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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ullathin Kathavugal

From Iravum Pagalum · 1965

Lyricist
Aalangudi Somu
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Iravum Pagalum1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ullathin kadhavugal kangaladaAre eyes the doors to the heart?
Ingae uravukku kaaranam pengaladaAre women the reason for relationships here?
Ullathin kadhavugal kangaladaAre eyes the doors to the heart?
Ingae uravukku kaaranam pengaladaAre women the reason for relationships here?
Ullathai oruthikku koduthuviduGive your heart to one woman,
Andha oruthiyai uyiraai mathithu viduAnd respect that one woman as your very life.
Ullathai oruthikku koduthuviduGive your heart to one woman,
Andha oruthiyai uyiraai mathithu viduAnd respect that one woman as your very life.
Male
Ullathin kadhavugal kangaladaAre eyes the doors to the heart?
Ingae uravukku kaaranam pengaladaAre women the reason for relationships here?
Male
Kaadhal enbathu thaen kooduLove is like a honeycomb,
Adhai kattuvadhendraal perumpaaduBuilding it is an immense struggle.
Male
Kaadhal enbathu thaen kooduLove is like a honeycomb,
Adhai kattuvadhendraal perumpaaduBuilding it is an immense struggle.
Kaalam ninaithaal kai koodumIf time favors, it comes together,
Adhu kanavaai ponaal manam vaadumIf it remains just a dream, the heart wilts in sorrow.
Male
Ullathin kadhavugal kangaladaAre eyes the doors to the heart?
Ingae uravukku kaaranam pengaladaAre women the reason for relationships here?
Ullathai oruthikku koduthuviduGive your heart to one woman,
Andha oruthiyai uyiraai mathithu viduAnd respect that one woman as your very life.
Male
Ullathin kadhavugal kangaladaAre eyes the doors to the heart?
Ingae uravukku kaaranam pengaladaAre women the reason for relationships here?
Male
Uyirukku uruvam kidaiyaadhuLife itself has no physical form,
Andha uyirindri edhuvum nadavaadhuYet without that life, nothing can function.
Male
Uyirukku uruvam kidaiyaadhuLife itself has no physical form,
Andha uyirindri edhuvum nadavaadhuYet without that life, nothing can function.
Uruvathil unmai theriyadhuTruth cannot be recognized merely by external appearance,
Endrum ulagathil nermai azhiyaadhuIntegrity will never perish in this world.
Male
Ullathin kadhavugal kangaladaAre eyes the doors to the heart?
Ingae uravukku kaaranam pengaladaAre women the reason for relationships here?
Ullathai oruthikku koduthuviduGive your heart to one woman,
Andha oruthiyai uyiraai mathithu viduAnd respect that one woman as your very life.
Male
Ullathin kadhavugal kangaladaAre eyes the doors to the heart?
Ingae uravukku kaaranam pengaladaAre women the reason for relationships here?
Hmm mm mm hmm mm mmHmm mm mm hmm mm mm
Hmm mm mm mm mm hmm mm mmHmm mm mm mm mm hmm mm mm

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from 'Iravum Pagalum' meditates on the nature of love, commitment, and the deeper spiritual truths of human existence. It opens with rhetorical questions about whether eyes act as gateways to the soul and whether women are the anchor of all meaningful bonds. The refrain advises devotion to a single partner, urging one to treat a beloved companion with the utmost reverence.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamaidhi)

Ullathin kadhavugal kangalada

Eyes are described as the 'doors' (kadhavugal) that open up to the heart (ullam).

Metaphor (Uruvagamaidhi)

Kaadhal enbathu thaen koodu

Love is directly compared to a 'honeycomb' (thaen koodu) that requires painstaking effort to build.

Emonai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)

Ullathai oruthikku koduthuvidu

Repetition of the initial sound 'U' across words in the line ('Ullathai' and 'oruthikku').

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Ingae uravukku kaaranam pengalada

Matching end sounds ('kangalada' and 'pengalada') creating a rhythmic rhyme scheme.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Iravum Pagalum' (1965) marked the silver screen debut of Jaishankar, who went on to become a major star in Tamil cinema, often dubbed as South India's James Bond due to his thriller roles. The film featured music composed by T. R. Pappa.

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