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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aadungadi Aadungadi

From Thyagi · 1982

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Thyagi1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
…………………..
Male
Aadungadi aadungadi anthariyae sundhariyaeDance, O women, dance! O beautiful maiden!
Aadungadi aadungadi anthariyae sundhariyaeDance, O women, dance! O beautiful maiden!
Paarungadi paarugadi vanthirukkum manthiriyaeLook, O women, look at the minister who has arrived!
Paarungadi paarugadi vanthirukkum manthiriyaeLook, O women, look at the minister who has arrived!
Ooradangum velaiyilae yaaru namma paakkurathuWhen the whole town falls asleep, who is there to watch us?
Anthapura leelaigalai entha paiya kekkurathuWhich fellow is going to question the secrets of the inner palace?
Male
Vettaikkaaran kottaiyilaeInside the hunter's fortress,
Vachhcathuthaan sattamadiWhatever is dictated is the law!
Vedikkaiyaa vaadikkaiyaaAmusingly and habitually,
Pottathuthaan thittamadiWhatever is laid out becomes the plan!
Male
Aadungadi aadungadi anthariyae sundhariyaeDance, O women, dance! O beautiful maiden!
Paarungadi paarugadi vanthirukkum manthiriyaeLook, O women, look at the minister who has arrived!
Chorus
……………………
Male
Yaemaali makkalukku yaeththapadi iruppavangaTo suit the gullible citizens,
Komaali rajakkalthaan….ho ho…..There are only fool kings... ho ho...
Komaali rajakkalthaan….There are only fool kings...
Komaali rajakkal kondaada kaaththirukkuTo celebrate these fool kings, waiting,
Poomaeni rojakkalthaanAre the flower-like, soft-bodied roses!
Poomaeni rojakkalthaanAre the flower-like, soft-bodied roses!
Male
Somarasa paanangalilIn the intoxicating divine wine,
Thoovungadi sokkupodiSprinkle the hypnotic powder!
Kaamarasa paadalgalaiSongs filled with romantic passion,
Koorungadi santhappadiRecite them in perfect rhythm!
Male
Kaattungadi viththaigalaiDisplay your artistic talents,
Kaal molaichcha thaththaigalaeO charming parrots that have sprouted legs!
Kaariyaththai saathippathuThe ones who accomplish the mission,
Kattilarai meththaigalaeAre the experts of the bed chamber!
Male
Aadungadi aadungadi anthariyae sundhariyaeDance, O women, dance! O beautiful maiden!
Paarungadi paarugadi vanthirukkum manthiriyaeLook, O women, look at the minister who has arrived!
Chorus
……………………
Male
Vaaraamal vanthirukkumArriving so rarely,
Rajaanga virunthaaliA royal guest of honor!
Vandaattam aadungadi…hoho….Dance like bees around him... ho ho...
Vandaattam aadungadi…Dance like bees around him...
Naalthorum nam naattinEvery day, of our country,
Panpaattai kaappavangaThe ones who claim to protect our culture,
Nalvaazhththu koorungadiOffer them your grand wishes!
Nalvaazhththu koorungadiOffer them your warm wishes!
Male
Kaalam namma kaalamadi kaaththu ippa veesudhadiTime is our time now, and the wind blows in our favor!
Jaadhagamum josiyamu saathagamaai pesuthadiHoroscopes and astrology speak favorably for us!
Raaththiriyil rajjiyamae theerththathilae aaduthadiAt night, the whole kingdom sways in holy liquid!
Aatti vaikka naamirukka aalavattam poduthadiWhile we pull the strings, the world spins in honor!
Male
Aadungadi aadungadi anthariyae sundhariyaeDance, O women, dance! O beautiful maiden!
Paarungadi paarugadi vanthirukkum manthiriyaeLook, O women, look at the minister who has arrived!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Aadungadi Aadungadi' from the 1982 film Thyagi is a satirical dance number depicting nocturnal revelry and inner-palace decadence. Through the voice of the singer addressing royal dancers, the song paints a vivid picture of powerful leaders who indulge in luxury, wine, and temptation under the cover of night, far removed from public eyes. Written by Vaali and composed by M. S. Viswanathan, the lyrics hide sharp political and social satire behind rhythmic dance commands. It mocks corrupt leaders who claim to be guardians of culture by day while indulging in debauchery by night, highlighting how those in power shape rules and plans to suit their personal pleasures.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaikkal (Initial Alliteration)

Vettaikkaaran kottaiyilae / Vachhcathuthaan sattamadi

Repetition of the initial letter 'V' ('Vettaikkaaran' / 'Vachhcathuthaan') creates a strong, rhythmic beat suited for a dance performance.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Ooradangum velaiyilae yaaru namma paakkurathu / Anthapura leelaigalai entha paiya kekkurathu

Matching end sounds ('paakkurathu' / 'kekkurathu') provides musical flow and structural harmony across the couplets.

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Kaattungadi viththaigalai / Kaal molaichcha thaththaigalae

Dancers are metaphorically described as 'parrots with sprouted legs', highlighting their grace, beauty, and lively charm.

Irony / Political Satire

Naalthorum nam naattin / Panpaattai kaappavanga

Vaali uses biting irony by addressing corrupt politicians as 'protectors of culture' while they engage in drunken nightly indulgence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Thyagi (1982) is a Tamil film starring Sivaji Ganesan in dual roles. The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, and this track is sung by T. M. Soundararajan. Lyricist Vaali was legendary for embedding sharp socio-political commentary into lively dance and commercial tracks, using metaphors of kings and courts to cleverly satirize modern political hypocrisy.

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