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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaen Kootil

From Sethupathi · 2016

Lyricist
Na. Muthu Kumar
Singer
V. M. Mahalingam
Music director
Nivas K. Prasanna
Details
Sethupathi2016

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Mmm…mmm…mm…mmm…Mmm... mmm...
Aaaa….aaa…aaa…aaa…aaa…..Aaaa... aaa...
Male
Thaen koottil theeyai vaithuWho set fire to the honeycomb,
Erithae ponathu yaarand left it to burn away?
Thenpandi thaerai ingaeWho abandoned the grand chariot of the south
Theruvil vittathu yaarhere on the open street?
Male
Veenaana vaarthaigalilWho cast false blame upon us
Pazhiyai sonnathu yaarwith useless, hurtful words?
Pollatha vithi vadivilWho executed this conspiracy
Sathiyai seithathu yaar….in the shape of cruel fate?
Male
Nee pogum paathaiyilaeOn the path you walk,
Panithaan kan maraikkumfog and mist may cloud your sight.
Nee pogum paathaiyilaeOn the path you walk,
Panithaan kan maraikkumfog and mist may cloud your sight.
Male
Aagayam vidinthu vittaalOnce the morning sky breaks open,
Udanae vazhi thirakkum..mm…the way forward will reveal itself immediately.
Aagayam vidinthu vittaalOnce the morning sky breaks open,
Udanae vazhi thirakkumthe way forward will reveal itself immediately.
Male
Ye thangamae…kalangaathaeOh my dear precious one, do not lose heart,
Unmai endrumaefor the truth shall never,
Urangaathae urangaathae…ae…..never go to sleep...
Male
Aararo aararoLullaby chant (Aararo aararo),
Aararo ooo aararoLullaby chant (Aararo ooo aararo),
Thaalaelo ooo thaalaeloLullaby chant (Thaalaelo ooo thaalaelo),
Thaalelo aararoLullaby chant (Thaalelo aararo).

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the movie Sethupathi is a poignant ballad expressing grief and distress over sudden hardship, betrayal, and unjust blame. The lyrics metaphorically describe a peaceful, sweet life being destroyed as if someone maliciously set fire to a honeycomb. It questions the cruel turns of fate and false allegations that leave an honorable person stranded like a royal chariot left abandoned on the street. Despite the deep sorrow, the song shifts into a comforting lullaby filled with hope and emotional support. It uses the metaphor of morning mist obscuring a path to remind the listener that darkness and confusion are only temporary; once dawn arrives, clarity will be restored. Ultimately, it delivers an empowering message that truth is eternal and vigilant, and will eventually prevail over deceit.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Thaen koottil theeyai vaithu

Compares a happy, peaceful family life to a delicate honeycomb ('Thaen koodu') that has been cruelly set ablaze by external forces.

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Thaen koottil theeyai vaithu / Thenpandi thaerai ingae

The second consonant sound 'n' (ன்) rhymes between 'Thaen' (தேன்கூட்டில்) and 'Thenpandi' (தென்பாண்டி) across consecutive lines.

Personification

Unmai endrumae urangaathae urangaathae

Attributes human characteristics to abstract concepts like 'Truth' ('Unmai'), stating that truth never sleeps and stays awake to bring justice.

Did you know?

Trivia

This emotional song was composed by Nivas K. Prasanna for the 2016 police-drama 'Sethupathi', starring Vijay Sethupathi. Featuring deeply moving lyrics penned by the late National Award-winning lyricist Na. Muthu Kumar, the song marks a crucial emotional turning point in the film where the honest protagonist faces fabricated charges that threaten his career and family.

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