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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Puriyatha Velladu Theriyaama

From Oorukku Oru Pillai · 1982

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Oorukku Oru Pillai1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Puriyaatha vellaadu theriyaama oduthuThe innocent white goat is running unknowingly
Pudichchaanthu koottaththilae saerppomLet us catch it and join it back to the herd
Puriyaatha vellaadu theriyaama oduthuThe innocent white goat is running unknowingly
Pudichchaanthu koottaththilae saerppomLet us catch it and join it back to the herd
Female
Sariyaana paadhaiyil ozhungaaga pogaveyTo walk properly on the right path
Puththimathi naam solli paarpomLet us try giving good advice
Sariyaana paadhaiyil ozhungaaga pogaveyTo walk properly on the right path
Puththimathi naam solli paarpomLet us try giving good advice
Male
Panivukku bhoomiyil madhippuHumility earns respect on this earth
Nalla panpaadu vaazhvukku sirappuGood character brings excellence to life
Panivukku bhoomiyil madhippuHumility earns respect on this earth
Nalla panpaadu vaazhvukku sirappuGood character brings excellence to life
Uzhaippaal uyara venum kaigalHands must rise through hard work
Uyrantha vaazhkkaiyai uruvaakkum kalaigalArts and skills shape a noble life
Female
Idhu puriyaatha vellaadu theriyaama oduthuThis innocent white goat is running unknowingly
Pudichchaanthu koottaththilae saerppomLet us catch it and join it back to the herd
Female
Uyirukku thevaiyellaam vayiththukku soruFood for the stomach is all that physical life needs
Arivukku thevaiyellaam puththagakaaduA forest of books is all that intellect needs
Padippukku nigaraana selvanga yaedhuWhat wealth is truly equal to education?
Paamaranai ulagam endrum madhikkaathu keluListen, the world will never respect an uneducated person
Paamaranai ulagam endrum madhikkaathu keluListen, the world will never respect an uneducated person
Female
Idhu puriyaatha vellaadu theriyaama oduthuThis innocent white goat is running unknowingly
Pudichchaanthu koottaththilae saerppomLet us catch it and join it back to the herd
Male
Iravukku dheepam endru nilavukku peruThe moon is known as the lamp of the night
Idhayaththin dheepamendru kalviyai kooruCall education the lamp of the heart
Thunivukku kodiyettri thunbaththai velluHoist the flag of courage and conquer sorrow
Sompalgalai neekki vittu pugazh vaanga selluCast away laziness and go earn fame
Sompalgalai neekki vittu pugazh vaanga selluCast away laziness and go earn fame
Male
Idhu puriyaatha vellaadu theriyaama oduthuThis innocent white goat is running unknowingly
Pudichchaanthu koottaththilae saerppomLet us catch it and join it back to the herd
Female
Nampikkai nenjil vaiththaal saathigalaagumIf you keep faith in your heart, achievements will happen
Nallavar paadhai sendraal vettrigal serumIf you walk the path of good people, success will gather
Male :Thiramaikku varaverppu endraikkum unduTalent is always welcomed everywhere
Thean kamazhum palligalthaan thirukoyil indruToday, sweet honey-scented schools are true temples
Thean kamazhum palligalthaan thirukoyil indruToday, sweet honey-scented schools are true temples
Male
Idhu puriyaatha vellaadu theriyaama oduthuThis innocent white goat is running unknowingly
Pudichchaanthu koottaththilae saerppomLet us catch it and join it back to the herd

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Puriyaatha Vellaadu from the film Oorukku Oru Pillai (1982) is a moralistic song set to music by M. S. Viswanathan. Metaphorically comparing a straying, ignorant child or youth to a lost white goat, the song emphasizes the community's duty to guide them back onto the righteous path through love and gentle counsel. The lyricist stresses that education, hard work, humility, and moral character are the true pillars of human life. It glorifies schools as sacred temples of learning and highlights education as the primary tool to overcome ignorance, sorrow, and social neglect.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Puriyaatha vellaadu theriyaama oduthu

Comparing an innocent, unguided child or youth to a lost white goat (Puriyaatha vellaadu) running aimlessly.

Metaphor

Idhayaththin dheepamendru kalviyai kooru

Comparing education to a illuminating lamp for the human heart (Idhayaththin dheepam).

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Thunivukku kodiyettri thunbaththai vellu / Sompalgalai neekki vittu pugazh vaanga sellu

Rhyming ending words across consecutive lines, such as 'vellu' and 'sellu'.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Panivukku bhoomiyil madhippu / Nalla panpaadu vaazhvukku sirappu

Repetition of starting sounds in lines such as 'Panivukku' and 'Panpaadu'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by legendary music director M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Muthulingam, this philosophical pedagogical song was performed by iconic playback duo T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela for the 1982 film Oorukku Oru Pillai.

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