Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Tholvi Nilayena Ninaithaal

From Oomai Vizhigal · 1986

Lyricist
Aabavanan
Singers
P. B. Sreenivas, Aabhavanan
Music director
Manoj – Gyan
Details
Oomai Vizhigal1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Tholvi nilaiyena ninaithaalIf one thinks defeat is a permanent state,
Manidhan vaazhvai ninaikkalaama..Can one contemplate human life?
Tholvi nilaiyena ninaithaalIf one thinks defeat is a permanent state,
Manidhan vaazhvai ninaikkalaama…Can one contemplate human life?
Vaazhvai sumaiyena ninaithuThinking of life as a burden,
Thaayin kanavai midhikkalaama…Can one trample upon a mother's dream?
Male
Urimai izhanthomWe lost our rights,
Udaimaiyum izhanthomWe lost our possessions too,
Unarvai izhakkalaama…Should we lose our spirit?
Unarvai koduthuHaving given emotion,
Uyiraai valarthaNurtured as life itself,
Kanavai marakkalaamaa….Can we forget that dream?
Male
Tholvi nilaiyena nianaithaalIf one thinks defeat is a permanent state,
Manidhan vaazhvai ninaikkalaama…Can one contemplate human life?
Male
Vidiyalukkillai dhooramDawn is not far away,
Vidiyum manadhil innum yen baaramWhy is there still a burden in the heart that is about to awaken?
Un nenjam muzhuvathum veeramYour heart is filled entirely with bravery,
Irunthum kannil innum yen eeramYet why is there still moisture in your eyes?
Male
Urimai izhanthomWe lost our rights,
Udaimaiyum izhanthomWe lost our possessions too,
Unarvai izhakkalaama…Should we lose our spirit?
Chorus :Unarvai koduthuChorus: Having given emotion,
Uyiraai valarthaNurtured as life itself,
Kanavai marakkalaamaa….Can we forget that dream?
Chorus
Vidiyalukkillai dhooramDawn is not far away,
Vidiyum manadhil innum yen baaramWhy is there still a burden in the heart that is about to awaken?
Un nenjam muzhuvathum veeramYour heart is filled entirely with bravery,
Irunthum kannil innum yen eeramYet why is there still moisture in your eyes?
Male
Yuddhangal thondrattumLet wars arise,
Rathangal sindhattumLet blood be spilled,
Paadhai maaralaama…Should we change our path?
Rathathin veppathilIn the heat of blood,
Achangal vegattumLet fears burn away,
Kolgai saagalaama….Should principles die?
Chorus
Urimai izhanthomWe lost our rights,
Udaimaiyum izhanthomWe lost our possessions too,
Unarvai izhakkalaama…Should we lose our spirit?
Unarvai koduthuHaving given emotion,
Uyiraai valarthaNurtured as life itself,
Kanavai marakkalaamaa….Can we forget that dream?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Tholvi Nilaiyena Ninaithaal from the film Oomai Vizhigal (1986) is a high-spirited motivational anthem urging perseverance in the face of extreme adversity. The lyrics argue that defeat is merely a temporary state and should never lead a person to abandon life, dignity, or motherly dreams. Even if material wealth and rights are stripped away, one must never surrender their inner spirit, self-respect, or core principles.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Urimai izhanthom / Udaimaiyum izhanthom / Unarvai izhakkalaama…

Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'U' in consecutive lines ('Urimai', 'Udaimaiyum', 'Unarvai') creates an emphatic rhythm.

Edhukai (Second Letter Assonance)

Yuddhangal thondrattum / Rathangal sindhattum

Matching of the second consonant sound across lines to build melodic consistency.

Metaphor

Vidiyalukkillai dhooram

'Vidiyal' (Dawn) is used as a metaphor for liberation, relief, and the end of dark struggles.

Rhetorical Questioning

Vaazhvai sumaiyena ninaithu / Thaayin kanavai midhikkalaama…

The lyricist repeatedly uses rhetorical questions ending in '-aama' to provoke deep reflection and moral awakening.

Did you know?

Trivia

Oomai Vizhigal (1986) was a pathbreaking thriller created by film institute students, directed by Aravindraj and written/produced by Aabavanan. The music was composed by the duo Manoj-Gyan along with Aabavanan. Sung by the veteran legend P. B. Sreenivas, this song remains an iconic motivational track in Tamil popular culture, often quoted in speeches and inspiring literature.

Keep listening

More from Oomai Vizhigal