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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ulagam Oru Kavithai

From Oh Manju · 1976

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Oh Manju
Movie release year
1976
Lyrics added on
2 Nov 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Ulagam oru kavidhai
Madhuvil idhai konden oh
Ulagam oru kavidhai
Madhuvil idhai konden
Ellaam undu ondrumillai idhilae
Ulagam oru kavidhai
Madhuvil idhai konden
Idhu naal varaiyil nanae nadanthen
Adhu indru nadai poduthae
Irava pagala ival yaar avala
Madhu unnai idai poduthae
Irandae manidhan pudhiyavan ingae
Pazhaiyavan engae kaanavillai oo manju
Bodhaiyundu buthiyillai idhilae
Ulagam oru kavidhai
Uravil adhai kanden
Kandaal kooda inbam undu adhilae
Ulagam oru kavidhai
Uravil adhai kanden
Aatril kidaithaal meenum manakkum
Adhu oru pugazh allavaa
Saetril kidaithaal thaenum kasakkum
Adhu oru izhivallavaa
Irundhaal iruppom ulladhu podhum
Idhupol varavu thevai illai
Ulagam oru kavidhai
Uravil adhai kanden
Unnai ninaithaal ulagam siridhu
Ini oru madhu venduma
Female :Unnai ninaithaal pasiyaa peridhu
Ini oru panam venduma
Both :Irundhaal iruppom ulladhu podhum
Idhupol varavu thevai illai
The world is a poem,
I found this in wine, oh!
The world is a poem,
I found this in wine.
Everything is in it, yet nothing is there.
The world is a poem,
I found this in wine.
Until today, I walked on my own,
Today, the drink leads my steps.
Is it night or day? Who is she, is she the one?
Wine is coming between you and yourself.
There are only two men: the new one is here,
Where is the old one? He is nowhere to be found, oh Manju!
There is intoxication here, but no clear mind.
The world is a poem,
I found it in love.
Even just seeing it brings joy.
The world is a poem,
I found it in love.
Found in a river, even a fish smells sweet—
Isn't that something to be praised?
Found in the mud, even honey turns bitter—
Isn't that a disgrace?
Let us live as we are, what we have is enough;
We have no need for gains like this.
The world is a poem,
I found it in love.
When I think of you, the whole world seems small;
Do I need any wine anymore?
When I think of you, does hunger even matter?
Do I need any money anymore?
Let us live as we are, what we have is enough;
We have no need for gains like this.
Male
Male
Female
Female
Female
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song from 'Oh Manju' (1976), penned by Kannadasan, explores the contrast between superficial intoxication and true emotional fulfillment. Initially, the protagonist sees life through the haze of alcohol, describing the world as a confusing poem where everything and nothing exist at the same time, leading to a loss of self-identity and wisdom.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Ulagam oru kavidhai

Compares the world directly to a poem ('Ulagam oru kavidhai') to represent life's complex art and structure.

Paradox / Antithesis (Muran)

Ellaam undu ondrumillai idhilae

Combines contradictory ideas ('everything exists' vs 'nothing exists') to describe the confusing state of intoxication.

Contrast / Parallelism (Edhukai)

Aatril kidaithaal meenum manakkum / Saetril kidaithaal thaenum kasakkum

Contrasts something undesirable made fragrant by a clean environment ('Aatril... meenum manakkum') against something sweet spoiled by bad environment ('Saetril... thaenum kasakkum').

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Oh Manju' (1976) was directed by C. V. Sridhar and featured music composed by S. V. Venkatraman, starring Master Sekhar and Kavitha.

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