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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ullangal Palavitham

From Thirumagal · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela, T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Movie name
Thirumagal
Movie release year
1971
Lyrics added on
11 Sept 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Ullangal palavidham
Ennangal aayiram
Uravugal valarvatharkku
Manam thaanae kaaranam
Ullangal palavidham
Ennangal aayiram
Uravugal valarvatharkku
Manam thaanae kaaranam
Ullangal palavidham
Malaiyil pirandha nadhi kadalukku povadhen
Mannil pirandha malar koondhalil vaazhvadhaen
Engo pirandhavargal ingae inaivadhaen
Female :Ennavo sondhamellam kannilae therivadhaen
Ullangal palavidham
Ennangal aayiram
Uravugal valarvatharkku
Manam thaanae kaaranam
Kizhakkil odum nadhi therkaeyum paayalaam
Kili unna kanidha kani anilukkum pogalaam
Female :Nadhi vazhi povadhu pol mana vazhi pogalaam
Male :Nadakkum vazhigal ellam nal vazhi aagalaam
Maraithaal maraivadhillai
Mangaiyin kanavugalae
Male :Pirithaal pirivathillai valarnthidum uravugalae
Azhithaal azhuvadhillai aanandha ninaivugalae
Anbil inaindhavargal vaarthaiyil oomaigalae
Ullangal palavidham
Ennangal aayiram
Uravugal valarvatharkku
Manam thaanae kaaranam
Hearts are of many kinds,
thoughts are in the thousands.
For relationships to grow,
the heart alone is the reason.
Hearts are of many kinds,
thoughts are in the thousands.
For relationships to grow,
the heart alone is the reason.
Hearts are of many kinds...
Why does a river born in the mountains flow to the sea?
Why does a flower born from the soil live in one's hair?
Why do people born in distant places come together here?
Female: Why do mysterious bonds of kinship show in our eyes?
Hearts are of many kinds,
thoughts are in the thousands.
For relationships to grow,
the heart alone is the reason.
A river running east may also flow south.
A fruit ripened for a parrot may go to a squirrel.
Female: Just as a river finds its way, we can follow our heart.
Male: And every path we walk can become a good path.
Even if concealed, they cannot be hidden—
the dreams of a young woman.
Male: Even if torn apart, growing bonds will never break.
Even if erased, joyful memories never weep.
Those united in love are speechless in words.
Hearts are of many kinds,
thoughts are in the thousands.
For relationships to grow,
the heart alone is the reason.
Female
Female
Female
Male
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Male
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic Tamil song reflects on the mystery of human bonds, fate, and the unpredictable nature of love and life. Through rich lyrical metaphors, lyricist Kannadasan compares human relationships to natural phenomena—such as rivers born on mountains reaching distant oceans, or fruits meant for one creature being consumed by another. The song emphasizes that human connection is driven purely by the heart, transcending logic, distance, and circumstances. Furthermore, the duet underscores the idea that genuine love and cherished memories endure despite obstacles or separation. True emotional connections require no formal explanation or words, as those deeply united in heart communicate through silent, shared understanding.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

“Malaiyil pirandha nadhi kadalukku povadhen”

Compares human destiny and unexpected emotional unions to rivers originating on mountains finding their destination in the sea.

Imagery / Allegory

“Kili unna kanidha kani anilukkum pogalaam”

Uses the image of a fruit intended for a parrot going to a squirrel to allegorically represent how life's outcomes and relationships often shift unpredictably due to fate.

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

“Maraithaal maraivadhillai / Pirithaal pirivathillai / Azhithaal azhuvadhillai”

The second letter in adjacent lines ('rai', 'ri', 'zhi') rhymes to create a rhythmic cadence in Tamil poetry.

Antithesis / Paradox

“Anbil inaindhavargal vaarthaiyil oomaigalae”

Juxtaposes the concept of deep love and connection with the inability to speak, highlighting how true emotional depth renders speech unnecessary.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Thirumagal' (1971) stars Gemini Ganesan and Jayanthi. Featuring music by K. V. Mahadevan and lyrics by the legendary Kannadasan, this song remains celebrated for its philosophical depth regarding human relationships and life's unexpected turns.

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