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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Varumpodhu Medaiyile

From Thalattu – 1969 Film · 1969

Lyricist
Mayavanathan
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
M. L. Srikanth
Details
Thalattu – 1969 Film1969

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oorandha mannarukkum ooridathil podhuvudamaiFor kings who ruled the world, there is a common place in death.
Vaazhvennum payanathin mudivinilae samavurimaiAt the end of life's journey, everyone holds equal rights.
Vaazhnthiruntha thanga udal vaasal thedi poguthammaThe golden body that once lived goes seeking the final threshold, oh mother.
Amma …amma…amma….ammaa…Mother... mother... mother... mother...
Male
Varumbodhu medaiyilae vilayadinomWhen we arrived, we played our roles on this stage.
Ingu mudivaagi pogaiyilae vidai koorinomAs it comes to an end here, we bid our farewell.
Varumbodhu medaiyilae vilayadinomWhen we arrived, we played our roles on this stage.
Ingu mudivaagi pogaiyilae vidai koorinomAs it comes to an end here, we bid our farewell.
Puriyaadha vaazhkaiyilae nadamaadinomWe danced through this incomprehensible life.
Puriyaadha vaazhkaiyilae nadamaadinomWe danced through this incomprehensible life.
Ulagil pirappodu kelvikkum idamaaginomWith our birth in this world, we became a topic of questioning.
Male
Varumbodhu medaiyilae vilayadinomWhen we arrived, we played our roles on this stage.
Ingu mudivaagi pogaiyilae vidai koorinomAs it comes to an end here, we bid our farewell.
Male
Varuvoorku ulagam thaai veeduFor those who arrive, the world is like a mother's home.
Ingu vaazhndhorin kadhai koorum sudukaaduThe cremation ground tells the story of those who lived here.
Varuvoorku ulagam thaai veeduFor those who arrive, the world is like a mother's home.
Ingu vaazhndhorin kadhai koorum sudukaaduThe cremation ground tells the story of those who lived here.
Uruvakkum velai avan vilaiyattuThe work of creation is His divine play.
Uruvakkum velai avan vilaiyattuThe work of creation is His divine play.
Uyir pirivakkum avan pattu thaalattuThe separation of life from body is His song and lullaby.
Male
Varumbodhu medaiyilae vilayadinomWhen we arrived, we played our roles on this stage.
Ingu mudivaagi pogaiyilae vidai koorinomAs it comes to an end here, we bid our farewell.
Male
Malaiyaaga iruppathellam aasai vadivamAll that stands tall like a mountain is the shape of desire.
Adhu mannagum podhu gnyaani vadivamWhen it turns into dust, it takes the form of a wise sage.
Malaiyaaga iruppathellam aasai vadivamAll that stands tall like a mountain is the shape of desire.
Adhu mannagum podhu gnyaani vadivamWhen it turns into dust, it takes the form of a wise sage.
Nilaiyaaga manidhan oru kalai vadivamIn a lasting sense, a human being is a work of art.
Uyir nindraalae avanum oru silai vadivamWhen life stops, he too becomes nothing more than a statue.
Male
Varumbodhu medaiyilae vilayadinomWhen we arrived, we played our roles on this stage.
Ingu mudivaagi pogaiyilae vidai koorinomAs it comes to an end here, we bid our farewell.
Vidai koorinom vidai koorinomWe bid our farewell, we bid our farewell.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from the 1969 Tamil film Thalattu, sung by Seerkazhi Govindarajan and written by Mayavanathan, reflects on the ephemeral nature of human life and mortality. Using the classical metaphor of the world as a theatrical stage, the lyrics convey that human beings enter this world to play temporary roles before taking their final leave.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Varumbodhu medaiyilae vilayadinom

Compares human life on Earth to acting or playing on a theatrical stage.

Antithesis (Maran / Vaelupaadu)

Varuvoorku ulagam thaai veedu / Ingu vaazhndhorin kadhai koorum sudukaadu

Contrasts the welcoming, nurturing nature of birth (mother's house) with the ultimate reality of death (cremation ground).

Hyperbole & Imagery

Malaiyaaga iruppathellam aasai vadivam

Visualizes human desires as massive mountains that eventually turn into humble soil.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is rendered by the legendary classical and playback singer Seerkazhi Govindarajan, known for his resonant voice and emotive delivery in philosophical tracks across Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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