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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sooraikatril Aaduthe

From Poottatha Poottukkal · 1980

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Poottatha Poottukkal1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyaeThe light of the lamp flickers helplessly in a gale force wind.
Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyaeThe light of the lamp flickers helplessly in a gale force wind.
Paadhai maari ponaal paedhaiThe innocent woman lost her path and went astray.
Paava saettril kalandhaal kodhaiThe maiden got trapped in the muddy mire of sin.
Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyaeThe light of the lamp flickers helplessly in a gale force wind.
Male
Thaayaga vendum aasai kondaalDesiring to experience the joy of motherhood,
Thaenaadum poovai thedi vandhaalShe came searching for a flower overflowing with sweetness,
Adhu paambaaga maarum kolam kondaalIt took the form of a deceptive snake that struck her down.
Paazhaana pinnae paadam kattraalOnly after her life was ruined did she learn her lesson.
Male
Baliyaana pinnae naanam kondaalOnly after becoming a victim did she feel a sense of shame.
Ini panbodu vaazha engae selvaalWhere will she go now to live a life with virtue and dignity?
Ulagam unnai thootrumaeThe world around will mock and slander you.
Polladha vaarthai koorumaeIt will hurl bitter and cruel words at you.
Male
Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyaeThe light of the lamp flickers helplessly in a gale force wind.
Male
Kallaana podhum kanavan deivamEven if he is hard like stone, the husband is considered divine.
Pullaana podhum purushan deivamEven if he is weak like a blade of grass, the husband is divine.
Adhai unaraadhadhaalae ullam nondhaalFailing to realize this in time, her heart suffers in anguish.
Amaidhiyae engae kaanbadhoWhere can one find true peace of mind,
Anbae illadha boomiyilIn a harsh world completely devoid of love?
Male
Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyaeThe light of the lamp flickers helplessly in a gale force wind.
Paadhai maari ponaal paedhaiThe innocent woman lost her path and went astray.
Paava saettril kalandhaal kodhaiThe maiden got trapped in the muddy mire of sin.
Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyaeThe light of the lamp flickers helplessly in a gale force wind.
Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyaeThe light of the lamp flickers helplessly in a gale force wind.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song portrays the tragic fate of an innocent woman whose life is disrupted like a delicate flame caught in a violent storm. Enticed by standard desires of love and motherhood, she falls prey to deception and strays from her path, ending up in ruin. The lyricist reflects on her grief, social stigma, and the cruel judgement of a society that offers no redemption or peace to a woman who has faltered.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyae

The life of the helpless woman is metaphorically compared to a lamp's flame battling a violent tempest ('Soorai kaatril aaduthae deepathin jodhiyae').

End Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Paadhai maari ponaal paedhai / Paava saettril kalandhaal kodhai

The words 'paedhai' and 'kodhai' at the end of consecutive lines create a melodious rhyme scheme.

Allusion / Proverbial Alliteration

Kallaana podhum kanavan deivam / Pullaana podhum purushan deivam

Refers to the traditional Tamil adage 'Kallaanaalum kanavan, pullaanaalum purushan', reinforcing traditional socio-cultural norms.

Did you know?

Trivia

Poottatha Poottukkal (1980) was directed by the acclaimed filmmaker J. Mahendran. Sung by Ilaiyaraaja himself, the track exemplifies his distinctively expressive, rustic vocal delivery used to convey deep sorrow and moral philosophy in realistic Tamil parallel Tamil cinema of that era.

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