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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thannanth Thanimaiyile

From School Master · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
School Master1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thannanth thanimaiyilaeIn absolute solitude,
Thannanth thanimaiyilaeIn absolute solitude,
Udal thallaadum vayathinilaeAt an age when the body staggers with weakness,
Ungal punnagaiyai paarththirunthaalIf I could just look at your smile,
Inbam pothaatho enthanukku…Wouldn't that joy be enough for me?
Female
Thannanth thanimaiyilaeIn absolute solitude,
Udal thallaadum vayathinilaeAt an age when the body staggers with weakness,
Ungal punnagaiyai paarththirunthaalIf I could just look at your smile,
Inbam pothaatho enthanukku….Wouldn't that joy be enough for me?
Female
Manjalukku palamirunthaalIf the divine turmeric holds power,
Enthan mangalaththil arulirunthaalIf my sacred marital status is blessed,
Manjalukku palamirunthaalIf the divine turmeric holds power,
Enthan mangalaththil arulirunthaalIf my sacred marital status is blessed,
Female
Kungumaththil gunamirunthaalIf there is virtue in the vermilion on my forehead,
Ondrum kuraiyaamal vaazha vaikkumIt will ensure we live without lacking anything.
Female
Paththu murai piranthaalumEven if I am born ten more times,
Ungal pakkathunai naan varuvaenI will return to be your companion by your side.
Petha pillai maranthaalumEven if the child we raised forgets us,
Naan pillai pol valarnthiruppenI will remain by your side like a innocent child myself,
Naan pillai pol valarnthiruppenI will remain by your side like a innocent child myself.
Female
Thannanth thanimaiyilaeIn absolute solitude,
Udal thallaadum vayathinilaeAt an age when the body staggers with weakness,
Ungal punnagaiyai paarththirunthaalIf I could just look at your smile,
Inbam pothaatho enthanukku….Wouldn't that joy be enough for me?
Female
Naan vanangum deivamellaamDo all the gods that I worship,
Ungal nalla gunam ariyaathoNot know your good and noble nature?
Kovilukku koduththathellaamWill all the offerings given to the temples,
Nanmai kondu vara maattaathoNot return to bring us good fortune?
Female
Moochchirukkum kaalam varaiAs long as there is breath left in me,
Ungal mugam paarththu naaniruppaenI will spend my days looking at your face.
Kaattru nindru pogumendraalIf the wind of life comes to a standstill,
Ungal kaaladiyil uyir koduppaenI will surrender my life at your feet.
Female
Thannanth thanimaiyilaeIn absolute solitude,
Udal thallaadum vayathinilaeAt an age when the body staggers with weakness,
Ungal punnagaiyai paarththirunthaalIf I could just look at your smile,
Inbam pothaatho enthanukku….Wouldn't that joy be enough for me?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a deeply moving reflection on lifelong companionship, marital devotion, and resilience in old age. Set against the backdrop of physical frailty and emotional isolation, the protagonist finds ultimate solace and joy merely in her husband's gentle smile. She emphasizes that physical infirmity and the possible neglect of offspring cannot diminish the sacred bond they share. Kannadasan weaves traditional Tamil cultural elements into the lyrics, presenting symbols like turmeric (manjal) and vermilion (kungumam) as embodiments of spiritual purity and marital longevity. The song reassures that selfless deeds, divine blessings, and unwavering love are sufficient to weather any adversity in the evening of life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Manjalukku palamirunthaal / Enthan mangalaththil arulirunthaal / Kungumaththil gunamirunthaal

The lines end with identical rhyming suffixes like 'palamirunthaal', 'arulirunthaal', and 'gunamirunthaal', creating a melodious rhythm.

Cultural Symbolism / Metaphor

Manjalukku palamirunthaal ... Kungumaththil gunamirunthaal

Manjal (turmeric) and Kungumam (vermilion) serve as metaphors for auspiciousness, fidelity, and the enduring sanctity of marriage in Tamil culture.

Atishayokthi (Hyperbole)

Paththu murai piranthaalum / Ungal pakkathunai naan varuvaen

Expressing devotion across multiple rebirths enhances the emotional weight of eternal companionship.

Simile (Upamai)

Naan pillai pol valarnthiruppen

The speaker compares herself to a child ('pillai pol'), indicating absolute trust, warmth, and dependence on her spouse.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by M. S. Viswanathan for the 1973 film 'School Master', this song showcases P. Susheela's expressive vocals depicting elderly love. The lyrics by Kannadasan are widely praised in Tamil cinema for beautifully addressing the theme of romantic devotion enduring well into old age.

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