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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Yaanaiyodu Modhum

From Rathasaatchi · 2023

Lyricist
Aravind Annest
Singer
Vishnu Edavan
Music director
Javed Riaz
Details
Rathasaatchi2023

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Yaanaiyodu modhumClashing with a giant elephant,
Oru thaeni kootin veeramSuch is the courage of a swarm of bees.
Siru kootam ingu ondru seraAs a small group gathers here,
Aadi podhae kaadumThe forest itself trembles in fear.
Male
Yaanaiyodu modhumClashing with a giant elephant,
Oru thaeni kootin veeramSuch is the courage of a swarm of bees.
Siru kootam ingu ondru seraAs a small group gathers here,
Aadi podhae kaadumThe forest itself trembles in fear.
Male
Vanmuraiyae kadhavaIs violence the only doorway?
Vervai dhan varamaIs sweat the ultimate boon?
Ratham ingu uramaIs blood the fertilizer here?
VeezhaadhaDo not fall!
Male
Nerupaal uyir sudavaeAs fire burns the very soul,
Sivapaai oru kadalaeA vast sea turns red.
Nanaithal perum nerupooEven if drenched, the great fire
AnaiyaadhaWill never be extinguished!
Male
Yaanaiyodu modhumClashing with a giant elephant,
Oru theni kootin veeramSuch is the courage of a swarm of bees.
Siru kootam ingu ondru seraAs a small group gathers here,
aadi podhae kaadumThe forest itself trembles in fear.
Male
Madham kondaBlinded by intense fury,
Andha nilayaeIn that helpless state,
Sinam thalaikeriya nodiyaeThe moment anger rushes to the head,
Oru uyirkaagaFor the sake of a single life,
Porgal inguA fierce war here
Thuvanguthindru adiyaeBegins today, listen!
Male
Por varumWar will approach,
Unnai sudumIt will burn you down,
Thalai vizhumHeads will fall,
Kazhuvil oru puzhuvaiLike a worm impaled on a stake.
Male
Yar karam balam perumWhose hand will gain supreme power?
Tharai thodumWill fall to the ground
Adhikarathin kodiyaeThe flag of tyrannical authority!
Male
Yar karam balam perumWhose hand will gain supreme power?
Tharai thodumWill fall to the ground
Adhikarathin kodiyaeThe flag of tyrannical authority!
Male
Yar karam balam perumWhose hand will gain supreme power?
Tharai thodumWill fall to the ground
Adhikarathin kodiyaeThe flag of tyrannical authority!
Male
Yar karam balam perumWhose hand will gain supreme power?
Tharai thodumWill fall to the ground
Adhikarathin kodiyaeThe flag of tyrannical authority!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This powerful, revolutionary track from 'Rathasaatchi' captures the raw emotion and spirit of an underdog resistance fighting against oppressive authority. By comparing a small group of marginalized rebels to a swarm of bees taking on a mighty elephant, the song highlights how collective courage can shake the foundation of power. It emphasizes the grim realities of struggle—where blood acts as fertilizer and sweat serves as a boon for survival. The lyricism moves from quiet resilience to explosive anger, warning the oppressors that when righteous fury rushes to the head, war becomes inevitable. Bloodshed, sacrifice, and the eventual downfall of authoritarian flags are portrayed not just as possibilities, but as inevitable outcomes when an oppressed populace rises up.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Yaanaiyodu modhum / Oru thaeni kootin veeram

Compares the small rebel faction fighting a huge oppressive state apparatus to a swarm of bees taking on a massive elephant.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Vanmuraiyae kadhava / Vervai dhan varama

The starting letter/sound 'V' ('Va' / 'Ve') is repeated across consecutive lines to create rhythmic emphasis.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Por varum / Unnai sudum

The end words 'varum' and 'sudum' rhyme, enhancing the driving cadence of the war call.

Simile

Kazhuvil oru puzhuvai

Uses the imagery of a worm on an impaling stake ('Kazhu') to represent extreme suffering and destruction during conflict.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Rathasaatchi' (2023) is a Tamil film directed by Rafiq Ismail, adapted from the renowned writer Jeyamohan's short story 'Kaipesi'. The film explores the socio-political dynamics of the leftist rebellion and police brutality in Tamil Nadu during the 1980s. The music composed by Javed Riaz provides a gritty, atmospheric backdrop that accentuates the movie's heavy themes of sacrifice and resistance.

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