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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sumaithangi Sainthal

From Thanga Pathakkam · 1974

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Thanga Pathakkam1974

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Sumaithaangi saindhaalIf the load-bearing stone falls,
Sumai enna aagumWhat will happen to the burden?
Mani deepam oindhaalIf the precious lamp dies out,
Oli engu pogum…Where will the light go?...
Male
Sumaithaangi saindhaalIf the load-bearing stone falls,
Sumai enna aagumWhat will happen to the burden?
Mani deepam oindhaalIf the precious lamp dies out,
Oli engu pogum…Where will the light go?...
Male
Sirithaalum podhumEven if you just smile,
Deivangal koodumThe gods will gather.
Sirithaalum podhumEven if you just smile,
Deivangal koodumThe gods will gather.
Silai polae saaindhaalIf you lean like a statue,
Thalai engu pogumWhere will your head rest?
Male
Kula mangai koondhaalShould the hair of a virtuous woman
KalaindhaadalaamaBe disheveled and scattered?
Malar soodu kannaeWear flowers, my dear,
Manavaalan munnaeIn front of your husband.
Male
Sumaithaangi saindhaalIf the load-bearing stone falls,
Sumai enna aagumWhat will happen to the burden?
Mani deepam oindhaalIf the precious lamp dies out,
Oli engu pogum…Where will the light go?...
Male
Manamaalai kondaGoddess Meenakshi of Madurai,
Madhurai meenatchiWho wears the wedding garland,
Manamaalai kondaGoddess Meenakshi of Madurai,
Madhurai meenatchiWho wears the wedding garland,
Nadamaada vendumMust dance with joy,
Naan thedum kaatchiThat is the sight I seek.
Male
Alamelu mangaiGoddess Alamelu Mangai
Thunai unduu kannaeIs there as your support, my dear.
Alankaara manjalThe auspicious turmeric
Niram kaakkum unnaiWill protect your radiant form.
Male
Sumaithaangi saindhaalIf the load-bearing stone falls,
Sumai enna aagumWhat will happen to the burden?
Mani deepam oindhaalIf the precious lamp dies out,
Oli engu pogum…Where will the light go?...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song from the film 'Thanga Pathakkam' expresses a husband's deep concern and soothing affection for his wife during a time of sorrow. He uses rich imagery, comparing her to the foundational support ('sumaithaangi') and the guiding light ('mani deepam') of their household, emphasizing that her distress destabilizes the entire family. He urges her to regain her cheerfulness and adornments, invoking divine blessings from Goddesses Meenakshi and Alamelu Mangai to reassure her of protection and marital harmony.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaanam)

Sumaithaangi saindhaal / Sumai enna aagum

The wife is metaphorically framed as a 'sumaithaangi' (a stone resting platform for load carriers) and a 'mani deepam' (jeweled lamp), signifying her role as the pillar and light of the home.

Edugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Sumaithaangi saindhaal / Mani deepam oindhaal

The second letter consonant harmony ('mai' / 'ni') creates an edugai pattern across the opening couplet.

Monai (First-letter Alliteration)

Manamaalai konda / Madhurai meenatchi

The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Ma' creates rhythmic alliteration.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Thanga Pathakkam' (1974) is a landmark Tamil drama starring Sivaji Ganesan and K. R. Vijaya. The music for this iconic film was composed by the legendary M. S. Viswanathan, with lyrics penned by Kannadasan and vocals rendered by T. M. Soundararajan.

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