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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sri Ramanin Sri Deviye

From Priya · 1978

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Priya1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Sriraamanin srideviyaeOh Sridevi (Sita) of Sri Rama,
Hanumaan unnai kaakkaHanuman has come to protect you,
Siraiyil unnai meetkkaTo rescue you from captivity,
Kadal thaandi vandhaanammaaHe crossed the ocean and came, dear lady,
Edhirporai velvaanammaHe will conquer the opposition in battle, dear lady.
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...
Male
Paadi paadi azhaikindrenI call out to you, singing again and again,
Jaadaiyaaga sedhi solvaaiSend me a message through subtle gestures,
Paadhai ondru kandukollaSo that a path may be discovered,
Neeyum paaduvaaiYou too should sing,
Thayakkam enna kalakam ennaWhy this hesitation? Why this distress?
Devi nee kural koduOh Goddess, give me your voice!
Male
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...
Male
Neram paarthu nerunguvenI will approach at the right opportune time,
Kaaval thaandi kaakka vandhenI came past the guards to save you,
Potti endru vandha pinnaeNow that a challenge has arisen,
Neril modhuvenI will face them directly head-on,
Kavalai illai mayakam illaiThere is no worry, no confusion,
Devi nee kural koduOh Goddess, give me your voice!
Male
Sriraamanin srideviyaeOh Sridevi (Sita) of Sri Rama,
Hanumaan unnai kaakkaHanuman has come to protect you,
Siraiyil unnai meetkkaTo rescue you from captivity,
Kadal thaandi vandhaanammaaHe crossed the ocean and came, dear lady,
Edhirporai velvaanammaHe will conquer the opposition in battle, dear lady.
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...
Ohh priya..aa..Oh Priya...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song uses an mythological allegory from the Ramayana, comparing the protagonist's rescue effort to Hanuman crossing the ocean to find and protect Sita (Sri Rama's consort) who is held captive. The hero sings secretly to signal his presence to Priya, reassuring her that he has bypassed security and is ready to rescue her from danger. He encourages her to overcome fear and send him a coded voice signal so they can locate each other and execute their escape.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Allegory / Mythological Allusion

Sriraamanin srideviyae Hanumaan unnai kaakka

Compares the hero's covert rescue mission to save Priya with Hanuman crossing the ocean to rescue Sita from Ravana's prison in the Ramayana.

Repetition (Adukkuthodar)

Paadi paadi azhaikindren

The word 'Paadi' is repeated sequentially for rhythmic emphasis and emotional intensity.

Rhyme (Edhukai / Internal Rhyme)

Thayakkam enna kalakam enna

Rhythmic pairing of words like 'Thayakkam' and 'Kalakam' to create musical harmony in distress description.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although the prompt context lists music as unknown, this iconic track from Priya (1978) was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, starring Rajinikanth and Sridevi. The movie was famous for being shot extensively in Singapore and Malaysia and for introducing stereophonic sound technology to Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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