Arachu Arachu
From Maharasan · 1993
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu | Oh, ground and crushed fine, |
| Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae | The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared. |
| Female | |
| Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu | Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight, |
| Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae | My heart lies suffering and pining for you. |
| Male | |
| Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu | Oh, ground and crushed fine, |
| Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae | The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared. |
| Female | |
| Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu | Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight, |
| Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae | My heart lies suffering and pining for you. |
| Male | |
| Ila maanae malligaiyae | Oh young doe, my jasmine flower, |
| Nalla mukkani sakkaraiyae | Oh sweetness of the three divine fruits and sugar, |
| Andhi neram vandhaa orangatti nikkiryae | When dusk arrives, why do you stand aside and push me away? |
| Female | |
| Pattu paaya podattumaa | Shall I spread out a silk mat for you? |
| Pudhu pallavi paadattumaa | Shall I sing a brand new melody for you? |
| Siru poovae unna tholil vachu aadattumaa | Oh little flower, shall I place you on my shoulder and dance? |
| Male | |
| Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu | Oh, ground and crushed fine, |
| Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae | The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared. |
| Female | |
| Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu | Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight, |
| Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae | My heart lies suffering and pining for you. |
| Male | |
| Innoruthan daavadichaa yaethukkumaa | Will my heart accept if another guy tries to flirt with you? |
| En manasu | My heart... |
| Naan parikka irukku indha thaamarai poovu | This lotus flower is meant for me to pluck. |
| Female | |
| Kaadhugalil poo suthuvaan | He will bluff and trick you, |
| Pudhu pudhu reel viduvaan | He will spin tales and blabber reels, |
| Kulla nari ivanaa indha maanukku thodhu | Is this cunning fox a suitable companion for this deer? |
| Male | |
| Nambi enna kaadhalichaa | If you trust and love me, |
| Nalla padi vaazha vaippen | I will make you live a wonderful life. |
| Oora suthi melam kotti | I will play the drums around the town, |
| Un thalaiyil poova vaippen | And place flowers in your hair to marry you. |
| Female | |
| Enna vittu en kuruvi | Leaving me behind, my little bird, |
| Unnidathil sikkidumaa | Will it get trapped with you? |
| Kaasu panam aadambaram | Is money, wealth, and luxury, |
| Kaadhalukku mukkiyamaa | More important than true love? |
| Male | |
| Vida maatten kanmaniyae | I will not let you go, my apple of eye, |
| Kannil minnura ponmaniyae | Oh golden gem shining in my eyes, |
| Kili kotha ingu kaathirukku senganiyae | Oh sweet red fruit waiting here for the parrot to peck! |
| Female | |
| Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu | Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight, |
| Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae | My heart lies suffering and pining for you. |
| Male | |
| Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu | Oh, ground and crushed fine, |
| Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae | The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared. |
| Female | |
| Ennudaiya maarbazhagum | My chest beauty, |
| Neendirukkum thol azhagum | And my broad shoulders, |
| Engirukku kiliyae idha nee konjam yosi | Where else will you find them, parrot? Think about it a bit. |
| Male | |
| Vaendiyadha vaangi thaaren | I will buy whatever you ask, |
| Kaiya katti kooda vaaren | I will walk behind you with folded hands, |
| Un adimai ivan thaan indha kaalaiyai naesi | This man is your slave, love this bull. |
| Female | |
| Raaniyammaa aanaiyittaal | If queen lady gives an order, |
