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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aathangarai Mettinile

From Neeya Naana – 1962 Film · 1962

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Neeya Naana – 1962 Film1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aathangarai mettinilaeOn the elevated mound of the riverbank
Andhipadum nerathilaeDuring the twilight hour
Aathangarai mettinilaeOn the elevated mound of the riverbank
Andhipadum nerathilaeDuring the twilight hour
Kaathiruppen endru sonnaar kannaleHe told me with his eyes that he would wait
Avarai kaana vendum po manamae munnaalaeGo ahead, my heart, I must go see him
Kaathiruppen endru sonnaar kannaleHe told me with his eyes that he would wait
Avarai kaana vendum po manamae munnaalaeGo ahead, my heart, I must go see him
Aathangarai mettinilae…aeeOn the elevated mound of the riverbank... hey
Female
Hoo ooo oo hoo ooHoo ooo oo hoo oo
Kaattu vellam salasalakkaAs the forest stream gurgles softly
Kaadhal manam kirukirukkaAs the loving heart spins with excitement
Kaattu vellam salasalakkaAs the forest stream gurgles softly
Kaadhal manam kirukirukkaAs the loving heart spins with excitement
Paattu paada thudithiruppaar thannalaeHe will be longing to sing a song by himself
Avarai paarthu pesa po manamae munnalaeGo ahead, my heart, to meet and talk to him
Paattu paada thudithiruppaar thannalaeHe will be longing to sing a song by himself
Avarai paarthu pesa po manamae munnalaeGo ahead, my heart, to meet and talk to him
Aathangarai mettinilae…aeeOn the elevated mound of the riverbank... hey
Female
Kannirandum minna minnaWith both eyes sparkling brightly
Kaal irandum pinna pinnaWith both legs faltering and intertwining
Kannirandum minna minnaWith both eyes sparkling brightly
Kaal irandum pinna pinnaWith both legs faltering and intertwining
Kanni mattum vandhiruppen pinnalaeI, a young maiden, would follow behind
Kanni mattum vandhiruppen pinnalaeI, a young maiden, would follow behind
Avar kavalai theerkka po manamae munnalaeGo ahead, my heart, to ease his worries
Kavalai theerkka po manamae munnalaeGo ahead, my heart, to ease his worries
Aathangarai mettinilae…aeeOn the elevated mound of the riverbank... hey
Female
Hoo ooo oo hoo ooHoo ooo oo hoo oo
Aasaiyodu pesum podhuWhen speaking with deep yearning
Achamendrum naanam endrumBound by fear and shyness
Aasaiyodu pesum podhuWhen speaking with deep yearning
Achamendrum naanam endrumBound by fear and shyness
Thalai kunindhu kaalai paarthu nilladhaeDo not stand bowing your head looking at your feet
Ennai thanimaiyilae thavikka vittu selladhaeDo not leave me suffering in loneliness
Manamae thanimaiyilae thavikka vittu selladhaeOh heart, do not leave me suffering in loneliness
Female
Aathangarai mettinilaeOn the elevated mound of the riverbank
Andhipadum nerathilaeDuring the twilight hour
Kaathiruppen endru sonnaar kannaleHe told me with his eyes that he would wait
Avarai kaana vendum po manamae munnaalaeGo ahead, my heart, I must go see him
Aathangarai mettinilae…aeeOn the elevated mound of the riverbank... hey

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This iconic classic song depicts a young woman in a state of romantic anticipation as she prepares to meet her lover by the riverbank during dusk. Speaking directly to her own hesitant heart, she urges herself to move forward, overcome maiden shyness, and relieve her lover's yearning wait. The lyrics capture the beautiful imagery of Tamil classical romance, blending natural elements like flowing river streams with emotional vulnerability.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Onomatopoeia (Anukaranam)

Kaattu vellam salasalakka

The word 'salasalakka' mimics the rhythmic gurgling sound of a flowing river stream.

Personification / Apostrophe

Avarai kaana vendum po manamae munnaalae

The heroine addresses her own heart ('manamae') as a distinct companion, encouraging it to lead her forward to her beloved.

Iyaibu (Rhyme)

Kannirandum minna minna / Kaal irandum pinna pinna

The internal end-rhyme 'minna minna' and 'pinna pinna' mimics the quickened rhythm of excitement and hesitating steps.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Kannadasan and sung by P. Susheela, the song draws heavily from traditional Sangam poetry themes (Athinai), where secret lovers rendezvous by nature spots at dusk.

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