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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pirappatharkum Irappatharkum

From Jothi Malar · 1986

Lyricist
Kalaignanam
Singer
K. J. Yesudass
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Jothi Malar1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pirappatharkkum irappatharkkum naduvilaeBetween birth and death,
Manam periya periya kanavu kandathu mudiyalaThe mind dreamed grand dreams, but could not fulfill them.
Vaazhvatharkkum thaazhvatharkkum naduvilaeBetween living life and facing downfall,
Vidhi varuvathentha uruvaththilo theriyalla….No one knows in what form fate will arrive....
Male
Pirappatharkkum irappatharkkum naduvilaeBetween birth and death,
Manam periya periya kanavu kandathu mudiyalaThe mind dreamed grand dreams, but could not fulfill them.
Vaazhvatharkkum thaazhvatharkkum naduvilaeBetween living life and facing downfall,
Vidhi varuvathentha uruvaththilo theriyalla….No one knows in what form fate will arrive....
Male
Iraivanukkum manithanukkum idaiyilae….oo…Between God and mankind.... oh...
Iraivanukkum manithanukkum idaiyilaeBetween God and mankind,
Nadakkum ragasiyaththai innum evarum ariyalaNo one yet knows the secret that transpires.
Male
Perugi varum manithakulam ulagilae….The human race that keeps growing in this world....
Perugi varum manithakulam ulagilae….The human race that keeps growing in this world....
Edharkku pirakkuthendru idhuvaraikkum puriyala…oo….Till now, no one understands why it is born... oh....
Male
Pirappatharkkum irappatharkkum naduvilaeBetween birth and death,
Manam periya periya kanavu kandathu mudiyalaThe mind dreamed grand dreams, but could not fulfill them.
Vaazhvatharkkum thaazhvatharkkum naduvilaeBetween living life and facing downfall,
Vidhi varuvathentha uruvaththilo theriyalla….No one knows in what form fate will arrive....
Male
Pettravarum mattravarum pirivuthaanammaaParents and others are destined to separate, dear mother,
Nee pettreduththa pillaikalum veruthaanammaaEven the children you gave birth to will become distant, dear mother.
Pettravarum mattravarum pirivuthaanammaaParents and others are destined to separate, dear mother,
Nee pettreduththa pillaikalum veruthaanammaaEven the children you gave birth to will become distant, dear mother.
Male
Uttra porul selvamellaam sonthaam yaedhammaaWhere is true ownership of accumulated goods and wealth, dear mother?
Uttra porul selvamellaam sonthaam yaedhammaaWhere is true ownership of accumulated goods and wealth, dear mother?
Intha ulagaththilae ellaam unakku iravalthaanammaaIn this world, everything given to you is merely a temporary loan, dear mother.
Male
Pirappatharkkum irappatharkkum naduvilaeBetween birth and death,
Manam periya periya kanavu kandathu mudiyalaThe mind dreamed grand dreams, but could not fulfill them.
Vaazhvatharkkum thaazhvatharkkum naduvilaeBetween living life and facing downfall,
Vidhi varuvathentha uruvaththilo theriyalla….No one knows in what form fate will arrive....
Ooo…..ooo…..ooo……Ooo.....ooo.....ooo......

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical track reflects on the transience of human life, the unpredictability of destiny, and the illusory nature of material attachments. It highlights how humans spend their lives harboring immense dreams between birth and death, only for fate to intervene unexpectedly. The song meditates on the eternal mystery of divine creation and questions the deeper purpose of human existence. Furthermore, it reminds the listener that familial bonds, children, and material possessions are ultimately temporary loans given by the universe, emphasizing detachment and spiritual realization in the face of life's inevitable end.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Contrast (Ethir-inai)

Pirappatharkkum irappatharkkum naduvilae

Contrasting pairs like birth and death ('Pirappatharkkum' vs 'Irappatharkkum') and flourishing vs falling ('Vaazhvatharkkum' vs 'Thaazhvatharkkum') are used to define the full spectrum of human life.

Alliteration (Mona)

Manam periya periya kanavu kandathu mudiyala

Repetition of consonant sounds 'P' and 'K' creates a rhythmic lyrical flow.

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Intha ulagaththilae ellaam unakku iravalthaanammaa

Comparing life's relationships and material assets to 'iraval' (borrowed goods/a temporary loan) highlights the philosophy of worldly transience.

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Trivia

Written by renowned producer and screenwriter Kalaignanam, this philosophical melody features K. J. Yesudas delivering a poignant, contemplative performance set to music by the veteran duo Shankar-Ganesh.

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