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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aattangal Pala Undu

From Kadavul Mama · 1974

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
T. G. Lingappa
Details
Kadavul Mama1974

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Attangal pal unduThere are many dances in life,
Avaigalil idhu ondruThis is one among them.
Attangal pal unduThere are many dances in life,
Avaigalil idhu ondruThis is one among them.
Thottrathil therivadhu ondruWhat appears on the outside is one thing,
Mana thudippil iruppadhu ondruWhat lies within the beating heart is another.
Mana thudippil iruppadhu ondruWhat lies within the beating heart is another.
Female
Haaa…Haaa…
Attangal pal unduThere are many dances in life,
Avaigalil idhu ondruThis is one among them.
Female
Thendral kaatril malarkoottam aadumoruA cluster of flowers dancing in the gentle breeze
Aattam paarkka azhagoottumIs a dance that adds beauty to behold.
Seerum puyalil mugam thottram maariIn a raging storm, its face changes,
Idhazh vaattam adaindhu thuyar oottumIts petals wither, bringing distress.
Female
Kannukku virundhaagum kavalaikku marundhaagumIt is a feast for the eyes and a cure for worries;
Menmai konda penmai thannai aanmaiIt is good for manhood to recognize the truth
Adhan unmai kandu pottruvadhu nanmaiAnd praise the gentle grace of womanhood.
Haaa..aa…aa…aahaaa…Haaa..aa…aa…aahaaa…
Female
Attangal pal unduThere are many dances in life,
Avaigalil idhu ondruThis is one among them.
Female
Konjum thalaivan thirutholai thazhuvumShould the flower garland embracing the divine shoulders of the loving lord
Malarmaalai tharaiyil vizhalaamaaBe allowed to fall onto the ground?
Koyil deiva silai thannai vaasarpadiShould the sacred deity idol of a temple
Munnae midhikka vidalaamaBe allowed to be trampled at the doorstep?
Female
Vandhadhu oru paadhai povadhu oru paadhaiThe path arrived from is one, the path ahead is another,
Indru kanda paadhai thunbha paadhaiThe path seen today is a path of sorrow.
Idhai enni enni yengugiraal paedhaiPondering this repeatedly, the innocent girl yearns.
Haaa..aa…aa…aahaaa…Haaa..aa…aa…aahaaa…
Female
Attangal pal unduThere are many dances in life,
Avaigalil idhu ondruThis is one among them.
Attangal pal unduThere are many dances in life,
Avaigalil idhu ondruThis is one among them.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This expressive song utilizes dance and nature as metaphors to depict the inner turmoil and dualities of life and womanhood. The lyrics contrast outward appearances with internal emotional distress, comparing a woman's heart to flowers that blossom delightfully in a gentle breeze but wither sorrowfully when struck by a storm. The song emphasizes the sanctity and gentleness of womanhood, questioning why a noble soul should be reduced to suffering or disrespect.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Attangal pal undu

The word 'Attangal' (dances) is used metaphorically for the games of fate and emotional roles played in life.

Contrast / Antidote (Eredhir Nilai)

Thendral kaatril malarkoottam aadumoru / Seerum puyalil mugam thottram maari

Contrasts the gentle breeze ('Thendral kaatril') that brings joy with the raging storm ('Seerum puyalil') that causes sorrow.

End Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Kannukku virundhaagum kavalaikku marundhaagum

The words 'virundhaagum' and 'marundhaagum' rhyme at the end of phrases to create musical symmetry.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kadavul Mama' (1974) features music composed by T. G. Lingappa, a legendary veteran composer who scored prominent Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films. The song is rendered with deep expressive nuances by S. Janaki and written by classic lyricist A. Maruthakasi.

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