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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Adi Maadi

From Natpu · 1986

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
Jayachandran, Shoba Chandrasekar
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Natpu1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Adi maadi veettu maanae…Oh deer of the multi-storied house...
Unnai kattikkitten naanae…I have married you myself...
Adi maadi veettu maanae…Oh deer of the multi-storied house...
Unnai kattikkitten naanae…I have married you myself...
Male
Aiyaru vekkala ammi midhikkalaNo priest was placed, no grinding stone stepped on
Aiyaru vekkala ammi midhikkalaNo priest was placed, no grinding stone stepped on
Melamum kottala thaaliyum kattalaNo drums were beaten, no sacred thread tied
Kalyaanam thaan aagi pochuYet the marriage has taken place
Innikku mudhal iravu enna aachuWhat became of tonight's first night?
Male
Adi maadi veettu maanae…Oh deer of the multi-storied house...
Unnai kattikkitten naanae…I have married you myself...
Male
{Kalyaanam mudinju{Marriage is completed
Kadhavugal saathumDoors are closed
Kadhavugal saathi kalyaanamaa} (2)Is it a wedding after closing the doors?} (2)
Male
{Thattodu paal pazhangal{Milk and fruits served on a plate
Engae pennaeWhere are they, my girl?
Naan unnum paal pazhangalThe milk and fruits that I consume
Nee kannae} (2)Are you, my darling} (2)
Male
Kangalil ennadi kanneeraaWhy are there tears in your eyes, my dear?
Kannathil sudum venneeraaIs it hot water burning on your cheeks?
Aalaana anna kili koosaamal pesaadhaaWon't the grown-up parrot speak without hesitation?
Aththaanai alli kollaadhaaWon't she embrace her beloved husband?
Male
Adi maadi veettu maanae…Oh deer of the multi-storied house...
Unnai kattikkitten naanae…I have married you myself...
Male
Aiyaru vekkala ammi midhikkalaNo priest was placed, no grinding stone stepped on
Aiyaru vekkala ammi midhikkalaNo priest was placed, no grinding stone stepped on
Melamum kottala thaaliyum kattalaNo drums were beaten, no sacred thread tied
Kalyaanam thaan aagi pochuYet the marriage has taken place
Innikku mudhal iravu enna aachu..haeWhat became of tonight's first night.. hey
Male
{Kannaana kannae{Precious like my eyes
Kalyaana ponnaeOh wedding bride
Aala vachu adippaan yHe will hire men to beat
Yen maamanae} (2)My uncle} (2)
Male
{Vaal yendhi pagai mudippaan{Holding a sword, he will end enmity
Vaanji naadhanThe beloved lord
Ennodu thunai iruppaanHe will stay by my side as support
En thozhan} (2)My friend} (2)
Male
Vaanam idindhu vandhaalumEven if the sky collapses down
Boomi irandaai ponaalumEven if the earth splits into two
Naan indru vacha pottuThe vermilion dot I wore today
Maaraadhu maaraadhuWill not change, will not change
Ezhezhu jenmam kaanaadhuNot even across seven births
Female
Naan maadi veettu maanae…I am the deer of the multi-storied house...
Unnai thedi vandhen naanae…I came searching for you...
Naan maadi veettu maanae…I am the deer of the multi-storied house...
Unnai thedi vandhen naanae…I came searching for you...
Female
Aiyaru vekkala ammi midhikkalaNo priest was placed, no grinding stone stepped on
Aiyaru vekkala ammi midhikkalaNo priest was placed, no grinding stone stepped on
Melamum kottala thaaliyum kattalaNo drums were beaten, no sacred thread tied
Kaadhalukku aayul nooruLove has a lifespan of a hundred years
Indha kanneerukku artham veruThe meaning of these tears is different
Kaadhalukku aayul nooruLove has a lifespan of a hundred years
Indha kanneerukku artham veruThe meaning of these tears is different

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Natpu' (1986) is a tender romantic duet expressing the emotional depth of a couple's bond. The lovers emphasize that even though traditional wedding rituals—such as involving a priest (Aiyaru), stepping on the sacred stone (Ammi), playing drums (Melam), or tying a holy thread (Thaali)—were absent, their hearts have truly wedded each other. They reassure each other of their eternal commitment and devotion, declaring that their love will endure beyond any earthly hardships or societal opposition.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvaman)

Adi maadi veettu maanae…

The heroine is affectionately compared to a deer residing in an upper-story home ('Maadi veettu maanae'), symbolizing innocence, gentle grace, and high stature.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Melamum kottala thaaliyum kattala

The repetition of the 'tt' sound in the second character of contiguous phrases ('kottala' and 'kattala') creates acoustic harmony.

Monai (Initial Letter Alliteration)

Aiyaru vekkala ammi midhikkala

Alliteration of the initial vowel 'A' in 'Aiyaru' and 'Ammi' enhances the rhythmic flow of the traditional ritual description.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1986 Tamil film 'Natpu' directed by Ameerjan, the song highlights lyricist Vairamuthu's poetic imagery contrasting traditional ritualistic marriage elements with deep, soul-level romantic attachment.

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