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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vazhkkai Ennum Odam

From Poompuhar · 1964

Lyricist
M. Karunanidhi
Singer
K. B. Sundarambal
Music director
R. Sudharsanam
Details
Poompuhar1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Oruvanukku oruthi endraHolding tight to the breath of life in fidelity to one person
Uyir moochai ulladakki…Containing the very breath of life...
Aran ena pattadhae il vaazhkkai…Domestic life is defined as a shield of righteousness...
Adhuvum…That too...
Piran pazhippadhillaayin nandru yenum…If it is not blamed by others, it is considered good...
Thirukkuralai maravaadhae…Do not forget the Thirukkural...
Thirukkuralai maravaadhae…Do not forget the Thirukkural...
Dhisai thavari pogaadhae…Do not lose your way...
Ae… ae… ae… ae… ae…Ae... ae... ae... ae... ae...
Female
Vaazhkkai enum odamThe boat called life
Vazhangugindra paadamThe lesson it imparts
Maanidarin manadhinilaeIn the hearts of humanity
Marakka onnaa vaedhamIs an unforgettable scripture
Female
Vaazhkkai enum odamThe boat called life
Vazhangugindra paadamThe lesson it imparts
Maanidarin manadhinilaeIn the hearts of humanity
Marakka onnaa vaedhamIs an unforgettable scripture
Vaazhkkai enum odam…The boat called life...
Female
{Vaalibam enbadhuYouth is
Kalaigindra vaedam adhilA disguise that eventually dissolves, in which
Vandhadhu varattum'Let come what may'
Enbavan muzhu moodan} (2)He who says so is an absolute fool
Female
Varum mun kaappavanOne who protects before danger comes
Thaan arivaaliHe alone is wise
Puyal varum mun kaappavan thaanOne who protects before the storm strikes
ArivaaliIs truly wise
Adhu vandha pinnae thavippavanOne who suffers after it strikes
Thaan yaemaaliIs a victim of foolishness
Female
Vaazhkkai enum odamThe boat called life
Vazhangugindra paadamThe lesson it imparts
Maanidarin manadhinilaeIn the hearts of humanity
Marakka onnaa vaedhamIs an unforgettable scripture
Vaazhkkai enum odam…The boat called life...
Female
Thuduppugal illaa padaguA boat without oars
Alaigal azhaikkindra dhisai ellaam pogumWill drift in whatever direction the waves pull it
Theemaiyai thaduppavar illaa vaazhvumA life without moral restraint against evil
Andha padagin nilai polae aagumWill end up in the same condition as that oarless boat
Andha padagin nilai polae aagumWill end up in the same condition as that oarless boat
Female
Vaazhkkai enum odamThe boat called life
Vazhangugindra paadamThe lesson it imparts
Maanidarin manadhinilaeIn the hearts of humanity
Marakka onnaa vaedhamIs an unforgettable scripture
Vaazhkkai enum odam…The boat called life...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from the movie Poompuhar emphasizes moral principles, foresight, and ethical living grounded in classic Tamil literature like Thirukkural. It uses the metaphor of a boat navigating treacherous waters to symbolize human life, warning against recklessness during youth and advocating for prudence and righteous guidance. The lyricist highlights that living without moral guardrails or foresight leads to aimless drifting, much like a boat without oars pushed by chaotic waves. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful call to virtue, wisdom, and moral accountability.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Vaazhkkai enum odam

'Vaazhkkai enum odam' directly equates human life to a boat navigating open waters.

Monai (Alliteration)

Vaazhkkai enum odam / Vazhangugindra paadam

Repetition of the initial sound 'V' in 'Vaazhkkai' and 'Vazhangugindra'.

Simile / Analogy (Uvamai)

Thuduppugal illaa padagu... Theemaiyai thaduppavar illaa vaazhvum

Compares a life lacking moral restraint to an oarless boat helpless against ocean waves.

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Trivia

Poompuhar (1964) is an epic film adaptation of Silappathikaram, written by former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi, known for his masterful command over classical Tamil literature and rhetoric.

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