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Isaimozhi
Pennin Perumai album cover
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
Movie name
Pennin Perumai
Movie release year
1956
Lyrics added on
28 Jul 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Vaazhkai odam
Karai serum munnae
Vaazhkai odam
Karai serum munnae
Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhae
Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhae
Vaazhkai odam karai serum munnae
Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhae
Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhae
Vaanidinthaalum vasai nerndhaalum
Vaanidinthaalum vasai nerndhaalum
Vaaimaiyai thavaraadhae
Vaanidinthaalum vasai nerndhaalum
Vaaimaiyai thavaraadhae
Un nermaiyae maravadhae
Vaazhkai odam karai serum munnae
Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhae
Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhae
Nanmaiyum theemaiyum
Vaazhvin paadhaiyil
Nadamaadum adhai paaraaiyoo..oo..oo
Nanmaiyum theemaiyum
Vaazhvin paadhaiyil
Nadamaadum adhai paaraaiyoo..
Adhil unmai aanadhor nanmaiyaadhena
Neeyae unarndhu thaeraaiyoo
Adhil unmai aanadhor nanmaiyaadhena
Neeyae unarndhu thaeraaiyoo
Vaazhkai odam karai serum munnae
Puyal vandhaalum mayangaadhae
Idar thandhaalum thayangaadhae
The boat of life,
Before it reaches the shore,
The boat of life,
Before it reaches the shore,
Even if a storm comes, do not lose heart;
Even if troubles strike, do not hesitate.
Before the boat of life reaches the shore,
Even if a storm comes, do not lose heart;
Even if troubles strike, do not hesitate.
Even if the sky falls or blame comes your way,
Even if the sky falls or blame comes your way,
Do not stray from the truth.
Even if the sky falls or blame comes your way,
Do not stray from the truth;
Never forget your honesty.
Before the boat of life reaches the shore,
Even if a storm comes, do not lose heart;
Even if troubles strike, do not hesitate.
Good and evil
On the path of life
Walk side by side; won't you see it?
Good and evil
On the path of life
Walk side by side; won't you see it?
What true goodness really is,
Won't you realize and understand for yourself?
What true goodness really is,
Won't you realize and understand for yourself?
Before the boat of life reaches the shore,
Even if a storm comes, do not lose heart;
Even if troubles strike, do not hesitate.
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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.

Keep listening

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