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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Appavukku Paiyan

From Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu · 1987

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Appaavukku paiyan vandhuThe son has come to look for a bride
Ponnu thedum kaalamadiyooifor his father, oh dear!
Ammaa appaa kalyaanathaIt is the time where the son conducts
Paiyan nadathum kaalamadiyothe marriage of his mother and father, oh dear!
Chorus
Appaavukku paiyan vandhuThe son has come to look for a bride
Ponnu thedum kaalamadiyoofor his father, oh dear!
Ammaa appaa kalyaanathaIt is the time where the son conducts
Paiyan nadathum kaalamadiyothe marriage of his mother and father, oh dear!
Male
Aahaa kaalam kali kaalamAha, the times have turned into Kali Yuga (dark times)
AachudhaeIt has become so!
Kalyaanam vyaabaaram aachudhaeMarriage has turned into a business transaction!
Chorus
Aahaa kaalam kali kaalamAha, the times have turned into Kali Yuga
AachudhaeIt has become so!
Kalyaanam vyaabaaram aachudhaeMarriage has turned into a business transaction!
Chorus
Hey Appaavukku paiyan vandhuHey, the son has come to look for a bride
Ponnu thedum kaalamadiyooifor his father, oh dear!
Ammaa appaa kalyaanathaIt is the time where the son conducts
Paiyan nadathum kaalamadiyo hooithe marriage of his mother and father, oh dear hooi!
Male
Paiyanukku pudicha ammaaA mother figure liked by the son
Thedi engum kidaikkalaecould not be found anywhere despite searching
Appanukku pudicha ponnaThe girl liked by the father
Paiyan virumbavillae hey heyis not liked by the son, hey hey
Chorus
Paiyanukku pudicha ammaaA mother figure liked by the son
Thedi engum kidaikkalaecould not be found anywhere despite searching
Appanukku pudicha ponnaThe girl liked by the father
Paiyan virumbavillaeis not liked by the son
Male
Iruvarum virumbi vittaaIf both end up liking each other
Jaadhagamo porundhalaetheir horoscopes do not match
Porundhidum jaadhagathaThe horoscope that matches well
Iruvarumae virumbalaeis not liked by both of them
Chorus
Iruvarum virumbi vittaaIf both end up liking each other
Jaadhagamo porundhalaetheir horoscopes do not match
Porundhidum jaadhagathaThe horoscope that matches well
Iruvarumae virumbalaeis not liked by both of them
Male
Vaangum andha sambala panamThe salary money that is earned
Chorus :Borkerukku podhalaeChorus: Is not enough even for the marriage broker
Male :Yengum indha ullangalukkuMale: For these yearning hearts
Chorus :Oru thunai ingu illaeChorus: There is no companion here
Male
Appaa kudumi paiyan kaiyilThe father's tuft of hair (control)
Maattikkichugot caught in the son's hand
Indha iruvaroda kudumiWhose hands will hold
Ini yaaru kaiyil haethese two people's tuft now, hey?
Chorus
Appaavukku paiyan vandhuThe son has come to look for a bride
Ponnu thedum kaalamadiyoofor his father, oh dear!
Ammaa appaa kalyaanathaIt is the time where the son conducts
Paiyan nadathum kaalamadiyothe marriage of his mother and father, oh dear!
Male
Aahaa kaalam kali kaalamAha, the times have turned into Kali Yuga
AachudhaeIt has become so!
Kalyaanam vyaabaaram aachudhaeMarriage has turned into a business transaction!
Chorus
Aahaa kaalam kali kaalamAha, the times have turned into Kali Yuga
AachudhaeIt has become so!
Kalyaanam vyaabaaram aachudhaeMarriage has turned into a business transaction!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This humorous and satirical song explores the role reversal and ironies involved in modern marriage arrangements. It cheekily depicts a situation where a son has to search for a suitable bride and companion for his own father, highlighting how traditional matchmaking has evolved into a commercial enterprise filled with mismatched expectations, astrological hurdles, and exorbitant brokerage fees. Through lighthearted commentary, the lyrics critique the commercialization of sacred bonds in the modern Kali Yuga age, where money and technicalities often override emotional compatibility, leaving yearning hearts without true companionship.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Irony / Satire

Appaavukku paiyan vandhu ponnu thedum kaalamadiyooi

The premise of a son searching for a bride for his father and managing his parents' marital prospects flips social roles to create satirical humor.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Aahaa kaalam kali kaalam... Kalyaanam vyaabaaram aachudhae

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Ka' across lines for rhythmic emphasis.

Metaphor

Appaa kudumi paiyan kaiyil maattikkichu

'Kudumi' (tuft of hair) is used as a metaphor for control or power over someone's life decisions.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Chinna Kuyil Paaduthu' (1987) features music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, starring Sivakumar and Ambika. The lyricist Gangai Amaran frequently penned witty, observational songs reflecting socio-cultural shifts in Tamil society.

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