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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Valithalum Varunthathe

From Erumbu · 2023

Lyricist
Mohan Rajan
Singer
Sean Roldan
Music director
Arun Raj
Details
Erumbu2023

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Nadantha kuraiyadha dhooram engaWhere is the distance that does not diminish when walked?
Thuninja tholaiyaadha baaram engaWhere is the burden that does not disappear when faced bravely?
Kalangum kannukku paadhai engaWhere is the path for tear-filled eyes?
Kadanthu poovom angaLet us cross over and go there.
Male
Edhir kaalatha kadan vaangi maram aagumaeBorrowing from the future, a seed becomes a tree.
Manam kaayathil vali thaangi thidamaagumaeBearing pain in its wounds, the heart becomes strong.
Ela boomiyil vilundhaalum kila vaazhumaeEven if leaves fall to the ground, the branch survives.
Ilai vaazhkaiyil unakkaana vazhikattumaeIn this fleeting life, it will guide you to your path.
Male
Valithaalum varundhadhae vidhiyendru vilagaadhaeEven if it hurts, do not grieve; do not step back calling it destiny.
Varungaalam unadhaagum urangaadhae neeThe future will be yours, do not remain asleep.
Thadai ellam vandhaalum thadumaari pogathaeEven if all obstacles arise, do not stumble and lose your way.
Erumbaaga ennaalum ezhundhodu neeLike an ant, rise up and run every day.
Male
Thuyaram nee thaanga kai serum thoduvaanamIf you endure sorrow, the horizon will reach your hands.
Kanavellaam nijam aagum udaiyaadhae neeAll your dreams will become real, do not shatter.
Sigaram nee vaanga thadai kooda padiyaagumFor you to reach the summit, even obstacles will become stepping stones.
Kadan nooru uruvaagum thalaradhae neeA hundred debts or challenges may arise, do not lose heart.
Male
Kalangaadhae tholvigalDo not be troubled; failures...
Un munnae varundhaadhae...will themselves grieve before you.
Ada nee thaangu adhai nee ingaeHey, bear it right here.
Male
Valithaalum varundhadhae vidhiyendru vilagaadhaeEven if it hurts, do not grieve; do not step back calling it destiny.
Varungaalam unadhaagum urangaadhae neeThe future will be yours, do not remain asleep.
Thadai ellam vandhaalum thadumaari pogathaeEven if all obstacles arise, do not stumble and lose your way.
Erumbaaga ennaalum ezhundhodu neeLike an ant, rise up and run every day.
Male
Theivathan aagatheninum muyarchithannaiEven if divine destiny cannot grant success,
Mei varutha kooli tharumRelentless physical effort will yield its rightful wages.
Kai vaithaal thorkkaadhu edhuvumNothing will fail once you set your hand to work.
Veezhadhae endrum mannin eeramThe moisture of the earth will never fade away.
Male
Valithaalum varundhadhae vidhiyendru vilagaadhaeEven if it hurts, do not grieve; do not step back calling it destiny.
Varungaalam unadhaagum urangaadhae neeThe future will be yours, do not remain asleep.
Thadai ellam vandhaalum thadumaari pogathaeEven if all obstacles arise, do not stumble and lose your way.
Erumbaaga ennaalum ezhundhodu neeLike an ant, rise up and run every day.
Male
Unakku nigar yaar ingu poraduWho is equal to you here? Fight on!
Unakku nigar needhaanae poradu nee manameOnly you are equal to yourself; fight on, oh heart!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This motivational song from Erumbu (2023) is a poignant anthem celebrating resilience, hard work, and relentless effort against adversity. Taking inspiration from the industrious ant, the song urges the listener to keep pushing forward despite suffering, failures, and financial or emotional burdens. It asserts that distance reduces as one walks and challenges dissolve as one dares to face them, encouraging everyone to turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success. The lyrical narrative draws upon ancient Tamil wisdom, specifically reminding the listener that while fate may be unyielding, honest toil and perseverance will always bear fruit. Ultimately, it inspires self-belief, proclaiming that one's true competitor and benchmark is none other than oneself.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uwamai)

Erumbaaga ennaalum ezhundhodu nee

Compares human persistence to the tireless nature of an ant.

Literary Allusion (Thirukkural Reference)

Theivathan aagatheninum muyarchithannai Mei varutha kooli tharum

Directly adapts Thirukkural 619, which states that diligent bodily effort pays off even when divine fate fails.

Metaphor (Uruvagaimae)

Sigaram nee vaanga thadai kooda padiyaagum

Metaphorically transforms life obstacles into steps used to climb a mountain peak.

Alliteration (Monai / Edhugai)

Thadai ellam vandhaalum thadumaari pogathae

Rhythmic repetition of Tamil consonants like 'Tha' creating a driving cadence.

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Trivia

The lines 'Theivathan aagatheninum...' explicitly paraphrase Thirukkural 619 ('Daivathaan aagadh eninum muyarchi dhan mei varuthak kooli tharum'), written by the ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. The song's ant imagery directly ties into the film's title 'Erumbu' (meaning 'Ant'), symbolizing how small, steady steps lead to big victories.

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