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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Poradinom

From Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum · 1983

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singer
Gangai Amaran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Lala laalaa lala laalaaLala laalaa lala laalaa
Laalaa lala laalaa laalaa lala laalaaLaalaa lala laalaa laalaa lala laalaa
Lala laalaa lala laalaa lalalaalaa lala laalaaLala laalaa lala laalaa lalalaalaa lala laalaa
Male
Poraadinom enthan thozhaWe fought, my friend
Ingu vaazhvillayae romba naalaaYet there has been no proper life here for a long time
Poraadinom enthan thozhaWe fought, my friend
Ingu vaazhvillayae romba naalaaYet there has been no proper life here for a long time
Male
Naalaigalae eppothum un kaiyilaeThe future is always in your hands
Kaasillaiyae ippothu un paiyilaeYet there is no money currently in your pocket
Male
Poraadinom enthan thozhaWe fought, my friend
Ingu vaazhvillayae romba naalaaYet there has been no proper life here for a long time
Male
Saalaigalin ooram yaezhai sanam vaazhumPoor people live along the roadsides
Kanneduththu paarum kaalam endrum maarumLook up and see, time will surely change
Saalaigalin ooram yaezhai sanam vaazhumPoor people live along the roadsides
Kanneduththu paarum kaalam endrum maarumLook up and see, time will surely change
Male
Naanayaththil oottaiyinnuThinking there was a hole in the coin
Maaththi vachchu paarthomWe flipped and changed it to see
Rendu pakkam oottaiyinnuOnly then did we realize
Appuramthaan paarththomThat there are holes on both sides
Male
Gangai nadhi ingumunduA river like the Ganges exists here too
Kanda idam thangamunduThere is gold wherever you look
Innum ingu panjamundu yaenappaaYet why is there still famine and poverty here, my friend?
Male
Poraadinom enthan thozhaWe fought, my friend
Ingu vaazhvillayae romba naalaaYet there has been no proper life here for a long time
Chorus
………………….....................
Male
Manthirikku thanthi thanthirukkom mundhiWe sent a telegram to the minister earlier
Kaaththirunthom nambi aagavillai thambiWe waited with hope, but nothing happened, brother
Manthirikku thanthi thanthirukkom mundhiWe sent a telegram to the minister earlier
Kaaththirunthom nambi aagavillai thambiWe waited with hope, but nothing happened, brother
Male
Therthalukku vanthavagaThose who came seeking votes during elections
Thirumbi vara kaanomAre nowhere to be seen returning afterwards
Innum intha makkalukkuWhy have the common people
Yaen varala nyaanamNot gained wisdom yet?
Male
Vaanginavan panthiyilaThe borrower/receiver is at the feast
Thanthavano santhiyilaWhile the giver is abandoned at the crossroads
Innum ingae kelvi illae yaenappaaWhy is there still no questioning or accountability here, my friend?
Male
Poraadinom enthan thozhaWe fought, my friend
Ingu vaazhvillayae romba naalaaYet there has been no proper life here for a long time
Male
Naalaigalae eppothum un kaiyilaeThe future is always in your hands
Kaasillaiyae ippothu un paiyilae hoiYet there is no money currently in your pocket, hoi
Male
Poraadinom enthan thozhaWe fought, my friend
Ingu vaazhvillayae romba naalaaYet there has been no proper life here for a long time

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a social critique and anthem of struggle from the 1983 Tamil film 'Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum'. It reflects the frustration of working-class people who have tirelessly fought for social justice and better living standards, only to find themselves stuck in persistent poverty and political neglect. The lyricist highlights the irony of a land rich in natural resources where common folk still suffer from hunger and lack of basic amenities. The song scathingly critiques political leaders who make promises before elections and disappear once elected. Through vivid imagery, such as the giver standing destitute while the receiver feasts, the song calls for political awakening and accountability among the masses while encouraging resilience that time and collective awareness will bring change.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Emonai (Assonance/Initial Rhyme)

Manthirikku thanthi thanthirukkom mundhi

Matching initial sounds across words, such as 'Manthirikku' and 'mundhi' or 'Therthalukku' and 'Thirumbi'.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Naalaigalae eppothum un kaiyilae / Kaasillaiyae ippothu un paiyilae

Matching end sounds in lines, such as 'kaiyilae' and 'paiyilae'.

Antithesis / Contrast

Vaanginavan panthiyila / Thanthavano santhiyila

Juxtaposition of opposing societal states: the one who takes feasts in luxury, while the provider/giver is left standing helplessly at the intersection.

Metaphor

Rendu pakkam oottaiyinnu / Appuramthaan paarththom

Using a two-sided hollow coin ('Rendu pakkam oottai') as a metaphor for corrupt political parties that offer no real difference.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum' (1983) is a revolutionary socio-political drama film directed by Sridhar Raj, based on Jayakanthan's novel. The film won the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director. The soundtrack features politically charged songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali and Pulamaipithan, capturing the socio-economic unrest of the early 1980s.

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