| Yaeval seiya kaathirukken | I am waiting to do your bidding. |
| Raathiriyil kaalamukki | In the night, pressing your legs, |
| Neevi vida naanirukken | I am here to massage and comfort you. |
| Male | |
| Kaalaiyla kan muzhichaa | When you wake up in the morning, |
| Kaappi pottu naan koduppen | I will brew coffee and give it to you. |
| Saelaigalai edutherinjaa | If you toss your sarees away, |
| Soap pottu naan thuvaippen | I will wash them using soap. |
| Female | |
| Chinna saelam maambazhamae | Oh sweet little Salem mango, |
| Machaan thattura mathalamae | Oh rhythm drum beat by your cousin, |
| Endha naalum vandhu nenjil suthum bambaramae | Oh spinning top that turns in my heart every single day! |
| Male | |
| Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu | Oh, ground and crushed fine, |
| Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae | The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared. |
| Female | |
| Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu | Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight, |
| Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae | My heart lies suffering and pining for you. |
| Male | |
| Ila maanae malligaiyae | Oh young doe, my jasmine flower, |
| Nalla mukkani sakkaraiyae | Oh sweetness of the three divine fruits and sugar, |
| Andhi neram vandhaa orangatti nikkiryae | When dusk arrives, why do you stand aside and push me away? |
| Female | |
| Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu | Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight, |
| Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae | My heart lies suffering and pining for you. |
| Male | |
| Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu | Oh, ground and crushed fine, |
| Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae | The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared. |
அடி அரச்சு அரச்சு கொழச்சு கொழச்சு
தடவ தடவ மணக்கும் சந்தனமே
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
உன்ன நெனச்சு நெனச்சு எளச்சு எளச்சு
தவிச்சு தவிச்சு கிடக்கும் என் மனமே
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
அடி அரச்சு அரச்சு கொழச்சு கொழச்சு
தடவ தடவ மணக்கும் சந்தனமே
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
உன்ன நெனச்சு நெனச்சு எளச்சு எளச்சு
தவிச்சு தவிச்சு கிடக்கும் என் மனமே
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
இள மானே மல்லிகையே
நல்ல முக்கனி சக்கரையே
அந்தி நேரம் வந்தா ஓரங்கட்டி நிக்கிறியே
Oh young doe, my jasmine flower,
Oh sweetness of the three divine fruits and sugar,
When dusk arrives, why do you stand aside and push me away?
பட்டுப் பாய போடட்டுமா
புது பல்லவி பாடட்டுமா
சிறு பூவே உன்ன தோளில் வச்சு ஆடட்டுமா
Shall I spread out a silk mat for you?
Shall I sing a brand new melody for you?
Oh little flower, shall I place you on my shoulder and dance?
அடி அரச்சு அரச்சு கொழச்சு கொழச்சு
தடவ தடவ மணக்கும் சந்தனமே
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
உன்ன நெனச்சு நெனச்சு எளச்சு எளச்சு
தவிச்சு தவிச்சு கிடக்கும் என் மனமே
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
இன்னொருத்தன் டாவடிச்சா ஏத்துக்குமா
என் மனசு
நான் பறிக்க இருக்கு இந்தத் தாமரைப் பூவு
Will my heart accept if another guy tries to flirt with you?
My heart...
This lotus flower is meant for me to pluck.
காதுகளில் பூ சுத்துவான்
புதுப் புது ரீல் விடுவான்
குள்ள நரி இவனா இந்த மானுக்குத் தோது
He will bluff and trick you,
He will spin tales and blabber reels,
Is this cunning fox a suitable companion for this deer?
நம்பி என்ன காதலிச்சா
நல்ல படி வாழ வைப்பேன்
ஊரச் சுத்தி மேளம் கொட்டி
உன் தலையில் பூவ வைப்பேன்
If you trust and love me,
I will make you live a wonderful life.
I will play the drums around the town,
And place flowers in your hair to marry you.
என்ன விட்டு என் குருவி
உன்னிடத்தில் சிக்கிடுமா
காசு பணம் ஆடம்பரம்
காதலுக்கு முக்கியமா
Leaving me behind, my little bird,
Will it get trapped with you?
Is money, wealth, and luxury,
More important than true love?
விட மாட்டேன் கண்மணியே
கண்ணில் மிண்ணுர பொன்மணியே
கிளி கொத்த இங்கு காத்திருக்கு செங்கனியே
I will not let you go, my apple of eye,
Oh golden gem shining in my eyes,
Oh sweet red fruit waiting here for the parrot to peck!
