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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Silarai Thevai Ippo

From Naan Potta Savaal · 1980

Lyricist
Puratchi Dasan
Singers
Vani Jairam, P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Naan Potta Savaal1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Pudippada saatchi illaiThere is no evidence that can be caught,
Pokkiri unnodu vanthaalennaSo what if the rogue comes with you?
Pudippada saatchi illaiThere is no evidence that can be caught,
Pokkiri unnodu vanthaalennaSo what if the rogue comes with you?
Police-u kaiyilae maattaathaWithout getting caught in the hands of the police,
Kaithiyae nindraalennaSo what if he stands as a prisoner?
Female
Kottai kaattivittu poottai maattikkittaHe built a fort and locked himself in,
Poli poiyanadiyoHe is a fake liar, my dear girl!
Oottaipottu adhil nottai paaththaHe made a hole and looked for flaws inside,
Namma paattan poottanadiyoIs he our ancestor, my dear girl?
Female
Nanmaiyaa theemaiyaa ennikkoWeigh whether it is good or evil,
Nambikkai mosamaa thallikkoIf trust is betrayed, push it away!
Female
Kaasai vaangi vittu oosi podumHe takes money and gives a toxic shot,
Ivan vesakkaaranadiyoHe is a poisonous fraud, my dear girl!
Kallai yaettrivittu nellai vaangumHe loads useless stones and takes back grain,
Ivan mosakkaaranadiyoHe is a deceiver, my dear girl!
Female
Nanmaiyaa theemaiyaa ennikkoWeigh whether it is good or evil,
Nambikkai mosamaa thallikkoIf trust is betrayed, push it away!
Female
Nadappathu nalla neramThe current time is a good time,
Raajaangam pannaatha sannaasiyoIs he an ascetic who doesn't rule a kingdom?
Nadappathu nalla neramThe current time is a good time,
Raajaangam pannaatha sannaasiyoIs he an ascetic who doesn't rule a kingdom?
Naalthorum panaththilae neeraadumBathing in money every single day,
Ragasiya killaadidoHe is a secret mastermind!
Female
Aalai yaevi vitti vaalaiSetting people off and jumping around,
Thaavi thotta seemai saamiyadiyoHe is a fake godman from afar, my dear girl!
Aadal paadal adhil oodal koodalIn dance, song, lovers' quarrel, and union,
Sugam thedum mamanadiyoHe is an uncle seeking pleasure, my dear girl!
Female
Sillarai thevai ippoSmall change is needed right now,
Thevai engal thevaiIt is needed, our urgent need!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This energetic song from Naan Potta Savaal (1980) serves as a satirical commentary on social hypocrisy, deceptive rogues, and fake godmen. Through lively folk rhythm and colloquial expressions, the singers mock characters who masquerade as pious or respectable while exploiting others for wealth and pleasure. The lyrics advise listeners to carefully distinguish good from evil and to discard blind trust when betrayed.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Emonai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kaasai vaangi vittu oosi podum / Kallai yaettrivittu nellai vaangum

Repetition of initial consonant and vowel sounds in consecutive lines, such as 'Kaasai' and 'Kallai'.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Nanmaiyaa theemaiyaa ennikko / Nambikkai mosamaa thallikko

Matching second consonants across lines, seen in 'Nanmaiyaa' and 'Nambikkai'.

Refrain (Madakku)

Nanmaiyaa theemaiyaa ennikko / Nambikkai mosamaa thallikko

Repetition of moral advice lines emphasizing discernment between good and bad.

Satirical Metaphor

Thaavi thotta seemai saamiyadiyo

Describing a hypocrite as a 'seemai saamiyadiyo' (foreign godman) and 'vesakkaaranadiyo' (poisonous imposter).

Did you know?

Trivia

Naan Potta Savaal (1980) stars Rajinikanth and was directed by Puratchi Dasan, who uniquely acted as both director and primary lyricist for the film's songs under Ilaiyaraaja's musical composition.

Keep listening

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