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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aathile Annakili

From Veera · 1994

Lyricist
Isaignani Ilayaraja
Singer
Arun Mozhi
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Veera1994

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aaththula annakkiliO swan-like bird in the river,
Thaechu nee manja kuliApply turmeric and take a bath.
Aaththula annakkiliO swan-like bird in the river,
Thaechu nee manja kuliApply turmeric and take a bath.
Male
Ennaiyen thorathunaWhy did you chase after me?
Manasa yen varuthunaWhy did you trouble my heart?
Unakku naa oruthanaaAm I the only one for you?
Yeppavum iruppenaaWill I always remain yours?
Male
Adi achchaaram podaamaHey, even without a formal token of promise,
Aaduthadi lolaakkuYour ear pendant sways and dances.
Poongaluththu yen aadudhuWhy is your flower-like neck swaying?
Un pon udambu yen vaadudhuWhy is your golden body wilting?
Poongaluththu yen aadudhuWhy is your flower-like neck swaying?
Un pon udambu yen vaadudhuWhy is your golden body wilting?
Male
Aaththula annakkiliO swan-like bird in the river,
Thaechu nee manja kuliApply turmeric and take a bath.
Aaththula annakkiliO swan-like bird in the river,
Thaechu nee manja kuliApply turmeric and take a bath.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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