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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaazhkai Odam Karai Serum Munne

From Pennin Perumai · 1956

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
Leela
Music directors
B. N. Rao, A. Rama Rao
Details
Pennin Perumai1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Vaazhkai odamLife's boat
Karai serum munnaeBefore reaching the shore
Vaazhkai odamLife's boat
Karai serum munnaeBefore reaching the shore
Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhaeDo not faint even if a storm arrives
Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhaeDo not hesitate even if troubles are given
Vaazhkai odam karai serum munnaeBefore the boat of life reaches the shore
Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhaeDo not faint even if a storm arrives
Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhaeDo not hesitate even if troubles are given
Female
Vaanidinthaalum vasai nerndhaalumEven if the sky crashes down, even if blame falls upon you
Vaanidinthaalum vasai nerndhaalumEven if the sky crashes down, even if blame falls upon you
Vaaimaiyai thavaraadhaeDo not stray from the truth
Vaanidinthaalum vasai nerndhaalumEven if the sky crashes down, even if blame falls upon you
Vaaimaiyai thavaraadhaeDo not stray from the truth
Un nermaiyae maravadhaeDo not forget your honesty
Vaazhkai odam karai serum munnaeBefore the boat of life reaches the shore
Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhaeDo not faint even if a storm arrives
Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhaeDo not hesitate even if troubles are given
Female
Nanmaiyum theemaiyumGoodness and evil
Vaazhvin paadhaiyilOn the path of life
Nadamaadum adhai paaraaiyoo..oo..ooAre wandering around, observe them
Nanmaiyum theemaiyumGoodness and evil
Vaazhvin paadhaiyilOn the path of life
Nadamaadum adhai paaraaiyoo..Are wandering around, observe them
Adhil unmai aanadhor nanmaiyaadhenaWhat truth and real goodness are among them
Neeyae unarndhu thaeraaiyooUnderstand and succeed by yourself
Adhil unmai aanadhor nanmaiyaadhenaWhat truth and real goodness are among them
Neeyae unarndhu thaeraaiyooUnderstand and succeed by yourself
Female
Vaazhkai odam karai serum munnaeBefore the boat of life reaches the shore
Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhaeDo not faint even if a storm arrives
Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhaeDo not hesitate even if troubles are given

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic philosophical song uses the extended metaphor of a boat navigating a river to symbolize the human journey through life. It advises the listener to maintain fortitude and courage in the face of sudden life storms, adversity, false accusations, and overwhelming challenges. The core message emphasizes unyielding commitment to truth (Vaaimai) and integrity (Nermai) above all else. Furthermore, the song notes that life's path is populated by both good and evil forces. It urges the individual to cultivate moral wisdom and self-discernment, learning to distinguish righteous paths from harmful ones before life comes to its ultimate conclusion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamanai)

Vaazhkai odam karai serum munnae

'Vaazhkai odam' (Life's boat) directly compares human existence to a small boat navigating uncertain waters.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhae / Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhae

Matching second consonants ('ya' in Mayangaadhae / Thayangaadhae) creating a rhythmic cadence.

Monaai (Alliteration)

Vaanidinthaalum vasai nerndhaalum / Vaaimaiyai thavaraadhae

Repetition of the initial 'Va' sound across words ('Vaanidinthaalum', 'Vasai', 'Vaaimaiyai').

Muran (Antithesis)

Nanmaiyum theemaiyum vaazhvin paadhaiyil

Juxtaposition of contrasting direct opposites: 'Nanmai' (Goodness) and 'Theemai' (Evil).

Did you know?

Trivia

Pennin Perumai (1956) was a major Tamil hit starring Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, and P. Bhanumathi. The movie was a remake of the Telugu classic 'Santhosham' (1955). Lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass was renowned for inserting high moral philosophy and accessible Tamil wisdom into mainstream film music during the golden age of Tamil cinema.

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