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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thulli Varum

From Iru Thuruvam · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Iru Thuruvam1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thulli varum sooraikaattruA stormy wind comes leaping forward,
Thudikkuthoru thennanthoppuAnd a coconut grove trembles in fear.
Male
Thulli varum sooraikaattruA stormy wind comes leaping forward,
Thudikkuthoru thennanthoppuAnd a coconut grove trembles in fear.
Illai oru paathukaappuThere is no protection at all,
Idhuthaanaa iraivan theerppuIs this truly God's ultimate judgment?
Idhuthaanaa iraivan theerppuIs this truly God's ultimate judgment?
Male
Veli illaa thottam endraalIf it is a garden without a boundary fence,
Meivatharkku kaalai unduThere are bulls that arrive to graze upon it.
Veli illaa thottam endraalIf it is a garden without a boundary fence,
Meivatharkku kaalai unduThere are bulls that arrive to graze upon it.
Male
Kaavalillaa kanni endraalIf she is a maiden without protection,
Kann kalangum vaazhkkai unduA life filled with tearful sorrow awaits her.
Kaavalillaa kanni endraalIf she is a maiden without protection,
Kann kalangum vaazhkkai unduA life filled with tearful sorrow awaits her.
Male
Illai oru paathukaappuThere is no protection at all,
Idhuthaanaa iraivan theerppuIs this truly God's ultimate judgment?
Male
Kanivu konda kaigalum illaiThere are no gentle hands to extend support,
Karunai kaattum kangalum illaiThere are no compassionate eyes to show mercy.
Karunai kaattum kangalum illaiThere are no compassionate eyes to show mercy.
Male
Kanivu konda kaigalum illaiThere are no gentle hands to extend support,
Karunai kaattum kangalum illaiThere are no compassionate eyes to show mercy.
Thanimaiyodu varumai vanthaalWhen extreme poverty arrives hand in hand with loneliness,
Dharmam yaen kaval illaiWhy does righteousness feel no grief or concern?
Male
Illai oru paathukaappuThere is no protection at all,
Idhuthaanaa iraivan theerppuIs this truly God's ultimate judgment?
Male
Thulli varum sooraikaattruA stormy wind comes leaping forward,
Thudikkuthoru thennanthoppuAnd a coconut grove trembles in fear.
Illai oru paathukaappuThere is no protection at all,
Idhuthaanaa iraivan theerppuIs this truly God's ultimate judgment?
Idhuthaanaa iraivan theerppuIs this truly God's ultimate judgment?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song uses natural metaphors to depict the vulnerability of helpless and destitute people in society. The roaring storm represents cruel societal forces, while the quivering coconut grove represents an unprotected family or maiden. The lyrics highlight how an unfenced garden is easily exploited by wandering cattle, drawing a parallel to how a woman or family lacking protection and support becomes a target for adversity. Through deeply reflective questions, lyricist Kannadasan laments the absence of empathy and questions divine justice, asking why righteousness remains silent when poverty and isolation strike.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Veli illaa thottam endraal / Meivatharkku kaalai undu

Compares an unprotected maiden or helpless person to a fence-less garden grazed by stray cattle, and a coconut grove trembling in a tempest.

Moonaikkal (Initial Alliteration)

Thulli varum sooraikaattru / Thudikkuthoru thennanthoppu

Repetition of the initial 'Th' sound ('Thulli' and 'Thudikkuthoru') creates a rhythmic, dramatic effect matching the storm imagery.

Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)

Idhuthaanaa iraivan theerppu

Repeated questioning of God's verdict reinforces the narrator's angst and existential grief.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1971 Tamil film 'Iru Thuruvam' starring Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini, this track showcases Seerkazhi Govindarajan's powerful vocal delivery suited for dramatic and emotional high points in Tamil cinema.

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