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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ammammaa Kannathil

From Vallavan Oruvan · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
S. Vedhachalam
Details
Vallavan Oruvan1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Laalallaaa aaha…aa…haa..Laallalla aaha...aa...haa..
Laalallaaa aaha…aa…haa..Laallalla aaha...aa...haa..
Ammama kannathilOh my, on the cheek
kannam vaithu kolluplace your cheek against mine.
Kallunda poovai konjam killuPinch a little this flower intoxicated with nectar.
Ammamma sugamenna sollu…Oh my, tell me what this bliss is...
Female
Ammama….Oh my...
Thangathil thatti vaitha pandhuA ball crafted out of gold,
Manjathil katti vaitha chendua flower bouquet tied together on the bed,
Aadatum vanthu ammamalet it dance, come, oh my.
Female
Vannak koondthal kayil irangaAs colorful tresses descend into the hands,
Vattak kanngal paathi urangaand round eyes fall half-asleep,
Thannathaniye manathu mayanga vaa…come, let the heart swoon all alone...
Aarabam unnaal aaattum munnaalThe beginning is because of you; before time passes,
Neram ithu haan vaathis is the right time, ah, come.
Mutham enbathu pudhumaiyaIs a kiss a novelty?
Ahagukku nere vaa…Come directly facing beauty...
Female
kannathilOn the cheek,
Kannam vaithu kolluplace your cheek against mine.
Kallunda poovai konjam killuPinch a little this flower intoxicated with nectar.
Ammamma sugamenna sollu…Oh my, tell me what this bliss is...
Female
Oru thamarayil unnai eduthuHolding you upon a lotus,
Ongum maangani saaru koduthuoffering the rich juice of a ripe mango,
Iravu sirayil kaavalirupen vaaI shall stand guard in the prison of night, come.
Kaadhalanai kannaal kaanattum unnaalLet me see my lover through my eyes because of you,
Kaalam idhu thaan vaathis is the moment, come.
Mutham enbathu pudhumaiyaIs a kiss a novelty?
Ahagukku nere vaa…Come directly facing beauty...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Ammama Kannathil from the 1966 spy thriller Vallavan Oruvan is an alluring, sensual track composed by Vedha (S. Vedhachalam) and penned by lyricist Kannadasan, brought to life by L.R. Eswari's expressive vocals. The song captures a passionate, romantic exchange filled with intimate poetic imagery, comparing the lover's beauty to golden flowers and nectar-filled blossoms. Through evocative metaphors of midnight enchantment, soft embrace, and romantic surrender, the protagonist invites her lover to share sweet moments of togetherness. The composition seamlessly blends seductive charm with rhythmic playfulness, standing out as an iconic cabaret-style track from 1960s Tamil cinema.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Metaphor)

Kallunda poovai konjam killu

Compares the beloved to a flower drunk on sweet nectar ('kallunda poo') waiting to be pinched or embraced.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Thangathil thatti vaitha pandhu

The second consonant sound matches across consecutive lines ('Thangathil' and 'Manjathil'), enhancing the rhythmic cadence.

Uvamai (Metaphor)

Iravu sirayil kaavalirupen vaa

Describes the night poeticly as a prison ('iravu sirai') where love keeps guard.

Did you know?

Trivia

Vallavan Oruvan (1966), produced by Modern Theatres and starring Jaishankar, was heavily inspired by James Bond style spy thrillers. Music director Vedha was celebrated for introducing stylish Western rhythms and club-dance arrangements to Tamil cinema, with L.R. Eswari serving as his go-to singer for seductive, high-energy tracks.

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