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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aasapattu

From Neenga Nalla Irukkanum · 1992

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Neenga Nalla Irukkanum1992

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aasapattu vaakka pattaThe cousin who got married with great hopes
Aththa magalum thoongalaHas not slept.
Maala itta machaan kaaran thaanaeThe husband who wedded her with a garland,
Iva vaadum nilaiya paarkalaHas not even looked at her wilting state.
Male
Aasapattu vaakka pattaThe cousin who got married with great hopes
Aththa magalum thoongalaHas not slept.
Maala itta machaan kaaran thaanaeThe husband who wedded her with a garland,
Iva vaadum nilaiya paarkalaHas not even looked at her wilting state.
Female
…………………….
Male
Ivala pola yengum ponnuA woman longing like her
Ooril paadhi perungaIs half the women in this town.
Ivala pola yengum ponnuA woman longing like her
Ooril paadhi perungaIs half the women in this town.
Kanneer sindhida kaaranam yaaruWho is the reason for her tears falling?
Ellaam ambalaingaIt is all the men.
Ethana peru bodhanai senjumNo matter how many people advice them,
Thirunthaadha ullangalaeOh unreformable hearts,
Neengal irundhenna laabangalWhat is the use of you existing?
Male
Aasapattu vaakka pattaThe cousin who got married with great hopes
Aththa magalum thoongalaHas not slept.
Maala itta machaan kaaran thaanaeThe husband who wedded her with a garland,
Iva vaadum nilaiya paarkalaHas not even looked at her wilting state.
Male
…………………………..
Male
Thennangallum paala polaLike coconut toddy turning into milk,
Naala ingae maaranumTomorrow here must change.
Male
Thennangallum paala polaLike coconut toddy turning into milk,
Naala ingae maaranumTomorrow here must change.
Naayin vaala yaarachum ingae nimirthumA day when someone straightens a dog's tail,
Naal varanumThat day must come.
Paanaiyil soru pongura naaluThe day rice overflows in the pot,
Ezhaikku kondattamaeIs a celebration for the poor.
Thoongum poonaikku thindaattamaeIt is a struggle for the sleeping cat.
Male
Aasapattu vaakka pattaThe cousin who got married with great hopes
Aththa magalum thoongalaHas not slept.
Maala itta machaan kaaran thaanae..ae…The husband who wedded her with a garland...
Iva vaadum nilaiya paarkalaHas not even looked at her wilting state.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the film 'Neenga Nalla Irukkanum' serves as a poignant social critique of alcoholism and domestic neglect. Written by lyricist Vaali, the song describes the suffering of a married woman whose husband neglects her due to his irresponsibility and addiction. It reflects the broader societal reality where half the women in town suffer due to unrepentant men who ignore moral guidance and family obligations. The lyrics express a desperate hope for a transformation in society, where destructive habits like drinking toddy turn into nourishing life like milk. It calls for reform and social justice so that poor households can thrive in peace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Aasapattu vaakka patta / Aththa magalum thoongala

Rhyming of the second letter across lines, such as 'Aasapattu' and 'Aththa' or 'Thennangallum' and 'Paanaiyil'.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Thennangallum paala pola / Naala ingae maaranum

'Thennangallum paala pola' uses the transformation of toddy into milk as a metaphor for the reform of alcohol addicts into pure, healthy individuals.

Idiomatic Proverb

Naayin vaala yaarachum ingae nimirthum

'Naayin vaala yaarachum ingae nimirthum' utilizes the popular idiom of 'straightening a dog's tail' to symbolize an impossible task or reforming stubborn, unchangeable behavior.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Neenga Nalla Irukkanum' (1992) was directed by Visu and produced as a state-sponsored social welfare awareness film addressing prohibition and anti-alcoholism in Tamil Nadu. The film featured music composed by M. S. Viswanathan and won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.

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