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Lyrics & meaning

Aattam Aadumbothu Nottam

From Raja Malaiya Simman · 1959

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
S. Janaki, M. S. Vishwanathan
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Raja Malaiya Simman1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
…………………………….
Male
……………………………..Chorus: Do not stare critically while watching the dance.
Chorus :Aattam aadum bothu nottam pakkadhaeMale: [Instrumental / Vocalization]
Male :……………………………..Chorus: Descended from the sky above,
Chorus :Andharathilae irundhu vanthirukkumDo not yearn for the lightning bolt.
Minnalukku aasai veikkadhaeDo not attack people with eyes sharp as arrows.
Ambai polae kannaalae aalai thakkaadhae
Male
……………………………………
Chorus
Aattam aadum bothu nottam pakkadhaeDo not stare critically while watching the dance.
Andharathilae irundhu vanthirukkumDescended from the sky above,
Chorus
Sirippilum nadippilum virikkira valaiyilumIn the net cast by smiles and acting,
Sittugal vizhumena ennaadhaeDo not think that small birds will fall into it.
Male
……………………………
Chorus
Mandhirathalaae thandhirathaalae mayakkiduvaaru aiyaaHe will mesmerize with mantras and tricks, sir!
Manasum vechaa maapillaiyaaga aagiduvaaru meiyaaIf he sets his mind to it, he will become the groom for real!
Mandhirathalaae thandhirathaalae mayakkiduvaaru aiyaaHe will mesmerize with mantras and tricks, sir!
Manasum vechaa maapillaiyaaga aagiduvaaru meiyaaIf he sets his mind to it, he will become the groom for real!
Male
Sooming meyibi noying vaaaming[Scat vocalization / Gibberish beats]
Chorus
Aattam aadum bothu nottam pakkadhaeDo not stare critically while watching the dance.
Andharathilae irundhu vanthirukkumDescended from the sky above,
Chorus
Thangiduthaiyaaa melam jingidulaiyaa melamThe drums beat with a rhythmic ring!
Pangidu elaam aiyaajaalamAll that is shared is pure illusion and magic!
Langidi ennaa aanaa solladi summaaJust tell me casually what happened!
…………………………………………
Chorus
Aattam aadum bothu nottam pakkadhaeDo not stare critically while watching the dance.
Andharathilae irundhu vanthirukkumDescended from the sky above,
Minnalukku aasai veikkadhaeDo not yearn for the lightning bolt.
Ambai polae kannaalae aalai thakkaadhaeDo not attack people with eyes sharp as arrows.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Aattam Aadum Bothu Nottam Pakkadhae is a vibrant folk dance song from the 1959 film Raja Malaiya Simman. The lyrics caution viewers against being captivated by the tantalizing beauty and stagecraft of the dancer, comparing her allure to unpredictable lightning and her piercing glances to sharp arrows. It playfully warns that one shouldn't assume innocent birds will fall into traps woven by theatrical smiles.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Ambai polae kannaalae aalai thakkaadhae

Compares the piercing effect of the dancer's eyes directly to sharp arrows ('Ambai polae kannaalae').

Uruvagaim (Metaphor)

Minnalukku aasai veikkadhae

Metaphorically addresses the elusive, stunning dancer as lightning from the sky ('Minnal').

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Mandhirathalaae thandhirathaalae mayakkiduvaaru aiyaa

Rhyming of the second consonant sound 'n' in 'Mandhirathaalae' and 'Thandhirathaalae'.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Mandhirathalaae thandhirathaalae mayakkiduvaaru aiyaa / Manasum vechaa maapillaiyaaga aagiduvaaru meiyaa

Matching ending sounds 'aiyaa' and 'meiyaa' across successive lines for musical cadence.

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Trivia

Raja Malaiya Simman (1959) was a swashbuckling action-adventure movie produced by Modern Theatres and directed by T. R. Sundaram. The song showcases early rhythmic scat vocalizations, a signature technique that the Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy duo often incorporated to elevate playful dance sequences.

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