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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
Details
Thirumagal1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ullangal palavidhamHearts are of many kinds
Ennangal aayiramThoughts are in thousands
Uravugal valarvatharkkuFor relationships to grow and blossom
Manam thaanae kaaranamThe heart alone is the true reason
Female
Ullangal palavidhamHearts are of many kinds
Ennangal aayiramThoughts are in thousands
Uravugal valarvatharkkuFor relationships to grow and blossom
Manam thaanae kaaranamThe heart alone is the true reason
Female
Ullangal palavidhamHearts are of many kinds
Male
Malaiyil pirandha nadhi kadalukku povadhenWhy does a river born on the mountain flow towards the sea?
Mannil pirandha malar koondhalil vaazhvadhaenWhy does a flower born in the soil end up living in a woman's hair?
Engo pirandhavargal ingae inaivadhaenWhy do people born in distant places come together here?
Female :Ennavo sondhamellam kannilae therivadhaenFemale: Why do all unexpected kinships reflect clearly in the eyes?
Male
Ullangal palavidhamHearts are of many kinds
Ennangal aayiramThoughts are in thousands
Female
Uravugal valarvatharkkuFor relationships to grow and blossom
Manam thaanae kaaranamThe heart alone is the true reason
Male
Kizhakkil odum nadhi therkaeyum paayalaamA river flowing east can also turn and flow towards the south
Kili unna kanidha kani anilukkum pogalaamA fruit ripened for a parrot to eat might go to a squirrel instead
Female :Nadhi vazhi povadhu pol mana vazhi pogalaamFemale: Just as a river follows its natural path, one can follow the heart's path
Male :Nadakkum vazhigal ellam nal vazhi aagalaamMale: Every path that we walk can turn into a good path
Female
Maraithaal maraivadhillaiEven if one tries to hide them, they do not remain hidden
Mangaiyin kanavugalaeThe sweet dreams of a young woman
Male :Pirithaal pirivathillai valarnthidum uravugalaeMale: Even if separated, true growing bonds never part
Male
Azhithaal azhuvadhillai aanandha ninaivugalaeEven if destroyed, joyous memories never weep
Female
Anbil inaindhavargal vaarthaiyil oomaigalaeThose united in true love become speechless in words
Male
Ullangal palavidhamHearts are of many kinds
Male
Ennangal aayiramThoughts are in thousands
Female
Uravugal valarvatharkkuFor relationships to grow and blossom
Manam thaanae kaaranamThe heart alone is the true reason

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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