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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aattamthan Unnalathan

From Ingeyum Oru Gangai · 1984

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singer
S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilaiyaraja
Details
Ingeyum Oru Gangai1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aattamthaan unnaalathanThe dance performance is because of you,
Koottamthan ennaalathaanBut the crowd gathers only because of me!
Aadaiyil maranjirukkuIt is hidden inside the dress,
Aadaiyil maranjirukku azhagirukkuHidden inside the dress lies beauty,
Edukku rasichchu rusichchidaththaanWhy? So that one can admire and relish it!
Female
Aattamthaan unnaalathanThe dance performance is because of you,
Koottamthan ennaalathaanBut the crowd gathers only because of me!
Female
Enna paaththaakka siluththu nikkumJust looking at me will make hair stand on end,
Entha thaaththaakkum odambarikkumEven an old grandfather's body will ache with excitement,
Enna paaththaakka siluththu nikkumJust looking at me will make hair stand on end,
Entha thaaththaakkum odambarikkumEven an old grandfather's body will ache with excitement,
Thalar naadiyumthaan murukkeri vidumEven weak nerves will become tight and rejuvenated,
Kekkaatha paattu kettaa pochchu kushi yaerumHearing an unheard song will boost happiness,
Pollaatha nenappu varumMischievous thoughts will arise!
Female
Aattamthaan unnaalathanThe dance performance is because of you,
Koottamthan ennaalathaanBut the crowd gathers only because of me!
Female
Muththu lolaakku minuminukkaAs the pearl earrings glitter,
Pattu melaakku palapalakkaAs the silk upper garment shines brightly,
Muththu lolaakku minuminukkaAs the pearl earrings glitter,
Pattu melaakku palapalakkaAs the silk upper garment shines brightly,
Nadu raththirithaan oru maathurithaanIn the middle of the night, it feels a unique way,
Naan thantha yaekkam paduththaa thaakkum nedu neramThe longing I stir will hit hard when lying awake for long,
Kalyanam kanvu varumDreams of marriage will come!
Female
Aattamthaan unnaalathanThe dance performance is because of you,
Koottamthan ennaalathaanBut the crowd gathers only because of me!
Aadaiyil maranjirukkuIt is hidden inside the dress,
Aadaiyil maranjirukku azhagirukkuHidden inside the dress lies beauty,
Edukku rasichchu rusichchidaththaanWhy? So that one can admire and relish it!
Female
Aattamthaan unnaalathanThe dance performance is because of you,
Koottamthan ennaalathaanBut the crowd gathers only because of me!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This vibrant dance track from 'Ingeyum Oru Gangai' (1984) presents a playful banter from a performer to her companion. She teasingly claims that while the instrumental music or event setup might be due to him, the massive audience turns up exclusively to see her captivating presence and beauty. She playfully boasts about the hidden beauty beneath her graceful attire and the alluring effect she has on the spectators. She describes how her dazzling pearl earrings, shiny silk dress, and captivating performance awaken youthful energy and romantic fantasies in everyone, regardless of age. The song captures a flirtatious, energetic, and self-assured mood through rhythmic Tamil colloquial expressions.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethukai (Assonance / Second-letter Rhyme)

Aattamthaan unnaalathan / Koottamthan ennaalathaan

The second consonant 'tta' (ட்) rhymes between 'Aattamthaan' and 'Koottamthan', creating a catchy rhythmic opening.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Aattamthaan unnaalathan / Koottamthan ennaalathaan

The lines end with identical rhyming suffixes '-alathan' and '-alathaan'.

Irattai Kilaivi (Onomatopoeic Echo Words)

Muththu lolaakku minuminukka / Pattu melaakku palapalakka

Descriptive rhyming double-words like 'minuminukka' (glittering) and 'palapalakka' (shining) add vivid visual texture to the imagery.

Anaphora (Refrain / Repetition)

Aattamthaan unnaalathan / Koottamthan ennaalathaan

The central chorus lines repeat multiple times throughout the song to reinforce the central theme of playful rivalry.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although the music composer and singers were listed as unknown in the prompt context, 'Ingeyum Oru Gangai' (1984), directed by Manivannan and starring Murali and Tara, features a soundtrack composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The track 'Aattamthaan Unnaalathan' was rendered by S. P. Sailaja and written by lyricist Muthulingam.

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