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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaazhvatharke Idam Kodukkum

From Kalyani (1952) · 1952

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music directors
S. Dakshinamurthi, G. Ramanathan
Details
Kalyani (1952)1952

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vaazhvaarkkae idang kodukkum vayakaththilIn this world that gives space only to those who prosper,
Vagayizhantha paaviyae nadaipinamaeO helpless sinner, a walking corpse!
Thoeinthathadaa un vaazhvuYour life has faded away,
Sithainthathadaa una man kottai…aaa…aa…Your mud castle has crumbled...
Male
Varumaiyaalae maalaatha thuyaraalDue to poverty and endless sorrow,
Vaadugiraai nee innaal ulagilaeYou wither in this world today.
Kaasillaiyaanaal uravaethum illaiyaeIf you have no money, there are no relations at all,
Mosamadaa mosamadaaIt is treacherous, oh treacherous!
Male
Varumaiyaalae maalaatha thuyaraalDue to poverty and endless sorrow,
Vaadugiraai nee innaal ulagilaeYou wither in this world today.
Kaasillaiyaanaal uravaethum illaiyaeIf you have no money, there are no relations at all,
Mosamadaa mosamadaaIt is treacherous, oh treacherous!
Male
Maadiyilae nee vaazhnthaai aayinumThough you once lived in a mansion,
Veedhiyilae naai polae yaengiyae…ae…ae…Yearning now like a dog on the street...
Maadiyilae nee vaazhnthaai aayinumThough you once lived in a mansion,
Veedhiyilae naai polae yaengiyaeYearning now like a dog on the street,
Vaadugiraai nilai thaazhnthaal vaazhkkaiyaeYou wither; when status falls, life itself
Mosamadaa mosamadaaIs treacherous, oh treacherous!
Male
Varumaiyaalae maalaatha thuyaraalDue to poverty and endless sorrow,
Vaadugiraai nee innaal ulagilaeYou wither in this world today.
Kaasillaiyaanaal uravaethum illaiyaeIf you have no money, there are no relations at all,
Mosamadaa mosamadaa…..It is treacherous, oh treacherous!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song reflects the harsh socio-economic reality where society values individuals only for their wealth and status. It describes the tragedy of a person who once lived in luxury but is now reduced to severe poverty, abandoned by relatives and society. The lyrics emphasize the bitter truth that relationships fade when money disappears, capturing existential despair and societal apathy towards the destitute.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Veedhiyilae naai polae yaengiyae

Compares the helpless state of a formerly rich person to a stray dog on the street using the comparison word 'polae'.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Vagayizhantha paaviyae nadaipinamae

Metaphorically addresses the ruined man as a 'walking corpse' (nadaipinamae) and his fragile life dreams as a 'mud castle' (man kottai).

Repetition (Adukkuthodar)

Mosamadaa mosamadaa

Repeats 'Mosamadaa' to strongly emphasize the cruelty and treacherous nature of worldly life without money.

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Trivia

This song is among the earliest collaborations between legendary lyricist Kannadasan and iconic playback singer T. M. Soundararajan, marking a key milestone early in their illustrious careers.

Keep listening

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