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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Antha Uchi Mala Katha Kelu

From Enga Thambi · 1993

Lyricist
Ponnadiyan
Singer
Mano
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Enga Thambi1993

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ohhoho…Ohhoho…
Ohho hohhoho…Ohho hohhoho…
Kukkoo koo… koo… koo…Cuckoo koo… koo… koo…
kukkoo koo… koo… koo…Cuckoo koo… koo… koo…
O ho o ho o ho o ho ho…O ho o ho o ho o ho ho…
Male
Andha uchi mala kaatha keluListen to the wind on that mountain peak
Pichumani pera chollum aathaaOh mother, it says the name Pichumani
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Andha chinna kuyil paatta keluListen to the song of that little cuckoo
Ennudaiya paatta paadum aathaaOh mother, it sings my song
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Male
Vetri padi yeridum gettikkaara pillaiyaiTo the smart kid climbing the steps of success
Enga thambi nee yenaSaying 'You are our younger brother'
Vaazhthum indha pookkalaeThese flowers bless him
Ellorukkum chella pillai naan aiyaadiyoI am everyone's darling child, oh my!
Male
Uchi mala kaatha keluListen to the wind on that mountain peak
Pichumani pera chollum aathaaOh mother, it says the name Pichumani
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Andha chinna kuyil paatta keluListen to the song of that little cuckoo
Ennudaiya paatta paadum aathaaOh mother, it sings my song
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Male
Oosi thooralil veesum saaralilIn the needle-thin drizzle and blowing spray
Ullam naanal polae aadum paadumThe heart sways and sings like a reed
Velli megangal palli thozhan polSilver clouds like school friends
Endhan tholai theendi odum koodumTouch my shoulders, run, and gather
Male
Naanum oru kaattaruviI too am like a forest waterfall
Pola nadappenI will walk like one
Neela nira neeralaiyaaiAs blue-colored water waves
Pongi sirippenI will gush and laugh
En veedu en vaazhvu ingae thaan…aan..My home and my life are right here!
Male
Andha uchi mala kaatha keluListen to the wind on that mountain peak
Pichumani pera chollum aathaaOh mother, it says the name Pichumani
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Andha chinna kuyil paatta keluListen to the song of that little cuckoo
Ennudaiya paatta paadum aathaaOh mother, it sings my song
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Enga thambi nee yenaSaying 'You are our younger brother'
Vaazhthum indha pookkalaeThese flowers bless him
Ellorukkum chella pillai naan aiyaadiyoI am everyone's darling child, oh my!
Male
Vattam pottidum pattu poochikkuFor the butterfly circling around
Kattuppaadu kaaval yedhu kooruTell me, what control or guard is there?
Entha neramum mandha maarudhamAt all times, the gentle breeze
Enna paarthaal pesum paaru keluLook and listen, it speaks when it sees me
Male
Naalai ennum naalai enniThinking about tomorrow and the days ahead
Enna kavalaiWhat worry is there?
Nalla padi vaazhndhaal ennaWhy not live nicely
Indha pozhudhaiThis present moment?
Ullaasam urchaagam ennodu…uu…Joy and enthusiasm are with me!
Male
Andha uchi mala kaatha keluListen to the wind on that mountain peak
Pichumani pera chollum aathaaOh mother, it says the name Pichumani
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Andha chinna kuyil paatta keluListen to the song of that little cuckoo
Ennudaiya paatta paadum aathaaOh mother, it sings my song
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Male
Vetri padi yeridum gettikkaara pillaiyaiTo the smart kid climbing the steps of success
Enga thambi nee yenaSaying 'You are our younger brother'
Vaazhthum indha pookkalaeThese flowers bless him
Ellorukkum chella pillai naan aiyaadiyoI am everyone's darling child, oh my!
Male
Uchi mala kaatha keluListen to the wind on that mountain peak
Pichumani pera chollum aathaaOh mother, it says the name Pichumani
Adi aathaaOh mother!
Andha chinna kuyil paatta keluListen to the song of that little cuckoo
Ennudaiya paatta paadum aathaaOh mother, it sings my song
Adi aathaaOh mother!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a joyful celebration of youth, nature, and affection. The protagonist expresses a deep connection with the natural world around him—identifying with the mountain breezes, cuckoo songs, drizzling rain, and playful clouds. He feels embraced by nature as if it recognizes him by name and celebrates his presence.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Ullam naanal polae aadum paadum

Compares the heart swaying and singing in the breeze to a reed ('Ullam naanal polae aadum paadum').

Personification

Velli megangal palli thozhan pol

Clouds are personified as school friends touching the speaker's shoulders ('Velli megangal palli thozhan pol / Endhan tholai theendi odum koodum').

Mondhanaai / Rhyme (Monai and Ethirai)

Oosi thooralil veesum saaralil

Use of second-letter rhyming across lines, such as 'Oosi' and 'Ullam' or 'Velli' and 'Endhan', bringing rhythmic flow to the Tamil lyrics.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie 'Enga Thambi' (1993) features Prashanth in the lead role, and the music was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, featuring vocals by Mano.

Keep listening

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