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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aasaiya Kaathula Thoothu Vittu

From Johnny · 1980

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Johnny1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aasaiya kaathula thoothu vittuSending my love as a messenger through the breeze
Aadiya poovula vaadai pattuAs the chill north wind touches the swaying flower
Sethiya kettoru jaadai thottuHearing the news and catching a subtle hint
Paaduthu paatu onnuA song sings out on its own
Kuyil ketkuthu pattai ninnu…The cuckoo stops and listens to the song...
Female
Aasaiya kaathula thoothu vittuSending my love as a messenger through the breeze
Aadiya poovula vaadai pattuAs the chill north wind touches the swaying flower
Female
Vaasam poovaasamFragrance, a flower fragrance
Vaaliba kaalathu nesamAffection during the golden days of youth
Maasam thai maasamMonth, the prosperous month of Thai
Malligai poomanam veesumThe scent of jasmine flowers wafts around
Female
Nesathula… vantha vaasathulaIn love... in the fragrance that arrived with it
Nenjam paaduthu jodiya theduthuThe heart sings and searches for its companion
Pinjum vaaduthu vaadaiyilaThe tender heart wilts in the cold wind
Konjum jaadaiya poduthu paarvaiyilMaking sweet gestures through eyes
Sondham theduthu medaiyila…Searching for a lifelong bond on this stage...
Female
Aasaiya kaathula thoothu vittuSending my love as a messenger through the breeze
Aadiya poovula vaadai pattuAs the chill north wind touches the swaying flower
Female
Thaenu poonthaenuHoney, sweet nectar-like honey
Thaenthuli kettathu naanuI am the one who asked for a drop of honey
Maanu ponmanuDeer, golden deer
Theyila thottathu maaanuThe deer that brushed against the tea bushes
Female
Oodi vara unnai thedi varaRunning toward you, searching for you
Thaalam poovula thaavura kaathulaIn the wind leaping across screw-pine blossoms
Dhaagam yeruthu aasaiyilaThirst escalates out of desire
Paakum pothula yekkam theeralaThe yearning does not lessen while watching
Dhegam vaaduthu pesaiyila…The body grows weary while speaking...
Female
Aasaiya kaathula thoothu vittuSending my love as a messenger through the breeze
Aadiya poovula vaadai pattuAs the chill north wind touches the swaying flower
Sethiya kettoru jaadai thottuHearing the news and catching a subtle hint
Paaduthu paatu onnuA song sings out on its own
Kuyil ketkuthu pattai ninnu…The cuckoo stops and listens to the song...
Paaduthu paatu onnuA song sings out on its own
Kuyil ketkuthu pattai ninnu…The cuckoo stops and listens to the song...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song expresses the intense yearning, romance, and sensory joy of young love set against a lush, nature-filled landscape. The lyrics evoke the imagery of breezes acting as messengers, cold winds touching delicate blossoms, and the scent of jasmine filling the air during the auspicious Tamil month of Thai. The protagonist's heart longingly searches for a soulmate, comparing the sweet essence of love to nectar and gentle deer moving through tea plantations.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaaphora / Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Aasaiya kaathula thoothu vittu / Aadiya poovula vaadai pattu

Repetition of initial vowel sounds 'Aasaiya' and 'Aadiya' creates a smooth rhythmic flow.

Emonai / Rhyming (Ethirukku/Esubha)

Nesathula... vantha vaasathula

Internal rhyming words like 'Nesathula' and 'Vaasathula' enhance the musical cadence of the line.

Metaphor & Imagery

Thaenu poonthaenu / Maanu ponmanu

Using natural elements like 'Thaenu' (honey) and 'Maanu' (deer) to symbolize gentleness, beauty, and sweetness in love.

Did you know?

Trivia

Though listed as unknown in the prompt context, the soundtrack for Johnny (1980) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with vocals by S. Janaki. Directed by J. Mahendran and starring Rajinikanth and Sridevi, the film's music is considered a landmark in Tamil cinema history.

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