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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ninaithaal Sirippuvarum

From Bama Vijayam · 1967

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
P. Susheela, L. R. Eswari
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Bama Vijayam1967

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ninaithaal sirippuvarumThinking of it brings laughter
Nilavil mayakam varumIn the moonlight comes a spell of intoxication
Mudhalnaal iravu adhudhaan uravuThe first night's night—that alone is true bond
Adhai maatra mudiyaadhuThat cannot ever be changed
Ninaithaal sirippuvarumThinking of it brings laughter
Nilavil mayakam varumIn the moonlight comes a spell of intoxication
Mudhalnaal iravu adhudhaan uravuThe first night's night—that alone is true bond
Adhai maatra mudiyaadhuThat cannot ever be changed
Ninaithaal sirippuvarum..Thinking of it brings laughter..
Female
Nee aada sonnaal naanIf you ask me to dance, I
Aadugiren adhaithaanae thedugiraaiWill dance; isn't that what you are looking for?
Silai engum ondrudhaanEvery statue is fundamentally the same
Kalai konjam maaralaamOnly the artistic form might change a little
Nee sonnaal maarugirenIf you tell me, I shall change
Unn suvaiyai maatrugirenI will redefine your taste
Female
Ninaithaal sirippuvarumThinking of it brings laughter
Nilavil mayakam varumIn the moonlight comes a spell of intoxication
Mudhalnaal iravu adhudhaan uravuThe first night's night—that alone is true bond
Adhai maatra mudiyaadhuThat cannot ever be changed
Ninaithaal sirippuvarumThinking of it brings laughter
Female
Aadaimaariya paaniyenna krishnaiyaaWhat is this new style of changing attire, Krishna?
Ange nee paarka vandha aatam enna krishnaiyaaWhat kind of dance did you go over there to watch, Krishna?
Aadaimaariya paaniyenna krishnaiyaaWhat is this new style of changing attire, Krishna?
Ange nee paarka vandha aatam enna krishnaiyaaWhat kind of dance did you go over there to watch, Krishna?
Female
Adhukidhu suvai illaiyo..Does this lack the flavor that that had?
Pudhu pudhu kalaiyillaiyoAre these not fresh new art forms?
Saadhu mirandadhu podhumaaIs it enough that the innocent got startled?
Aadi kulungudhu vegamaaSwaying and shaking with great speed
Achamaa naanamaaIs it fear? Is it modesty?
Innumaa vendumaaAre those still required anymore?
Male
……………..
Female
Ninaithaal sirika vaipen ..hahahaIf I decide, I will make you laugh... ha ha ha
Anaithaal thudika vaipen..hohohoIf I embrace, I will make you quiver... ho ho ho
Orunaal muzhudhum andha naadagathaiCan I not perform that act
Naan aada mudiyaadhaaFor an entire day?
Ninaithaal sirika vaipenIf I decide, I will make you laugh
Female
Naagarigathin vegam enna krishnaiyaaWhat is this frantic pace of modern civilization, Krishna?
Naanum andha pakkam thaavi vitten krishnaiyaaI too have leaped to that side now, Krishna
Ini enna ragasiyamo..What secret remains anymore?
Muzhu udai avasiyamoIs full attire even necessary now?
Aadhi manidhargal polavaeJust like the primitive humans of ancient times
Paadhi manidhargal maarinaarHalf of modern humanity has transformed
Achamaa naanamaaIs it fear? Is it modesty?
Innumaa vendumaaAre those still required anymore?
Male
……………….
Female
Ninaithaal sirika vaipen ..hahahaIf I decide, I will make you laugh... ha ha ha
Anaithaal thudika vaipen..hohohoIf I embrace, I will make you quiver... ho ho ho
Orunaal muzhudhum andha naadagathaiCan I not perform that act
Naan aada mudiyaadhaaFor an entire day?
Ninaithaal sirika vaipenIf I decide, I will make you laugh

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from K. Balachander's 'Bama Vijayam' (1967) features playful banter and social satire delivered through a duet between sisters-in-law, contrasting traditional values with modern Westernized lifestyle trends. The song uses lighthearted mockery directed at 'Krishnaiyaa' (referring to the men/husbands) to comment on changing fashions, dance styles, and social openness. Kannadasan cleverly blends romantic teasing with sharp commentary on modern civilization.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Emonai (Second-letter rhyme)

Ninaithaal sirippuvarum / Nilavil mayakam varum

Matching second consonants across lines, such as 'Ninaithaal' and 'Nilavil' (N-i), or 'Aadaimaariya' and 'Ange' (A-d/n).

Rhetorical Question (Aanandavaadhu / Vinavu)

Achamaa naanamaa / Innumaa vendumaa

Using questions like 'Achamaa naanamaa / Innumaa vendumaa' to challenge traditional concepts of bashfulness and fear in light of modern trends.

Metaphor & Allegory (Uruvagamm)

Aadaimaariya paaniyenna krishnaiyaa

Addressing the husband as 'Krishnaiyaa', drawing a parallel to Lord Krishna's playful nature and his attraction towards modern spectacles and dance.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Bama Vijayam' is a acclaimed comedy-drama directed by K. Balachander. This track highlights M. S. Vishwanathan's skill in blending traditional Carnatic inflections with modern theatrical cabaret beat arrangements, effortlessly rendered by legendary vocalists P. Susheela and L. R. Eswari.

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