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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Unnattam Pillai

From Ithu Engal Neethi · 1988

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
K. S. Chithra
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ithu Engal Neethi1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Unnaattam pillai oor paarththathillaiThe town has never seen a child like you.
Mun vaiththa kaalai pin vaiththathullaiYou have never taken a step back once you stepped forward.
Vaanam bhoomi ulla mattumAs long as the sky and earth exist,
Ettu thikkum murasu kottumDrums of fame will beat in all eight directions.
Female
Puththisaali rajaO clever king,
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga vaazhgaLong live, long live, long live, long live!
Vettri maalai sooduWear the garland of victory,
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga vaazhgaLong live, long live, long live, long live!
Female
Kettikkaaran needhaanYou are indeed the smart and capable one,
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga vaazhgaLong live, long live, long live, long live!
Pattam vaangiyaachchuThe title degree has been earned,
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga vaazhgaLong live, long live, long live, long live!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This jubilant song celebrates a young protagonist who has accomplished a great feat and earned a degree or title. Lyricist Vaali uses joyful imagery to praise the hero's unwavering determination, intelligence, and sharp mind, asserting that their glory will resonate throughout all eight directions as long as the world exists. The repeated chanting of 'Vaazhga' serves as a rhythmic blessing, showering the victorious hero with honor, longevity, and success.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Unnaattam pillai oor paarththathillai / Mun vaiththa kaalai pin vaiththathullai

The second letter 'n' (ன்) rhymes between 'Unnaattam' and 'Mun' across the opening lines.

Adukku Thodar (Consecutive Repetition)

Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga

The word 'Vaazhga' is repeated four times consecutively to emphasize intense celebration, honor, and enthusiasm.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navirtchi)

Vaanam bhoomi ulla mattum / Ettu thikkum murasu kottum

Extolling the hero's fame as something that will beat like drums across all eight directions as long as the earth and sky exist.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Ithu Engal Neethi' (1988) featured a popular soundtrack composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by Vaali. This track highlights K. S. Chithra's dynamic vocal delivery in rendering high-energy celebratory folk-pop numbers during the late 1980s.

Keep listening

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