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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Adhu Adhu Adhu

From Valli Deivanai · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
N. S. Thiyagarajan
Details
Valli Deivanai1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Adhu adhu adhuThat, that, that
Adhuvaagaadhilae adanguthammaIt settles naturally where it belongs, my dear
Female : Edhu edhu edhuFemale: What, what, what
Edhuvaaga edhilae adanguthaiyaaWhat becomes what, and where does it settle, sir?
Male
Pullai thadavi varum thendralThe breeze that gently caresses the grass
Mana poottai thirandhu vaikkum kangalThe eyes that unlock the secret locks of the heart
Ellai kadanthu vitta ullamThe mind that has transcended all boundaries
Adhil ennai kulikka veitha vellamThe flood of joy that bathes me completely
Female
Nenjil maraithu vaitha thittamThe secret scheme hidden within the chest
Kannil neendhi paranthu varum pattamThe kite that swims and flies through the eyes
Manjal nilavil oru kattamA scene set under the golden yellow moon
Adhu maaya kalai payilum vattamIt is a mystic circle where magical arts are learned
Male
Adhu adhu adhuThat, that, that
Adhuvaagaadhilae adanguthammaIt settles naturally where it belongs, my dear
Female :Edhu edhu edhuFemale: What, what, what
Edhuvaaga edhilae adanguthaiyaaWhat becomes what, and where does it settle, sir?
Male
Aadi kulungi varum pandhuThe playful ball that comes bouncing and swaying
Adhu paadi kondae irukkum sindhuIt is a melody that continues to sing endlessly
Female :Thevai nadatha varum sittuFemale: The little bird coming to fulfill desires
Adhu thaenai sumandhu varum mottuIt is a flower bud carrying sweet honey within
Male
Moodi marainthirukkum senuThe concealed treasure hidden from sight
Adhan munnal irukkum oru vanduA honeybee lingering right in front of it
Female :Aadai mundhaanai adhil pattuFemale: The silk fabric of the garment's pallu
Ammamma nadungum udarkattuOh my, the delicate form that trembles in passion
Male
Adhu adhu adhuThat, that, that
Adhuvaagaadhilae adanguthammaIt settles naturally where it belongs, my dear
Female :Edhu edhu edhuFemale: What, what, what
Edhuvaaga edhilae adanguthaiyaaWhat becomes what, and where does it settle, sir?
Male
Udhadugal sembavala pettiLips resembling a red coral treasure box
Adhil oori kidakkum vellakattiInside lies sweet jaggery soaked in nectar
Oru tharam kaigalukku kattiEmbracing tightly in arms just once
Adhai undaal mayangum thalai suthiConsuming it causes dizzying intoxication
Female
Kannikku maeni oru azhaguA maiden's physical form is pure beauty
Aval kaadhal vilundha melugaShe is like wax melting in the warmth of love
Enna kuraindhu vidum pazhaguWhat harm is there? Come, grow close
Ini endrum nilaikkum indha uravuThis bond will remain timeless forever from now on
Male
Adhu adhu adhuThat, that, that
Adhuvaagaadhilae adanguthammaIt settles naturally where it belongs, my dear
Female :Edhu edhu edhuFemale: What, what, what
Edhuvaaga edhilae adanguthaiyaaWhat becomes what, and where does it settle, sir?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

iconic romantic duet composed by N. S. Thiyagarajan with lyrics by the legend Kannadasan features playful bantering between lovers. The song opens with enigmatic, philosophical yet seductive questions where the hero speaks of mysterious romantic desires finding their natural resting place, while the heroine coyly inquires about his subtle metaphors. Throughout the song, Kannadasan uses vivid nature imagery—breezes, fluttering kites, flower buds, golden moons, and honeybees—to symbolize intimate passion and emotional union. The lovers express their deep attachment, describing physical affection, sweet stolen glances, and a timeless bond that promises to endure forever.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaam/Aana Mōnai (Initial Alliteration)

Adhu adhu adhu / Adhuvaagaadhilae adanguthamma

Repetition of the initial letter 'A' across words in consecutive lines ('Adhu', 'Adhuvaagaadhilae').

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Kannil neendhi paranthu varum pattam / Adhu maaya kalai payilum vattam

Use of matching rhyming end-syllables like 'pattam' and 'vattam'.

Uruvagamb (Metaphor)

Udhadugal sembavala petti / Adhil oori kidakkum vellakatti

Describing lips as a red coral casket housing sweet jaggery.

Uvamai (Simile / Imagery)

Aval kaadhal vilundha meluga

Comparing a maiden melting in love to soft wax ('melugu').

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1973 film 'Valli Deivanai', this song stands out for Kannadasan's playful mastery of rhythmic wordplay using demonstrative pronouns ('Adhu', 'Edhu') to create a sensual yet poetically subtle conversation between T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela.

Keep listening

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