when you are born...
Irakkumbodhum azhugindraai……You cry even when you die...
Male
Pirakkumbodhum azhugindraai…..You cry even when you are born...
Irakkumbodhum azhugindraai……You cry even when you die...
Orunaalaenum kavalai illaamalWithout worries for even a single day
Sirikka marandhaai maanidanaeO human, you forgot how to laugh
Orunaalaenum kavalai illaamalWithout worries for even a single day
Sirikka marandhaai maanidanaeO human, you forgot how to laugh
Male
Pirakkumbodhum azhugindraai…..You cry even when you are born...
Irakkumbodhum azhugindraai……You cry even when you die...
Male
Iravin kanneer paniththuli enbaarThey say dew drops are the tears of the night
Mugilin kanneer mazhai ena solvaarThey say rain is the tears of the clouds
Iravin kanneer paniththuli enbaarThey say dew drops are the tears of the night
Mugilin kanneer mazhai ena solvaarThey say rain is the tears of the clouds
Iyarkai azhuthaal ulagam sezhikkumIf nature cries, the world flourishes
Manithan azhuthaal iyarkkai sirikkumIf man cries, nature laughs
Iyarkkai sirikkumNature laughs
Male
Pirakkumbodhum azhugindraai…..You cry even when you are born...
Irakkumbodhum azhugindraai……You cry even when you die...
Male
Annaiyin kaiyil aaduvadhu inbamRocking in a mother's arms is joy
Kanniyin kaiyil saaivadhm inbamLeaning into a maiden's arms is joy
Male
Annaiyin kaiyil aaduvadhu inbamRocking in a mother's arms is joy
Kanniyin kaiyil saaivadhm inbamLeaning into a maiden's arms is joy
Thannai arindhaal unmaiyil inbamKnowing oneself is true joy
Thannalam marandhaal perum perinbamForgetting self-interest is supreme bliss
Thannai arindhaal unmaiyil inbamKnowing oneself is true joy
Thannalam marandhaal perum perinbamForgetting self-interest is supreme bliss
Perum perinbam…….Supreme bliss...
Male
Pirakkumbodhum azhugindraai…..You cry even when you are born...
Irakkumbodhum azhugindraai……You cry even when you die...
Orunaalaenum kavalai illaamalWithout worries for even a single day
Sirikka marandhaai maanidanaeO human, you forgot how to laugh

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song composed by Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy with lyrics by Kannadasan reflects on human existence, pain, and ultimate wisdom. It highlights the irony of human life: a person enters the world crying and leaves it crying, yet forgets to live joyfully and laugh without worries in between. The song contrasts human sorrow with nature, pointing out that nature's tears bring life and prosperity, whereas human sorrow only serves as a tragic spectacle.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora (Emoni / Repetition)

Pirakkumbodhum azhugindraai…..

Repetition of 'Pirakkumbodhum azhugindraai' and 'Irakkumbodhum azhugindraai' emphasizes the rhythmic cycle of human sorrow from birth to death.

Antithesis / Paradox

Iyarkai azhuthaal ulagam sezhikkum

Contrasting 'Iyarkai azhuthaal ulagam sezhikkum' (If nature cries, world flourishes) with 'Manithan azhuthaal iyarkkai sirikkum' (If man cries, nature laughs) creates a poignant philosophical paradox.

Personification

Iravin kanneer paniththuli enbaar

Attributing human emotions like crying and laughing to nature, clouds, and night ('Iravin kanneer', 'Iyarkkai sirikkum').

Rhyme / Monorhyme (Iyaibu)

Thannalam marandhaal perum perinbam

The end rhymes with 'inbam' and 'perinbam' create a lyrical harmony reflecting spiritual growth.

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Trivia

This philosophical gem from the 1960 movie 'Kavalai Illaadha Manithan' (Man Without Worries) features music by the iconic duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy and vocals by legendary singer P. B. Sreenivas. The lyrics penned by Kannadasan are considered among his most profound philosophical reflections on life, nature, and self-realization.

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