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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Purappaduvome Anne

From Kanniyin Kadhali · 1949

Lyricist
K. D. Santhanam
Singers
Trichy Loganathan, Chorus
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Kanniyin Kadhali1949

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Purapaduvomae annae purapaduvomaeShall we set out, brother, shall we set out?
Katuvalai eduthu kondu purapaduvomaeTaking our fishing nets, shall we set out?
Perungadal kadanthu meen pidikka purapaduvomaeCrossing the vast ocean to catch fish, shall we set out?
Purapaduvomae annae purapaduvomaeShall we set out, brother, shall we set out?
Male
Kadal kadanthu selvadharkku thoniyum unduWe have boats to sail across the sea.
Kattai pura uluvai meengal kadalilae unduThere are fish like Kattai, Pura, and Uluvai in the ocean.
Kadavul thandha kaigalilae mulu balamum unduThere is complete strength in the hands that God gave us.
Chorus : Annae muzhu balamunduChorus: Brother, there is complete strength!
Male
Kattu maram yaeri selvomaeWe shall ride the catamaran and go.
Perungadal kadanthu meen pidippomaeWe shall cross the vast ocean and catch fish.
Veen kavalaiyuttru vaazhndhiduvomaeWhy live filled with useless worries?
Chorus :Purapaduvomae annae purapaduvomaeChorus: Shall we set out, brother, shall we set out?
Male
Kai madakki saevagam thaanFolding our hands in submissive servitude,
Seiyavum vendaamWe do not need to do that.
Ejamaan kattalaikkuFor the master's commands,
Kaathukittu nirkkavum vendaamWe do not need to stand and wait.
Paiyapaiya paesi panamPlea-bargaining meekly just to earn money,
Vaangavum vendaamWe do not need to receive it.
Siramam pattadharkku palan illamalWithout getting rewarded for our hard labor,
Yengavum vendaamWe do not need to yearn in despair.
Male
Kattu maram yaeri selvomaeWe shall ride the catamaran and go.
Perungadal kadanthu meen pidippomaeWe shall cross the vast ocean and catch fish.
Veen kavalaiyuttru vaazhndhiduvomaeWhy live filled with useless worries?
Chorus :Purapaduvomae annae purapaduvomaeChorus: Shall we set out, brother, shall we set out?
Male
Muppadhu naal uzhaithu uzhaithuToiling continuously for thirty days,
Kurai panam vaangiReceiving a meager salary,
Adhai moondru naalil theerthu vittuExhausting it all within three days,
Kadanaiyum vaangi baakki naalilTaking loans for the remaining days,
Perum pagudhi pattiniyaaghiGoing hungry for the major portion of the month,
Mana padharalodu maar adikkumBeating one's chest in deep mental distress—
Jenmamum vendaamWe do not want such a wretched life!
Male
Kattu maram yaeri selvomaeWe shall ride the catamaran and go.
Perungadal kadanthu meen pidippomaeWe shall cross the vast ocean and catch fish.
Veen kavalaiyuttru vaazhndhiduvomaeWhy live filled with useless worries?
Chorus :Purapaduvomae annae purapaduvomaeChorus: Shall we set out, brother, shall we set out?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This energetic folk-inspired song is a anthem celebrating the dignity of labor, freedom, and self-reliance among fishermen. The lead singer calls upon his fellow fishermen to head out into the vast sea with their nets, relying on the strength given by God and the abundance of marine life rather than subjecting themselves to servitude under an oppressive boss.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethukai (Second-letter rhyme)

Kadal kadanthu selvadharkku thoniyum undu

Matching second consonants across lines, such as 'Kadal', 'Kattai', and 'Kadavul' (d/t sounds).

Monaai (Alliteration)

Paiyapaiya paesi panam

Repetition of the initial 'P' sound in 'Paiyapaiya paesi panam' to create a rhythmic, conversational cadence.

Antithesis / Contrast

Muppadhu naal uzhaithu uzhaithu... Kurai panam vaangi

The lyrics contrast the open freedom and self-determination of fishing with the miseries of monthly wage slavery (working 30 days, exhausting wages in 3, incurring debt).

Refrain / Anaphora

Purapaduvomae annae purapaduvomae

The repeated line 'Purapaduvomae annae purapaduvomae' reinforces unity, momentum, and call-to-action.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1949 film 'Kanniyin Kadhali', this song is one of the earliest working-class pride songs picturized on M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). The song set a precedent for MGR's iconic screen persona as a champion of laborers, fishermen, and the common working class in Tamil cinema.

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