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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vidhiyin Vilaivaal

From Ezhai Padum Padu · 1950

Lyricist
V. A. Gopalakrishnan
Singer
Radha Jayalakshmi
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Ezhai Padum Padu1950

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaenDue to the turn of fate, I became an orphan
Veedhi thanilae nindru paadidaStanding on the street to sing
Veedhi thanilae nindru paadidaStanding on the street to sing
Female
Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaenDue to the turn of fate, I became an orphan
Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaenDue to the turn of fate, I became an orphan
Veedhi thanilae nindru paadidaStanding on the street to sing
Veedhi thanilae nindru paadidaStanding on the street to sing
Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaenDue to the turn of fate, I became an orphan
Female
Kadhiyae thanthida vaenum vaareerPlease come and grant me refuge
Kadhari nindridum yaelaiyai paareerLook at this poor soul crying out in despair
Kadhiyae thanthida vaenum vaareerPlease come and grant me refuge
Kadhari nindridum yaelaiyai paareerLook at this poor soul crying out in despair
Female
Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaenDue to the turn of fate, I became an orphan
Female
Panamethaan seithidum peyaattamMoney performs a devilish dance of greed
Kalangidum vaazhakkai veruththidumA troubled life grows full of despair
Panamethaan seithidum peyaattamMoney performs a devilish dance of greed
Kalangidum vaazhakkai veruththidumA troubled life grows full of despair
Female
Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaenDue to the turn of fate, I became an orphan
Female
Ulagamae enakkumaeOh world, even for me
Vazhiyumillaiyo pugalumillaiyoIs there no way forward, no sanctuary?
Ulagamae enakkumaeOh world, even for me
Vazhiyumillaiyo pugalumillaiyoIs there no way forward, no sanctuary?
Female
Aadharikkum anbaarillaiyoIs there no loving soul to offer support?
Aadharikkum anbaarillaiyoIs there no loving soul to offer support?
Pen piraviyum pothum pothumThis birth as a woman is enough, enough!
Mannil needhi marainthathoHas justice vanished from this earth?
Pen piraviyum pothum pothumThis birth as a woman is enough, enough!
Mannil needhi marainthathoHas justice vanished from this earth?
Vidhiyae……ae…..Vidhiyae……ae….vithiyaeOh Fate... oh Fate... oh Fate!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song depicts the immense agony of a woman reduced to poverty and orphanhood by the cruelty of fate. Forced to sing on the streets to survive, she pleads for compassion, shelter, and a helping hand from society. The lyrics reflect her deep grief over the corrupting power of money and the harsh suffering endured by helpless women, ultimately questioning whether justice has completely vanished from the world.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter rhyme)

Kadhiyae thanthida vaenum vaareer / Kadhari nindridum yaelaiyai paareer

Matching second consonants across lines, such as 'dhi' in 'Vidhiyin' and 'Veedhi' or 'dhi' in 'Kadhiyae' and 'Kadhari'.

Moonaal / Alliteration

Pen piraviyum pothum pothum

Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'P' sound in 'Pen piraviyum pothum pothum'.

Metaphor

Panamethaan seithidum peyaattam

Describing the madness and evil caused by money as a 'peyaattam' (devilish dance).

Anaphora / Refrain

Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaen

Repetition of the line 'Vidhiyin vilaivaal anaathi aanaen' throughout the song to emphasize the core motif of tragic helplessness.

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Trivia

Ezhai Padum Padu (1950) is a famous Indian cinematic adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel 'Les Misérables', translated into Tamil by V. V. S. Aiyar. Directed by K. Ramnoth with music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, the film achieved landmark critical acclaim in Tamil cinema history.

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