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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Uthamane Ulagil

From Pennin Perumai · 1956

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music directors
B. N. Rao, A. Rama Rao, Master Venu
Details
Pennin Perumai1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Uthamanae…ae…aeOh virtuous one...
Uthamanae ulagil nilaipathu sathiyamaeOh virtuous one, truth alone endures in this world.
Uthamanae ulagil nilaipathu sathiyamaeOh virtuous one, truth alone endures in this world.
Unnai izhandhaai un urimai izhandhaaiYou lost yourself, you lost your rights,
Udan pirandhavanukkaaga yaavum thurandhaaiYou renounced everything for the sake of your sibling.
Uthamanae ulagil nilaipathu sathiyamaeOh virtuous one, truth alone endures in this world.
Male
Arundhavam seidha thandhai vaakiyamaeThe solemn word of your father who performed great penance,
Anbudan siramerkondaaiYou lovingly accepted upon your head.
Arundhavam seidha thandhai vaakiyamaeThe solemn word of your father who performed great penance,
Anbudan siramerkondaaiYou lovingly accepted upon your head.
Male
Agila meedhilae thiyaaga moorthiyaaiAs an embodiment of sacrifice on this earth,
Agila meedhilae thiyaaga moorthiyaaiAs an embodiment of sacrifice on this earth,
Azhiya pugazhai adaindhaai neeYou attained immortal fame.
Azhiya pugazhai adaindhaai….You attained immortal fame...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song praises a deeply virtuous and righteous individual who sacrifices his own rights, happiness, and status for the well-being of his brother and out of respect for his father's word. It highlights the timeless philosophical idea that truth and righteousness are the only enduring qualities in this world. By placing duty and love above personal gain, such an individual becomes a living embodiment of sacrifice and achieves eternal, imperishable glory.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Unnai izhandhaai un urimai izhandhaai

Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'U' across words in the line, creating a rhythmic and melodious start.

Anaphora / Refrain

Uthamanae ulagil nilaipathu sathiyamae

The line 'Uthamanae ulagil nilaipathu sathiyamae' is repeated as a refrain to reinforce the central theme of truth's ultimate victory.

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Roobakam)

Agila meedhilae thiyaaga moorthiyaai

Describing the noble character directly as 'Thiyaaga moorthi' (the embodiment/statue of sacrifice).

Did you know?

Trivia

Pennin Perumai (1956) was a remake of the Telugu classic 'Raju Peda'. Sung by the legendary Seerkazhi Govindarajan, this song echoes the righteous virtues of Lord Rama from the Ramayana, emphasizing filial duty and brotherly sacrifice.

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