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Lyrics & meaning

Aadum Mayile Aattam

From Thulasi Maadam · 1963

Lyricist
Ka. Mu. Sheriff
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Thulasi Maadam1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aadum mayilae aattam engaeDancing peacock, where is your dance?
Paadum kuyilae paattu engaeSinging cuckoo, where is your song?
Pesum kiliyae pechu engaeTalking parrot, where is your speech?
Pennae unadhu sirippu engaeOh woman, where is your smile?
Male
Aadum mayilae aattam engaeDancing peacock, where is your dance?
Paadum kuyilae paattu engaeSinging cuckoo, where is your song?
Pesum kiliyae pechu engaeTalking parrot, where is your speech?
Pennae unadhu sirippu engaeOh woman, where is your smile?
Male
Aadum mayilae aattam engaeDancing peacock, where is your dance?
Paadum kuyilae paattu engaeSinging cuckoo, where is your song?
Pesum kiliyae pechu engaeTalking parrot, where is your speech?
Pennae unadhu sirippu engaeOh woman, where is your smile?
Male
Enna pizhai naan seidhenadiWhat mistake did I commit, my dear?
Edharkku en mel kobam adiWhy are you angry with me?
Enna pizhai naan seidhenadiWhat mistake did I commit, my dear?
Edharkku en mel kobam adiWhy are you angry with me?
Ponnae unadhu polivu engaeOh golden one, where is your radiance?
Ponnae unadhu polivu engaeOh golden one, where is your radiance?
Poovae unadhu azhagu engaeOh flower, where is your beauty?
Male
Aadum mayilae aattam engaeDancing peacock, where is your dance?
Paadum kuyilae paattu engaeSinging cuckoo, where is your song?
Pesum kiliyae pechu engaeTalking parrot, where is your speech?
Pennae unadhu sirippu engaeOh woman, where is your smile?
Male
Vegu naal pirindha vedhanaiyooIs it the pain of long separation?
Vegumathi thandhadhil kuraigal undoOr were there shortcomings in the gifts given?
Vegu naal pirindha vedhanaiyooIs it the pain of long separation?
Vegumathi thandhadhil kuraigal undoOr were there shortcomings in the gifts given?
Sagajamaai pazhagum gunavathiyaeeeOh virtuous woman who usually mingles so naturally!
Sagajamaai pazhagum gunavathiyaeeeOh virtuous woman who usually mingles so naturally!
Thagumoo vilagi nee selvadhuIs it fair for you to stay aloof and walk away?
Male
Aadum mayilae aattam engaeDancing peacock, where is your dance?
Paadum kuyilae paattu engaeSinging cuckoo, where is your song?
Pesum kiliyae pechu engaeTalking parrot, where is your speech?
Pennae unadhu sirippu engaeOh woman, where is your smile?
Male
Thaneerai thaneer pagaithidumooWill water become an enemy to water?
Thaamarai sooriyan sandai yidumoWill the lotus flower fight with the sun?
Thaneerai thaneer pagaithidumooWill water become an enemy to water?
Thaamarai sooriyan sandai yidumoWill the lotus flower fight with the sun?
Ennaiya neeyum verukkindraaiAre you really hating me?
Ennaiya neeyum verukkindraaiAre you really hating me?
Unnai naalai maattrugirenI will change your heart tomorrow!
Male
Aadum mayilae aattam engaeDancing peacock, where is your dance?
Paadum kuyilae paattu engaeSinging cuckoo, where is your song?
Pesum kiliyae pechu engaeTalking parrot, where is your speech?
Pennae unadhu sirippu engaeOh woman, where is your smile?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from 'Thulasi Maadam' (1963) features a protagonist affectionately coaxing his beloved who is upset and silent with him. He endearingly compares her to a dancing peacock, a singing cuckoo, a talking parrot, and a gentle flower, lamenting the absence of her usual joyful demeanor and sweet smile. Throughout the verses, he questions what fault he committed to earn her anger, asking whether her distance stems from past separation or dissatisfaction. He uses poetic analogies—asking if water can fight water or if a lotus can hate the sun—to emphasize that their bond is natural and unbreakable. Ultimately, he affectionately resolves to win back her smile and affection by tomorrow.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Aadum mayilae aattam engae / Paadum kuyilae paattu engae

The lyricist metaphorically addresses the woman as a peacock (Aadum mayil), cuckoo (Paadum kuyil), parrot (Pesum kili), gold (Ponn), and flower (Poov).

Rhetorical Question

Thaneerai thaneer pagaithidumoo / Thaamarai sooriyan sandai yidumo

Poetic questions are used to highlight the impossibility of innate elements opposing each other, symbolizing their relationship.

Monaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Aadum mayilae... / Paadum kuyilae...

Repetition of initial consonant sounds across lines (e.g., Aadum / Paadum / Pesum).

Anaphora / Refrain

Aadum mayilae aattam engae

Repetition of the chorus lines at the end of every verse to reinforce the central theme of searching for her lost joy.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Thulasi Maadam' (1963) featured music composed by the legendary K. V. Mahadevan. This track, rendered masterfully by T. M. Soundararajan, is celebrated for its poetic lyrics written by Ka. Mu. Sheriff, highlighting tender romantic reconciliation.

Keep listening

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