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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thandhai Sollai

From Thozhan · 1960

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
C. S. Jayaraman
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Thozhan1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thandhai sollai kaapattra sreeramanTo uphold his father's word, Lord Rama
Thava kolam thaangi sendraanDonned the robes of an ascetic and departed.
Than sollai kaapttra maabaliyumTo uphold his own word, King Mahabali as well
Thannuyirai baliyaai thandhaanOffered his very life as a sacrifice.
Male
Abayam endru vandha pura uyir kaakkaTo save the life of a dove that sought refuge,
Sibi mannan than sadhaiyai arindhu thandhanKing Sibi carved out his own flesh and gave it away.
Indha maanilathil avargal vazhi vandhavargalThose in this great world who follow in their path,
Maraindhaalum pugazh maraiyadhaeEven if they pass away, their glory will never fade.
Male
Thannalam karudhadha thiyagiA selfless person of sacrifice who cares not for personal gain,
Kadamai thavaradha perum karmayogiA great Karma Yogi who never strays from duty,
Sonna sol maravae mattanHe will never break a promise he has given,
Enna thunbangal vandhaalum anjavae mattanNo matter what suffering comes, he will never fear.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song praises the noble virtues of honor, selflessness, and unyielding adherence to duty by drawing parallels with legendary figures from Indian mythology and history. It invokes Lord Rama, who went to exile to fulfill his father's vow; King Mahabali, who surrendered himself to honor his word; and King Sibi, who offered his own flesh to protect a helpless dove seeking refuge. The lyrics emphasize that righteous individuals who live by these principles leave behind an immortal legacy that outlasts their physical existence, describing such a hero as a true Karma Yogi unaffected by fear or adversity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Allusion (Aalumaai)

Thandhai sollai kaapattra sreeraman... Sibi mannan than sadhaiyai arindhu thandhan

The lyrcist uses puranic and historical legends (Sri Rama, Mahabali, and King Sibi) to illustrate high moral standards and sacrifice.

Iyaibu (Rhyming Endings)

Sonna sol maravae mattan / Enna thunbangal vandhaalum anjavae mattan

The usage of matching verb endings in consecutive lines creates a rhythmic and emphatic resolution.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Thandhai sollai kaapattra sreeraman / Thava kolam thaangi sendraan

Repetition of initial consonant sounds ('Th') across words in the opening lines enhances the musical cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie 'Thozhan' (1960) featured music by master composer G. Ramanathan and lyrics by A. Maruthakasi. Singer C. S. Jayaraman was famous for his distinct theatrical vocal style, which became iconic for powerful philosophical and character-defining songs in mid-20th-century Tamil cinema.

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