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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaali Enbadhinge

From Dhuruva Natchathiram · 1993

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Dhuruva Natchathiram1993

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Aa… aa… aa…Ah… ah… ah…
Aa… aa…aa… aa…Ah… ah… ah… ah…
Male
Thaali enbadhingaeThe sacred marital thread (Thaali) here,
Thaai kulathai kaakkaIs meant to protect womankind,
Vaeli allavo manidhaaIs it not a protective fence, O man?
Thaali enbadhingaeThe sacred marital thread (Thaali) here,
Thaai kulathai kaakkaIs meant to protect womankind,
Vaeli allavo manidhaaIs it not a protective fence, O man?
Man vaanam maari ponaalumaeEven if the earth and the sky undergo changes,
Pen maanam poga koodaadhingaeA woman's honor should never be lost here.
Pen kangal kanneer mannil vandhaalIf a woman's tears fall onto this soil,
Nam thunbam endrum maaraadhingaeOur sorrows will never dissipate here.
Male
Thaali enbadhingaeThe sacred marital thread (Thaali) here,
Thaai kulathai kaakkaIs meant to protect womankind,
Vaeli allavo manidhaaIs it not a protective fence, O man?
Thaali enbadhingaeThe sacred marital thread (Thaali) here,
Thaai kulathai kaakkaIs meant to protect womankind,
Vaeli allavo manidhaaIs it not a protective fence, O man?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song conveys a deep social message emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the vital necessity of respecting and protecting women. The lyrics use the symbol of the 'Thaali' (sacred marital thread) as a metaphorical fence designed to safeguard women's honor and place in society. It serves as a stern reminder to men that societal well-being depends on the dignity and happiness of women, warning that tears shed by women will only bring persistent sorrow to the community.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Thaali enbadhingae ... Vaeli allavo manidhaa

The sacred marital thread ('Thaali') is directly compared to a protective fence ('Vaeli') that guards womankind.

Ethirukai (Second letter rhyme)

Man vaanam maari ponaalumae / Pen maanam poga koodaadhingae

Matching second consonant sounds ('n' in 'Man' and 'Pen') establishing rhythm across lines.

Anaphora (Refrain)

Thaali enbadhingae / Thaai kulathai kaakka / Vaeli allavo manidhaa

Repetition of the core stanza throughout the song to reinforce its moral message.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyricist Vaali frequently incorporated moral guidelines and social commentary into traditional Tamil film songs, highlighting cultural icons like the 'Thaali' as instruments of ethical responsibility.

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