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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sugam Varuvadhu

From Aval Yaar · 1959

Lyricist
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
Singers
Jikki, Chorus
Music director
S. Rajeswara Rao
Details
Aval Yaar1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Sugam varuvathu fast-uPleasure comes fast,
Summaayirunthaa waste-uStaying idle is a waste.
Sugam varuvathu fast-uPleasure comes fast,
Summaayirunthaa waste-uStaying idle is a waste.
Manam thanil ninainthu paarPonder upon it in your mind,
Unarnthu nadanthu paarRealize it and walk the path.
Chorus
Sugam varuvathu fast-uPleasure comes fast,
Summaayirunthaa waste-uStaying idle is a waste.
Female
Polivai tharuvathu paruvamYouthfulness gives radiance,
Muga polivai tharuvathu paruvamYouthfulness gives facial radiance.
Adhu ponaal maaridum uruvamIf that passes, physical appearance changes.
Chorus :Adhu ponaa maaridum uruvamChorus: If that passes, physical appearance changes.
Female :Azhagai tharuvathu kaalamFemale: Time bestows beauty,
Udal azhagai tharuvathu kaalamTime bestows physical beauty.
Chorus :Adhil adaintha varaikkum laabamChorus: Whatever is gained till then is profit,
Female :Adaintha varaikkum laabamFemale: Whatever is gained till then is profit.
Chorus
Sugam varuvathu fast-uPleasure comes fast,
Namma summaayirunthaa waste-uIf we stay idle, it is a waste.
Female
………………..[Interlude]
Female
Muamum mugamum santhikkumpothuWhen face meets face,
Mudhalil varuvathuWhat arrives at first is...
Chorus :ThayakkamChorus: Hesitation.
Female :Mogam valarnthu sinthikkum pothuFemale: When passion grows and thoughts deepen,
Moolaikku tharuvathuWhat it gives to the mind is...
Chorus :MayakkamChorus: Intoxication.
Female
Muzhuthum therinthum idhayam kalanthuKnowing everything fully and blending hearts,
Mudivil varuvathu inakkamWhat arrives in the end is harmony,
Adharkkidaiyil varuvathu pinakkamWhat comes in between is conflict.
Chorus
Sugam varuvathu fast-uPleasure comes fast,
Namma summaayirunthaa waste-uIf we stay idle, it is a waste.
Chorus
Sugam varuvathu fast-uPleasure comes fast,
Namma summaayirunthaa waste-uIf we stay idle, it is a waste.
Sugam varuvathu fast-uPleasure comes fast,
Namma summaayirunthaa waste-uIf we stay idle, it is a waste.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This upbeat, philosophical song from 'Aval Yaar' (1959) highlights the impermanence of youth, physical beauty, and time. The lyricist advises against wasting life in idleness, encouraging immediate action to experience true joy before age takes over.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Code-mixing and End Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Sugam varuvathu fast-u / Summaayirunthaa waste-u

Blending English loanwords ('fast-u', 'waste-u') to create a trendy end rhyme.

Initial Alliteration (Monai)

Sugam varuvathu fast-u / Summaayirunthaa waste-u

Repetition of the initial sound 'Su' in 'Sugam' and 'Summaayirunthaa'.

Internal Rhyme & Rhythm (Iyaibu)

Adharkkidaiyil varuvathu pinakkam

Matching end sounds ('Thayakkam', 'Mayakkam', 'Inakkam', 'Pinakkam') to detail stages of emotional connection.

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Trivia

Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram was renowned for seamlessly incorporating conversational English words into Tamil lyrics to connect with contemporary audiences while embedding strong social philosophy.

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