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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Theeyinum Kodithe Kathal

From Maaya Mohini · 1956

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
S. N. Thirupathi
Details
Maaya Mohini1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Theeyinum kodithae kaadhal theeThe fire of love is far crueler than ordinary fire.
Therindhaal anal thee thagikkumaCan the blaze of physical fire burn as intensely if one truly knows it?
Ezhil maevum malaraai enniyaeO human beings who consider love merely a charming flower,
Inimaiyudan vilaiyaadum mandhargalaeAnd play with it joyfully and sweetly!
Male
Kanidhidum meikadhal kannalaeThrough the sweet glint of true love,
Parandhegam iragum paliyagudhaeThe entire body and soul are sacrificed like a moth in flames.
Paraayoo indha parithabamaeAlas, what a tragic and pitiful state this is!
Pen paapamae anudhabam aagumaeA woman's sin turns into deep remorse and sorrow.
Jagamae anbaal kondaadaSo that the whole world may celebrate with love,
Thyaaga maevum seiyalae seidhaaiYou have performed a noble act filled with ultimate sacrifice.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song reflects on the consuming nature of love and the beauty of ultimate sacrifice. It cautions humanity against treating love as a mere playful flower, warning that love is a fire far more perilous than physical flame. When caught in its power, individuals often surrender everything, burning away their innocence like moths in a flame. The song further touches upon the transformation of guilt into repentance, culminating in praise for a selfless act of sacrifice. It asserts that true sacrifice done out of love transcends suffering and earns the everlasting admiration and celebration of the world.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagham (Metaphor)

Theeyinum kodithae kaadhal thee

Love is directly conceptualized as a destructive and consuming fire ('kaadhal thee').

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Therindhaal anal thee thagikkuma

Agreement of the second consonant sound 'r' across consecutive lines ('Therindhaal' and 'Parandhegam').

Monaai (Alliteration)

Paraayoo indha parithabamae

Repetition of the initial sound 'P' ('Paraayoo', 'parithabamae', 'Pen', 'paapamae') creating melodic rhythm.

Contrast / Anthesis

Ezhil maevum malaraai enniyae

Juxtaposition of love portrayed harmlessly as a beautiful flower ('malaraai') against its real nature as a burning fire ('kaadhal thee').

Did you know?

Trivia

Maaya Mohini (1956) featured music by S. N. Thirupathi, a veteran composer known for his mythological and folklore film scores. The lyrics were penned by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, famous for integrating classical literary motifs and moral philosophies into popular film music of that era.

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