உன்ன நெனச்சு நெனச்சு எளச்சு எளச்சு
தவிச்சு தவிச்சு கிடக்கும் என் மனமே
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
அடி அரச்சு அரச்சு கொழச்சு கொழச்சு
தடவ தடவ மணக்கும் சந்தனமே
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
என்னுடைய மார்பழகும்
நீண்டிருக்கும் தோள் அழகும்
எங்கிருக்கு கிளியே இத நீ கொஞ்சம் யோசி
My chest beauty,
And my broad shoulders,
Where else will you find them, parrot? Think about it a bit.
வேண்டியத வாங்கித் தரேன்
கைய கட்டிக் கூட வறேன்
உன் அடிமை இவன்தான் இந்த காளைய நேசி
I will buy whatever you ask,
I will walk behind you with folded hands,
This man is your slave, love this bull.
ராணியம்மா ஆணையிட்டால்
ஏவல் செய்யக் காத்திருக்கேன்
ராத்திரியில் காலமுக்கி
நீவி விட நானிருக்கேன்
If queen lady gives an order,
I am waiting to do your bidding.
In the night, pressing your legs,
I am here to massage and comfort you.
காலையில கண் முழிச்சா
காப்பி போட்டு நான் கொடுப்பேன்
சேலைகளை எடுத்தெறிஞ்சா
சோப்பு போட்டு நான் துவைப்பேன்
When you wake up in the morning,
I will brew coffee and give it to you.
If you toss your sarees away,
I will wash them using soap.
சின்ன சேலம் மாம்பழமே
மச்சான் தட்டுற மத்தளமே
எந்த நாளும் வந்து நெஞ்சில் சுத்தும் பம்பரமே
Oh sweet little Salem mango,
Oh rhythm drum beat by your cousin,
Oh spinning top that turns in my heart every single day!
அடி அரச்சு அரச்சு கொழச்சு கொழச்சு
தடவ தடவ மணக்கும் சந்தனமே
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
உன்ன நெனச்சு நெனச்சு எளச்சு எளச்சு
தவிச்சு தவிச்சு கிடக்கும் என் மனமே
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
இள மானே மல்லிகையே
நல்ல முக்கனி சக்கரையே
அந்தி நேரம் வந்தா ஓரங்கட்டி நிக்கிறியே
Oh young doe, my jasmine flower,
Oh sweetness of the three divine fruits and sugar,
When dusk arrives, why do you stand aside and push me away?
உன்ன நெனச்சு நெனச்சு எளச்சு எளச்சு
தவிச்சு தவிச்சு கிடக்கும் என் மனமே
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
அடி அரச்சு அரச்சு கொழச்சு கொழச்சு
தடவ தடவ மணக்கும் சந்தனமே
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
Ila maanae malligaiyae
Oh young doe, my jasmine flower,
Nalla mukkani sakkaraiyae
Oh sweetness of the three divine fruits and sugar,
Andhi neram vandhaa orangatti nikkiryae
When dusk arrives, why do you stand aside and push me away?
Pattu paaya podattumaa
Shall I spread out a silk mat for you?
Pudhu pallavi paadattumaa
Shall I sing a brand new melody for you?
Siru poovae unna tholil vachu aadattumaa
Oh little flower, shall I place you on my shoulder and dance?
Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
Innoruthan daavadichaa yaethukkumaa
Will my heart accept if another guy tries to flirt with you?
En manasu
My heart...
Naan parikka irukku indha thaamarai poovu
This lotus flower is meant for me to pluck.
Kaadhugalil poo suthuvaan
He will bluff and trick you,
Pudhu pudhu reel viduvaan
He will spin tales and blabber reels,
Kulla nari ivanaa indha maanukku thodhu
Is this cunning fox a suitable companion for this deer?
Nambi enna kaadhalichaa
If you trust and love me,
Nalla padi vaazha vaippen
I will make you live a wonderful life.
Oora suthi melam kotti
I will play the drums around the town,
Un thalaiyil poova vaippen
And place flowers in your hair to marry you.
Enna vittu en kuruvi
Leaving me behind, my little bird,
Unnidathil sikkidumaa
Will it get trapped with you?
