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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vizhi Vel Veechile

From Thanga Padhumai · 1959

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singers
K. Jamunarani, A. P. Komala
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Thanga Padhumai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Seeraarum sadhuranga saenaiyanjavaeSo that the grand four-fold army cowers in fear,
Nindru poraadum balavaangal yaarum konjavaeAnd even the mighty men who stand and fight beg for mercy,
Female Chorus :Nalla seeraarum sadhuranga saenaiyanjavaeFemale Chorus: So that the grand four-fold army cowers in fear,
Nindru poraadum balavaangal yaarum konjavaeAnd even the mighty men who stand and fight beg for mercy,
Female
Vandhu naeril thanjamae endru paaril konjavaeComing in person to surrender and plead on this earth,
Vandhu naeril thanjamae endru paaril konjavaeComing in person to surrender and plead on this earth,
Pennin paniyalaraai sollai kaelaarooWon't they become a woman's servants and obey her words?
Female Chorus :Pennin paniyalaraai sollai kaelaarooFemale Chorus: Won't they become a woman's servants and obey her words?
Female
Padai kattuvaar thamakku idai kattinaalEven those who command armies, if she wraps a sari around her waist,
Padai kattuvaar thamakku idai kattinaalEven those who command armies, if she wraps a sari around her waist,
Female Chorus :Annanadai kattinaal pinnal jadai kattinaalFemale Chorus: If she walks gracefully like a swan and braids her hair behind,
Baya bakthiyodu patchandhanai kattaarooWon't they bow down with fear and devotion?
Female :Muthu pal kattinaal padithu sol kattum navalarumFemale: If her pearl-like teeth flash, even scholars who master words,
Paattu paadi pallai pallai kattaarooWon't they sing love songs and grin submissively?
Female Chorus :Kaadhal paattu paadi pallai pallai kattaarooFemale Chorus: Won't they sing love songs and grin submissively?
Female :Pennin paniyalaraai sollai kaelaarooFemale: Won't they become a woman's servants and obey her words?
Female
Pen kulathai peigal endra pithar thammayaeThose foolish men who slandered womankind as devils,
Pendu pillaikutti ullavaraaai mattri viduvomWe will transform them into family men with wives and children!
Pen kulathai peigal endra pithar thammayaeThose foolish men who slandered womankind as devils,
Pendu pillaikutti ullavaraaai mattri viduvomWe will transform them into family men with wives and children!
Indha mandalathil kaanbathellaam sakthimayamaeEverything seen in this world is filled with divine feminine power,
Endrae maanbuthanai naangal parai saattri varuvomThus we shall beat the drums and proclaim our glory!
Female Chorus :Pennaal aagadhadhum inimelyedhuFemale Chorus: Is there anything impossible for a woman from now on?
Pennaal aagadhadhum inimelyedhuIs there anything impossible for a woman from now on?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This upbeat and empowering dance song from 'Thanga Padhumai' (1959) celebrates the undeniable power, charm, and supreme influence of women over men and society. The song playfully mocks arrogant men, fierce warriors, and learned scholars who boast of their strength, pointing out how easily they surrender and become devoted companions when enchanted by a woman's grace, beauty, and wit. Written with strong progressive undertones by Udumalai Narayanakavi, the song dismantles patriarchal misogyny—specifically refuting old adages that branded women as 'devils.' It declares that women are the architects of domestic life who tame wild men into responsible householders. Concluding on an empowering note, it proclaims that the entire universe runs on Shakti (feminine energy) and that nothing is impossible for a woman.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (Rhyming Refrain / End Rhyme)

Pennin paniyalaraai sollai kaelaaroo / Baya bakthiyodu patchandhanai kattaaroo

The repetitive ending suffixes '-aaroo' ('kaelaaroo', 'kattaaroo') create a rhythmic, musical end-rhyme across multiple lines.

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Muthu pal kattinaal

'Muthu pal' compares bright, beautiful teeth directly to sparkling pearls.

Anaphora / Polysemic Repetition (Sollani)

Padai kattuvaar... idai kattinaal... jadai kattinaal... pallai kattaaroo

The root verb 'kattu' (to tie/build/braid/show) is creatively repeated across multiple contexts to build internal cadence and punning rhymes.

Muran (Antithesis)

Pen kulathai peigal endra pithar thammayae / Pendu pillaikutti ullavaraaai mattri viduvom

Contrasts the absurd claim that women are 'devils' with their actual constructive power to convert reckless men into gentle family patriarchs.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Thanga Padhumai' (1959) starred Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. The song features music composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by the renowned rationalist poet Udumalai Narayanakavi. Known for weaving social reform, feminist empowerment, and anti-superstition messaging into mainstream film lyrics, Narayanakavi used this song to challenge traditional misogynistic proverbs of the era. The song was rendered enthusiastically by K. Jamunarani and A. P. Komala.

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