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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sirithaalum Azhuthaalum

From Kalathur Kannamma · 1960

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
C. S. Jayaraman
Music director
Sudharsanam
Details
Kalathur Kannamma1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Sirithaalum azhuthaalumWhether one laughs or cries,
Nilai ondru thaan…aan…The state is but one...
Sendraalum nindraalumWhether one moves or stops,
Vazhi ondru thaanThe path is but one.
Vazhi ondru thaanThe path is but one.
Male
Sirithaalum azhuthaalumWhether one laughs or cries,
Nilai ondru thaan…The state is but one...
Sirithaalum azhuthaalumWhether one laughs or cries,
Nilai ondru thaan..The state is but one..
Sendraalum nindraalumWhether one moves or stops,
Vazhi ondru thaanThe path is but one.
Male
Thodarnthaalum mudinthaalumWhether it continues or ends,
Kadhai ondru thaanThe story is but one.
Thaazhnthaalum vaazhnthaalumWhether lowered or prosperous,
Tharam ondru thaanThe quality is but one.
Male
Sirithaalum azhuthaalumWhether one laughs or cries,
Nilai ondru thaan..The state is but one..
Male
Inaivadhilae inbamJoy lies in union,
Pirivadhilae thunbamSorrow lies in separation,
Ulaginil maaradha needhiThis is the unyielding law of the world.
Inaivadhilae inbamJoy lies in union,
Pirivadhilae thunbamSorrow lies in separation,
Ulaginil maaradha needhiThis is the unyielding law of the world.
Male
Varuvadhu pol vandhuAppearing as if arriving,
Nilaipadhu pol nindruStaying as if persisting,
Varuvadhu pol vandhuAppearing as if arriving,
Nilaipadhu pol nindruStaying as if persisting,
Maraivathu thaan vaazhvil paadhi..ee…Disappearing is half of life...
Male
Sirithaalum azhuthaalumWhether one laughs or cries,
Nilai ondru thaan…The state is but one...
Male
Aanandha veri yeriDrunk on the frenzy of joy,
Aayiram poi koorumTelling a thousand lies,
Maanida samuthaaya ellaiSuch is the boundary of human society.
Aanandha veri yeriDrunk on the frenzy of joy,
Aayiram poi koorumTelling a thousand lies,
Maanida samuthaaya ellaiSuch is the boundary of human society.
Male
Idhil thannalam karudhathaWithin this, selfless,
Thaaimaiyai maravathaUnforgetful of motherhood,
Thannalam karudhathaSelfless,
Thaaimaiyai maravathaUnforgetful of motherhood,
Pennmaiyum illamal illai..ee…Womanhood is certainly not absent...
Male
Sirithaalum azhuthaalumWhether one laughs or cries,
Nilai ondru thaan..The state is but one..
Sendraalum nindraalumWhether one moves or stops,
Vazhi ondru thaanThe path is but one.
Male
Thodarnthaalum mudinthaalumWhether it continues or ends,
Kadhai ondru thaanThe story is but one.
Thaazhnthaalum vaazhnthaalumWhether lowered or prosperous,
Tharam ondru thaanThe quality is but one.
Male
Sirithaalum azhuthaalumWhether one laughs or cries,
Nilai ondru thaan..The state is but one..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic philosophical song from 'Kalathur Kannamma' explores the concept of equanimity and the inherent dualities of human existence. Kannadasan highlights that despite the varying emotional states of laughter, tears, progress, or stagnation, the ultimate reality and destination of life remain unchanged. The song reflects on how joy in union and grief in separation are immutable laws of nature.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Maranu / Antithesis (Muran)

Sirithaalum azhuthaalum

Contrasting opposite concepts like laughter and crying, or going and staying, to emphasize existential balance.

Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)

Inaivadhilae inbam / Pirivadhilae thunbam

The second letters of words in corresponding lines rhyme ('Inaivadhilae' / 'Pirivadhilae').

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Nilai ondru thaan / Vazhi ondru thaan

Repetition of the phrase 'ondru thaan' at line endings establishes rhythmic continuity.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kalathur Kannamma (1960), directed by A. Bhimsingh and produced by AV. Meiyappan, marked the silver screen debut of legendary actor Kamal Haasan as a child artist. The music was composed by R. Sudarsanam, and the movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.

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