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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Soorai Kaatril

From Poottaatha Poottukkal · 1980

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Poottaatha Poottukkal1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Soorai kaatril aadudhaeThe flame of the lamp dances in the tempestuous wind.
Dheepathin jothiyaeThe divine light of the lamp.
Soorai kaatril aadudhaeThe flame of the lamp dances in the tempestuous wind.
Dheepathin jothiyaeThe divine light of the lamp.
Paadhai maari ponaal paedhaiThe naive woman strayed from her rightful path.
Paava chaetril kalandhaal kodhaiThe maiden mingled into the mire of sin.
Male
Soorai kaatril aadudhaeThe flame of the lamp dances in the tempestuous wind.
Dheepathin jothiyaeThe divine light of the lamp.
Male
Thaayaaga vaendum aasai kondaalShe harbored a desire to become a mother.
Male
Thaenaadum poovai thaedi vandhaalShe came seeking a flower dripping with honey.
Adhu paambaaga maarum kolam kandaalShe witnessed it transforming into a serpent.
Paazhaana pinnae paadam katraalOnly after being ruined did she learn her lesson.
Baliyaana pinnae naanam kondaalOnly after being sacrificed did she feel shame.
Ini panbodu vaazha engae selvaalWhere will she go now to live with virtue and honor?
Ulagam unnai thootrumae pollaadha vaarthai koorumaeThe world will slander you and utter cruel words.
Male
Soorai kaatril aadudhaeThe flame of the lamp dances in the tempestuous wind.
Dheepathin jothiyaeThe divine light of the lamp.
Male
Kallaana podhum kanavan dheivamEven if he is like a stone, a husband is a god.
Male
Pullaana podhum purushan dheivamEven if he is like mere grass, a husband is a god.
Adhai unaraadhadhaalae ullam nondhaalBecause she failed to realize this, her heart agonized.
Amaidhi engae kaanbadho anbae illaadha bhoomiyilWhere can peace be found in a world devoid of love?
Male
Soorai kaatril aadudhaeThe flame of the lamp dances in the tempestuous wind.
Dheepathin jothiyaeThe divine light of the lamp.
Paadhai maari ponaal paedhaiThe naive woman strayed from her rightful path.
Paava chaetril kalandhaal kodhaiThe maiden mingled into the mire of sin.
Male
Soorai kaatril aadudhaeThe flame of the lamp dances in the tempestuous wind.
Dheepathin jothiyaeThe divine light of the lamp.
Soorai kaatril aadudhaeThe flame of the lamp dances in the tempestuous wind.
Dheepathin jothiyaeThe divine light of the lamp.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Soorai kaatril aadudhae' from the movie 'Poottaatha Poottukkal' (1980) serves as a tragic commentary on a woman's moral and societal downfall. Lyricist Panchu Arunachalam uses the powerful image of a lamp flickering helplessly in a raging storm to symbolize her precarious existence and vulnerability after straying from societal norms.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Soorai kaatril aadudhae Dheepathin jothiyae

Comparing the protagonist's fragile life and emotional turmoil directly to a lamp flame struggling against a gale.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Paadhai maari ponaal paedhai / Paava chaetril kalandhaal kodhai

The second letters of words in successive lines match ('dhai' sound), creating melodic harmony.

Allusion / Cultural Metaphor

Kallaana podhum kanavan dheivam / Pullaana podhum purushan dheivam

References the well-known Tamil traditional adage emphasizing devotion in marriage despite hardships.

Did you know?

Trivia

Poottaatha Poottukkal (1980) was directed by the acclaimed filmmaker J. Mahendran, based on a story by Sam. Though the prompt lists the music director as unknown, the soundtrack was actually composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by Panchu Arunachalam.

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