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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aadu Mayile Nee Aadu

From Rathinapuri Ilavarasi · 1960

Lyricist
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Rathinapuri Ilavarasi1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilaeDance, O peacock, you dance, O peacock.
Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilaeDance, O peacock, you dance, O peacock.
Anandha nadanam aadu mayilae aadu mayilaeDance a joyful dance, O peacock, dance O peacock.
Anandha nadanam aadu mayilae aadu mayilaeDance a joyful dance, O peacock, dance O peacock.
Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilaeDance, O peacock, you dance, O peacock.
Female
Paadu kuyilae isai paadu kuyilaeSing, O cuckoo, sing music, O cuckoo.
Paadu kuyilae isai paadu kuyilaeSing, O cuckoo, sing music, O cuckoo.
Anbu vaazha inbam soozhaSo that love thrives and happiness surrounds us,
Agam adhil amaidhi perughi nilai peravaeSo that peace overflows and abides within the heart.
Female
Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilaeDance, O peacock, you dance, O peacock.
Anandha nadanam aadu mayilae aadu mayilaeDance a joyful dance, O peacock, dance O peacock.
Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilaeDance, O peacock, you dance, O peacock.
Female
Aadathae neeyum aadathaeDo not dance, you do not dance.
Veen aanava kurangae aadathaeO vain, arrogant monkey, do not dance.
Aadathae neeyum aadathaeDo not dance, you do not dance.
Veen aanava kurangae aadathaeO vain, arrogant monkey, do not dance.
Aadathae satham podathaeDo not dance, do not make noise.
Kodum paarvai aandhaiyae paadathaeO fierce-eyed owl, do not sing.
Aadathae satham podathaeDo not dance, do not make noise.
Kodum paarvai aandhaiyae paadathae ho ooO fierce-eyed owl, do not sing, ho oo.
Female
Aa..aaaa..aa…Aa..aaaa..aa… (Vocalizing)
Vaadathae mugam vaadathaeDo not wither, face, do not wither.
Vanna malarae vaadathaeO colorful flower, do not wither.
Vaadathae mugam vaadathaeDo not wither, face, do not wither.
Mugam vaadathae mugam vaadathaeFace do not wither, face do not wither.
Vazhakkamaana poosai mudiyum munnBefore the usual worship finishes,
Marandhum idhazhai moodathaeEven by mistake, do not close your petals.
Vazhakkamaana poosai mudiyum munnBefore the usual worship finishes,
Marandhum idhazhai moodathaeEven by mistake, do not close your petals.
Mugam vaadathaeFace do not wither.
Mugam vaadathae mugam vaadathaeFace do not wither, face do not wither.
Female
Oodaathae maanae oodaathaeDo not run away, O deer, do not run away.
Nee oodaathae maanae oodaathaeYou do not run away, O deer, do not run away.
Nee oodum vazhi thavari odaathaeDo not lose your way while running.
Oodaathae maanae oodaathaeDo not run away, O deer, do not run away.
Vedan valaiyilum singathin vayilumInto the hunter's net or into the lion's mouth,
Vedan valaiyilum singathin vayilumInto the hunter's net or into the lion's mouth,
Virundhaai vizhundhu vidaathaeDo not fall and become a feast.
Oodaathae maanae oodaathaeDo not run away, O deer, do not run away.
Maanae oodaathae…O deer, do not run away...
Aaa..aa..aa..a.aaa…aaa…aa…Aaa..aa..aa..a.aaa…aaa…aa… (Vocalizing)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from Rathinapuri Ilavarasi (1960) uses allegorical imagery drawn from nature—peacocks, cuckoos, arrogant monkeys, harsh owls, delicate flowers, and fleeing deer—to impart philosophical and moral lessons. The narrator encourages grace, music, and love (represented by the peacock and cuckoo) while admonishing arrogance and discord (symbolized by the monkey and owl). Furthermore, the verse cautions against despair and rushing into danger blindly, urging the listener to keep faith and avoid falling victim to traps or predators.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor (Allegory)

Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilae

Human traits, virtues, and vices are metaphorically addressed through animals and elements of nature such as the peacock (joy/grace), monkey (arrogance), owl (harshness/ill omen), flower (delicacy), and deer (innocence/vulnerability).

Emonai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Anbu vaazha inbam soozha / Agam adhil amaidhi perughi

Repetition of initial consonant and vowel sounds such as 'Aadu' / 'Anandha' / 'Agam' or 'Vedan' / 'Virundhaai'.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Vedan valaiyilum singathin vayilum / Virundhaai vizhundhu vidaathae

Rhyming second letters across lines, such as 'Aadathae' and 'Kodum' / 'Vedan' and 'Virundhaai'.

Anaphora / Repetition (Adukku Thodar)

Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilae

Emphasis through rhythmic repetition of imperative words such as 'Aadu mayilae', 'Aadathae', 'Vaadathae', and 'Oodaathae'.

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Trivia

Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram was renowned for embedding deep social commentary and moral philosophy within simple, catchy song lyrics using natural imagery. Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy's melodious composition allowed P. Susheela to showcase her expressive vocal dynamics across different emotional tones.

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