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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Serikul Irukinra Sirpam

From Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum · 1983

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
Rajeshwari, K. J. Jesudass
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Saerikkul irukkum sirppamA sculpture dwelling inside the slum,
Unnai theendaatha kan engu sorpamHow rare are the eyes that have not laid sight on you!
Nee iruttukkul irukindra kanneerYou are tears residing in the darkness,
Aanaal panakkaaran maarbukku mann neerYet to a rich man's chest, you are just muddy water.
Female
Sirai vaiththa koottangal pinnaeBehind the mobs that imprisoned you,
Unnai sirai meetta vaaraathu pennaeThey will not come to rescue you from captivity, O woman!
Male
Sariyaana sorkkaththai thaeduSearch for the true paradise,
Unnai viduvikkum varkkaththai naaduSeek the working class that will bring you liberation.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This powerful lyric addresses an oppressed woman living in poverty, acknowledging both her inherent dignity ('a sculpture in a slum') and her immense suffering. It exposes the apathy of the wealthy elite who view the poor as disposable, warning her that her oppressors will never be her saviors. Ultimately, the lines serve as a revolutionary rallying cry, advising her to reject false promises and seek true freedom by uniting with the class that shares her struggle.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamanai)

Saerikkul irukkum sirppam

The lyricist uses poignant metaphors like 'sirppam' (sculpture) and 'kanneer' (tears) to represent the woman's beauty, endurance, and deep sorrow amidst poverty.

Contrast / Antithesis

Aanaal panakkaaran maarbukku mann neer

Contrasts the priceless value of human suffering with how callously the wealthy view the poor as 'mann neer' (dirty water).

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Sariyaana sorkkaththai thaedu / Unnai viduvikkum varkkaththai naadu

The couplet ends with rhyming imperative verbs 'thaedu' (search) and 'naadu' (seek), creating an emphatic and encouraging rhythm.

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Trivia

'Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum' (1983) was directed by Sreedhar Rajan and based on Indira Parthasarathy's acclaimed novel 'Kruthiyappunal', which deals with the brutal Kilvenmani massacre and landless farmers' struggles. The soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, and the film won the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director.

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