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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Uravugal Thodarkathai

From Aval Appadithan · 1978

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Aval Appadithan1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Uravugal thodarkathaiRelationships are a continuing serial story,
Unarvugal sirukathaiFeelings are like a short story.
Oru kadhai endrum mudiyalaamA story may end at any time,
Mudivilum ondru thodaralaamYet even in its ending, something new may continue.
Ini ellaam sugamae….From now on, everything is pure bliss...
Male
Un nenjilae bhaaramThere is a heavy burden in your heart,
Unakaaghavae naanumAnd just for your sake, I too
Sumai thaanghiyaai thaanguvenWill bear it like a supporting pillar.
Male
Un kangalin oramAt the edges of your eyes,
Edharkaaghavo eeramThere is dampness for some reason;
Kanneerai naan maatruvenI will wipe away and transform those tears.
Male
Uravugal thodarkathaiRelationships are a continuing serial story,
Unarvugal sirukathaiFeelings are like a short story.
Oru kadhai endrum mudiyalaamA story may end at any time,
Mudivilum ondru thodaralaamYet even in its ending, something new may continue.
Ini ellaam sugamae….From now on, everything is pure bliss...
Male
Vaazhvenbatho geethamLife itself is a melodious song,
Valargindratho naadhamWhat grows alongside it is a musical sound.
Naal ondrilum aananthamThere is joy in every single day.
Male
Nee kandatho thunbamWhat you experienced before was grief,
Ini vaazhvellaam inbamBut from now on, all of life is joy.
Suga raagamae aarambamA pleasant musical ragam has begun.
Male
Nadhiyilae puthu punalA fresh stream in the river
Kadalilae kalanthathuHas merged into the vast ocean.
Nam sonthamo indru inainthathuOur bond has joined together today,
Inbam piranthathuAnd true happiness is born.
Male
Uravugal thodarkathaiRelationships are a continuing serial story,
Unarvugal sirukathaiFeelings are like a short story.
Oru kadhai endrum mudiyalaamA story may end at any time,
Mudivilum ondru thodaralaamYet even in its ending, something new may continue.
Ini ellaam sugamae….From now on, everything is pure bliss...
Ini ellaam sugamae….From now on, everything is pure bliss...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from 'Aval Appadithan' reflects on the transient yet continuous nature of life, human relationships, and emotions. By comparing relationships to endless serial stories and emotions to brief short stories, the lyricist captures how life moves through distinct phases where one chapter's conclusion gives rise to another's beginning. The speaker offers deep solace and unconditional empathy to a companion who has experienced hardship and sadness. Promising to act as a pillar of strength, dry their tears, and share their burdens, the speaker celebrates a new chapter of mutual joy, likening their union to a fresh river stream merging into the sea.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Uravugal thodarkathai / Unarvugal sirukathai

Relationships are metaphorically described as a serial story ('thodarkathai') and feelings as short stories ('sirukathai').

Edukai (Second letter rhyming)

Uravugal thodarkathai / Unarvugal sirukathai

The second letter 'ra' in Uravugal rhymes with 'na' (soft dental sound harmony) in Unarvugal, creating Tamil poetic assonance.

Imagery & Visual Metaphor

Nadhiyilae puthu punal / Kadalilae kalanthathu

The image of a fresh river stream merging into the ocean symbolizes two lives uniting and finding fulfillment.

Moonaai (Initial letter alliteration)

Vaazhvenbatho geetham / Valargindratho naadham

Repetition of the initial sound 'Va' across consecutive lines creates rhythmic melody.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed as unknown in the prompt, the music for Aval Appadithan (1978) was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, and this iconic track was sung by K. J. Yesudas with lyrics by Gangai Amaran. Directed by C. Rudhraiya, the film is celebrated as a groundbreaking modern classic in Tamil cinema known for its progressive feminism and realistic storytelling.

Keep listening

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