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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaai Seidha Pavam

From Nandri · 1984

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Nandri1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thaai seitha paavam tharai meedhu vanthaenDue to the sin my mother committed, I came upon this earth.
Thaai seitha paavam tharai meedhu nindraenDue to the sin my mother committed, I stand upon this earth.
Female
Kaattil kaayum nilavaanaenI became like moonlight shining uselessly in a forest.
Kadalil peiyum mazhaiyaanaenI became like rain falling wasted into the ocean.
Yaettil ezhutha vazhiyillaiThere is no way to record my plight in books.
Ingu enakkor thunaiyillaiHere, there is no companion or support for me.
Female
Thaai seitha paavam tharai meedhu vanthaenDue to the sin my mother committed, I came upon this earth.
Thaai seitha paavam tharai meedhu nindraenDue to the sin my mother committed, I stand upon this earth.
Female
Pesa kooda yaedhum vaayimindriWithout even a mouth to speak any words,
Paasam thannai kaattum naayin nandriA dog shows its true affection and gratitude.
Pesa kooda yaedhum vaayimindriWithout even a mouth to speak any words,
Paasam thannai kaattum naayin nandriA dog shows its true affection and gratitude.
Female
Vaai pesum naaigal uyir vaangum peigalHumans who speak are like life-draining ghosts,
Manithan inamo idhu enna niyaayamoIs this human race? What kind of justice is this?
Iraivaa nee kettaayo vidai koora maattaayoOh God, did you hear this? Will you not grant an answer?
Female
Thaai seitha paavam tharai meedhu vanthaenDue to the sin my mother committed, I came upon this earth.
Thaai seitha paavam tharai meedhu nindraenDue to the sin my mother committed, I stand upon this earth.
Female
Kaattil kaayum nilavaanaenI became like moonlight shining uselessly in a forest.
Kadalil peiyyum mazhaiyaanaenI became like rain falling wasted into the ocean.
Yaettil ezhutha vazhiyillaiThere is no way to record my plight in books.
Ingu enakkor thunaiyillaiHere, there is no companion or support for me.
Female
Thaai seitha paavam tharai meedhu vanthaenDue to the sin my mother committed, I came upon this earth.
Thaai seitha paavam tharai meedhu nindraenDue to the sin my mother committed, I stand upon this earth.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a poignant lamentation of existential anguish, loneliness, and societal cruelty. The protagonist feels burdened by the circumstances of her birth, lamenting that her life has become completely wasted—akin to moonlight shining in a deserted forest or rain falling uselessly into the vast ocean. She sharply contrasts human nature with that of animals. While voiceless dogs display loyalty, love, and gratitude, human beings who possess speech act like deceitful, life-snatching demons. In deep sorrow, she appeals to God, questioning His silence in the face of such unjust suffering.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Simile / Traditional Tamil Analogy)

Kaattil kaayum nilavaanaen

Compares a wasted, unappreciated life to moonlight shining over a dense, uninhabited forest where no one can enjoy it.

Uvamai (Simile / Traditional Tamil Analogy)

Kadalil peiyum mazhaiyaanaen

Compares useless effort or unvalued existence to rain falling over the sea, where its water adds no fresh value.

Metaphor & Antithesis (Uruvagam & Muran)

Vaai pesum naaigal uyir vaangum peigal

Juxtaposes the speechless, loving dog with 'speaking humans' who are metaphorically described as life-draining ghosts.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Kaattil kaayum nilavaanaen / Kadalil peiyum mazhaiyaanaen

The second consonant 't' / 'd' creates a rhythmic Tamil poetic harmony between Kaattil and Kadalil.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Nandri' (1984), directed by Rama Narayanan, features a trained dog named Brownie in a central heroic role. The song's theme of animal loyalty vs. human betrayal strongly reflects the film's overarching plot.

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