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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Unmai Endrum Vellum

From Sankarlal · 1982

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music directors
Ilayaraja, Gangai Amaran
Details
Sankarlal1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Haa haa haa haa haaHaa haa haa haa haa
Haa haa haa haa haaHaa haa haa haa haa
Laalaalaalaa laalaalaalaaLaalaalaalaa laalaalaalaa
Laa laa laa laa laaLaa laa laa laa laa
Female
Unmai endrum vellum kaalam maarumTruth always triumphs, times will change
Needhi devanin theerppuThis is the verdict of the God of Justice
Unmai endrum vellum kaalam maarumTruth always triumphs, times will change
Needhi devanin theerppuThis is the verdict of the God of Justice
Female
Nanmai varumpothu vesham maarumDisguises will fall away when goodness arrives
Kavalaigal theerumWorries will come to an end
Unmai endrum vellum kaalam maarumTruth always triumphs, times will change
Neeedhi devanin theerppuThis is the verdict of the God of Justice
Female
Thanaiyae unarnthathu or siru paravaiA little bird realized its true self
Thaagam vara theduthu uravai valarkkum kanavaiAs thirst arises, it seeks companionship and nurtures dreams
Thaniyae thirinthathanaal varum ninaivaiMemories that arise from wandering alone
Thaavum ilam paavaiyin manathai serum inimaiA sweetness that reaches the heart of the leaping young maiden
Female
Vaanil paadiya paadalin oligalThe sounds of the song sung in the sky
Ketkum neramAt the moment it is heard
Anbil aadum mullai pookkalJasmine flowers swaying in love
Maalaiyaagum velaiThe time when they become a garland
Female
Unmai endrum vellum kaalum maarumTruth always triumphs, times will change
Needhi devanin theerppuThis is the verdict of the God of Justice
Female
Koththodu inaintha kani ellaamAll the fruits that hung together in clusters
Soorai kaattril udhirththammaa paavam adhuthaanWere scattered by the stormy wind, oh what a pity
Karu naagam vishaththai koduthathammaaA black cobra spat its venom
Kudiya keduththae siriththathammaa kodumai idhuthaanIt destroyed a home and laughed, oh what a cruelty
Female
Unthan munvinai theemaigal yaavumAll the evil sins of your past deeds
Unakke thirumbumWill return back to you
Enthan ennam niraiverumWill my noble wishes be fulfilled?
Naalum indrae thaano….Is today that very day?
Female
Unmai endrum vellum kaalam maarumTruth always triumphs, times will change
Needhi devanin theerppuThis is the verdict of the God of Justice
Nanmai varumpothu vesham maarumDisguises will fall away when goodness arrives
Kavalaigal theerum….Worries will come to an end
Female
Unmai endrum vellum kaalam maarumTruth always triumphs, times will change
Needhi devanin theerppu….This is the verdict of the God of Justice

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Unmai Endrum Vellum' is a soulful, philosophical track centered around the themes of divine justice, karmic retributive truth, and hope. It emphasizes that no matter how difficult the present times are or how powerful evil forces appear, truth and righteousness will ultimately triumph. False disguises and deceits will vanish when good times arrive, bringing an end to all sorrows. Using poetic imagery of birds, stormy winds destroying fruit clusters, and venomous cobras, the song reflects on past grief and betrayal caused by evil deeds. However, it concludes with an optimistic belief that karma will return evil to the wrongdoers, and the day of justice and fulfillment of righteous desires is finally at hand.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Karu naagam vishaththai koduthathammaa

Evil personas and hidden betrayals are represented metaphorically as a 'karu naagam' (black cobra) spitting poison.

Nature Imagery

Koththodu inaintha kani ellaam / Soorai kaattril udhirththammaa

The destruction of a close-knit family or happy group is vividly pictured as fruits in a cluster being blown away by a harsh storm.

Edhugai (Second-letter rhyme)

Unmai endrum vellum... / Nanmai varumpothu vesham maarum...

The second letters of 'Unmai' and 'Nanmai' rhyme in the chorus lines, adding a melodious rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Sankarlal (1982), starring Kamal Haasan in dual roles, is notable for its music credit shared between Ilaiyaraaja and his brother Gangai Amaran. While Ilaiyaraaja composed a few tracks, Gangai Amaran stepped in to complete the remaining background score and songs due to Ilaiyaraaja's tight schedule at the time. Vani Jairam provided the expressive vocal rendition for this philosophical song.

Keep listening

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