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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vanthen Vanthaname Mama

From Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali · 1959

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Sundaramengindra mudhaliyarukkuTo the Mudhaliyar named Sundaram,
Thondriya penmani kaaveri maanukkuTo the deer-like maiden Kaaveri born to him,
Sundaramengindra mudhaliyarukkuTo the Mudhaliyar named Sundaram,
Thondriya penmani kaaveri maanukkuTo the deer-like maiden Kaaveri born to him,
Sondhamudan maalai sootiya kanagukkuTo Kanagu, who affectionately garlanded her,
Thozhan… thayaalanFriend... benevolent one,
Thozhan… thayaalan gunalanaana thuraiyappanFriend... benevolent and virtuous Thuraiyappan!
Vandhen vandhanamaeI have arrived, my greetings!
Male
Mama naan pottukitturukkaen aamaamUncle, I am wearing the sacred thread, yes!
Mama naan pottukitturukkaen aamaamUncle, I am wearing the sacred thread, yes!
Ennai madhipillaamae nee pesidalaamaCan you speak to me without any respect?
Mama naan pottukitturukkaen aamaamUncle, I am wearing the sacred thread, yes!
Seemai sarakkilae boomi uruludhuWith imported liquor, the whole earth spins!
Theriyadha bashaiyellam theriyudhuEven unknown languages start making sense!
Seemai sarakkilae boomi uruludhuWith imported liquor, the whole earth spins!
Theriyadha bashaiyellam theriyudhuEven unknown languages start making sense!
Saamikku podhuvaa solrenI swear this generally upon God,
Unga sangathiyai nenachaa engengoo eriyudhuWhen I think of your deeds, I burn with rage all over!
Male
…………………….....
Male
Mamadi nee manushanillaeDear uncle, you are not a human being at all,
Mamadi nee manushanillaeDear uncle, you are not a human being at all,
Marandhu vandhu porandhavaruYou are someone born here purely by mistake,
Ingae marandhu vandhu porandhavaruHere, someone who was born by mistake!
Yemaandha kudiyai keduppaeYou ruin innocent households,
Nee ezhai vayithilae adippaeYou strike at the livelihoods of the poor,
Saamiyarai polae nadippaeYou pretend to be a saintly godman,
Nalla samayathilae kazhuthai aruppaeAt the right opportunity, you slit throats!
Unakku paamalai poomalai pottaalum poradhuEven if you are showered with garlands of poetry and flowers, it won't suffice,
Nee pannadha paavam illai konnalum theeradhuThere is no sin you haven't committed; even killing you won't wash them away!
Male
Mamadi nee manushanillaeDear uncle, you are not a human being at all,
Marandhu vandhu porandhavaruSomeone who was born by mistake,
Nee marandhu vandhu porandhavaruYou are someone who was born by mistake!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This satirical song from 'Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali' (1959) serves as a scathing rhythmic exposure of a hypocritical villain ('Mama'). The singer begins with dramatic, mock-formal introductions of lineage and relationships, then shifts to a mocking tone regarding alcohol and false prestige. In the second half, Kannadasan's lyrics drop all pleasantries to expose the villain's ruthless exploitation of the poor, deceptive piety ('acting like a saint'), and treachery ('slitting throats at the right moment'). The song highlights social criticism delivered through sharp humor and moral indignation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Thozhan… thayaalan gunalanaana thuraiyappan

Repetition of the initial 'Th' sound creates a rhythmic introduction in 'Thozhan… thayaalan gunalanaana thuraiyappan'.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Yemaandha kudiyai keduppae

The second letter 'dha' rhymes across lines 'Yemaandha', 'Saamiyarai' (with matched vowel quantity/length context).

Idiomatic Metaphor (Vayithil Adithal)

Nee ezhai vayithilae adippae

'Ezhai vayithilae adippae' is a Tamil idiom meaning to destroy someone's basic livelihood or food source.

Contrast / Antithesis

Unakku paamalai poomalai pottaalum poradhu

Juxtaposing holy veneration ('paamalai poomalai' - garlands of song and flowers) against irredeemable wickedness ('pannamatha paavam').

Did you know?

Trivia

This track is known for Seerkazhi Govindarajan's energetic theatrical delivery in 'Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali' (1959). Kannadasan used the comedic and dramatic situation of the film to weave strong social satire criticizing hypocritical upper-class figures and corrupt morality.

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