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Isaimozhi
Veera album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Aathile Annakili

From Veera · 1994

Lyricist
Isaignani Ilayaraja
Singer
Arun Mozhi
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Veera
Movie release year
1994
Lyrics added on
17 Aug 2018

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Aaththula annakkili
Thaechu nee manja kuli
Aaththula annakkili
Thaechu nee manja kuli
Ennaiyen thorathuna
Manasa yen varuthuna
Unakku naa oruthanaa
Yeppavum iruppenaa
Adi achchaaram podaama
Aaduthadi lolaakku
Poongaluththu yen aadudhu
Un pon udambu yen vaadudhu
Poongaluththu yen aadudhu
Un pon udambu yen vaadudhu
Aaththula annakkili
Thaechu nee manja kuli
Aaththula annakkili
Thaechu nee manja kuli
Little swan in the river,
Rub turmeric on your skin and bathe.
Little swan in the river,
Rub turmeric on your skin and bathe.
Why did you chase after me?
Why did you trouble my heart?
Am I the only one for you?
Will I stay yours forever?
Without even sealing a promise,
Your earring keeps swaying!
Why is your soft neck swaying?
Why is your golden body wilting?
Why is your soft neck swaying?
Why is your golden body wilting?
Little swan in the river,
Rub turmeric on your skin and bathe.
Little swan in the river,
Rub turmeric on your skin and bathe.
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This playful folk-style track from the Tamil film Veera portrays a lighthearted romantic exchange. The protagonist affectionately addresses his beloved as a swan-bird bathing in the river, playfully questioning why she haunts his thoughts and admiring her rural charm, jewelry, and grace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Aaththula annakkili

Compares the beloved woman to a delicate swan-bird ('annakkili') bathing in the river.

Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Poongaluththu yen aadudhu / Un pon udambu yen vaadudhu

Line endings 'aadudhu' and 'vaadudhu' create a rhythmic, musical cadence typical of rural folk songs.

Visual Imagery (Uvamai)

Un pon udambu yen vaadudhu

Employs imagery of turmeric baths, swaying ear pendants, flower-like necks, and golden skin to depict romantic beauty.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1994 hit film Veera starring Rajinikanth and Meena, this song highlights Ilaiyaraaja's expertise in blending authentic rural Tamil folk tunes with catchy orchestral rhythms.

Keep listening

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