Kaasu panam aadambaram
Is money, wealth, and luxury,
Kaadhalukku mukkiyamaa
More important than true love?
Vida maatten kanmaniyae
I will not let you go, my apple of eye,
Kannil minnura ponmaniyae
Oh golden gem shining in my eyes,
Kili kotha ingu kaathirukku senganiyae
Oh sweet red fruit waiting here for the parrot to peck!
Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
Ennudaiya maarbazhagum
My chest beauty,
Neendirukkum thol azhagum
And my broad shoulders,
Engirukku kiliyae idha nee konjam yosi
Where else will you find them, parrot? Think about it a bit.
Vaendiyadha vaangi thaaren
I will buy whatever you ask,
Kaiya katti kooda vaaren
I will walk behind you with folded hands,
Un adimai ivan thaan indha kaalaiyai naesi
This man is your slave, love this bull.
Raaniyammaa aanaiyittaal
If queen lady gives an order,
Yaeval seiya kaathirukken
I am waiting to do your bidding.
Raathiriyil kaalamukki
In the night, pressing your legs,
Neevi vida naanirukken
I am here to massage and comfort you.
Kaalaiyla kan muzhichaa
When you wake up in the morning,
Kaappi pottu naan koduppen
I will brew coffee and give it to you.
Saelaigalai edutherinjaa
If you toss your sarees away,
Soap pottu naan thuvaippen
I will wash them using soap.
Chinna saelam maambazhamae
Oh sweet little Salem mango,
Machaan thattura mathalamae
Oh rhythm drum beat by your cousin,
Endha naalum vandhu nenjil suthum bambaramae
Oh spinning top that turns in my heart every single day!
Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
Ila maanae malligaiyae
Oh young doe, my jasmine flower,
Nalla mukkani sakkaraiyae
Oh sweetness of the three divine fruits and sugar,
Andhi neram vandhaa orangatti nikkiryae
When dusk arrives, why do you stand aside and push me away?
Unna nenachu nenachu elachu elachu
Thinking of you constantly, I have lost my weight,
Thavichu thavichu kidakkum en manamae
My heart lies suffering and pining for you.
Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu
Oh, ground and crushed fine,
Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae
The sandalwood fragrance spreads every time it is smeared.
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
The song 'Arachu Arachu Kozhachu Kozhachu' from the 1993 Tamil movie Maharasan is a playful, romantic duet/expression of affection where the protagonist woos his beloved with humorous promises and deep affection. He compares her to fragrant sandalwood, jasmine flowers, sweet fruits, and Salem mangoes, emphasizing how pined-for and weakened his heart has become from constantly thinking about her. He challenges any potential rivals, assuring her that money and luxury pale in comparison to genuine love, while playfully offering to be her devoted servant who would cook coffee, massage her feet, and do her laundry once they marry.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Adi arachu arachu kozhachu kozhachu”
Words like 'arachu arachu', 'kozhachu kozhachu', 'thadava thadava', 'nenachu nenachu', 'elachu elachu', 'thavichu thavichu' are repeated in quick succession to enhance the rhythmic cadence and emotional intensity.
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Ila maanae malligaiyae Nalla mukkani sakkaraiyae”
Comparing the heroine to fine sweet fruit ('mukkani sakkaraiyae'), jasmine flower ('malligaiyae'), and a young doe ('ila maanae').
Edhugai (Second letter Rhyme)
“Pattu paaya podattumaa / Pudhu pallavi paadattumaa”
The second letters 'du' match across consecutive lines ('Pattu' and 'Pudhu').
Imagery & Alliteration
“Thadava thadava manakkum sandhanamae”
Use of sensory descriptions of sandalwood paste ('sandhanamae') creating olfactory and tactile imagery.
Did you know?
Trivia
Maharasan (1993) stars Kamal Haasan and Bhanupriya in lead roles. The film's music was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, featuring lyrics written by Vaali. The track 'Arachu Arachu' is known for its folk-infused beat and lively rural humor typical of Ilaiyaraaja-Vaali collaborations.
Keep listening