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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Athangaraiyil Poththa

From Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru · 1981

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru1981

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Athangaraiyil pootha malli kanna parikkudhuThe jasmine blooming on the riverbank dazzles the eyes.
Asainju nadakkum annakkili enna izhukkudhuThe swan-like maiden walking gracefully pulls me towards her.
Athangaraiyil pootha malli kanna parikkudhuThe jasmine blooming on the riverbank dazzles the eyes.
Asainju nadakkum annakkili enna izhukkudhuThe swan-like maiden walking gracefully pulls me towards her.
Female :Kaathu nozhainju paruthikkullae nadanam aadudhuFemale: The breeze enters the cotton field and dances.
Kaalam arindhu saela konjam parandhu kattudhuKnowing the right moment, the saree flies and drapes softly.
Kaathu nozhainju paruthikkullae nadanam aadudhuThe breeze enters the cotton field and dances.
Kaalam arindhu saela konjam parandhu kattudhuKnowing the right moment, the saree flies and drapes softly.
Male
Athangaraiyil pootha malli kanna parikkudhuThe jasmine blooming on the riverbank dazzles the eyes.
Asainju nadakkum annakkili enna izhukkudhuThe swan-like maiden walking gracefully pulls me towards her.
Male
Salsalangudhu salasalangudhuJingle-jangle, clinking rhythmically,
Salangai kaalu renduThe pair of feet wearing anklets.
Female :Sarasamaada azhaikkudhaiyaaFemale: It invites us to indulge in romance, sir,
Kanniyullae vanduThe bee inside the maiden's heart.
Male
Haan salsalangudhu salasalangudhuAh, jingle-jangle, clinking rhythmically,
Salangai kaalu renduThe pair of feet wearing anklets.
Female :Sarasamaada azhaikkudhaiyaaFemale: It invites us to indulge in romance, sir,
Kanniyullae vanduThe bee inside the maiden's heart.
Male
Kal kalangudhu kalakalangudhuClinking brightly and ringing,
Ponnu sirikkum sirippuThe charming smile of the girl.
Female :Kanni ponnu sirippu thaanaeFemale: Isn't the young maiden's smile
Kaadhal pesum azhaippuAn invitation that speaks of love?
Male
Kal kalangudhu kalakalangudhuClinking brightly and ringing,
Ponnu sirikkum sirippuThe charming smile of the girl.
Female :Kanni ponnu sirippu thaanaeFemale: Isn't the young maiden's smile
Kaadhal pesum azhaippuAn invitation that speaks of love?
Male
AangAh
Athangaraiyil pootha malli kanna parikkudhuThe jasmine blooming on the riverbank dazzles the eyes.
Asainju nadakkum annakkili enna izhukkudhuThe swan-like maiden walking gracefully pulls me towards her.
Female
Adakkamaana kaattukullaeDeep inside the quiet forest,
Yaanai pogum paadhaiThe path taken by the elephant.
Male :Yaanai pogum paadhaiyilaeMale: On the path where the elephant walks,
Maanai paartha bodhaiThe intoxication of sighting the deer.
Female
Maanai paartha bodhaiyilaeIn the intoxication of sighting the deer,
Mayangi ninnaa kodhaiThe young maiden stood swooning.
Male :Mayangi ninna kodhaiyidamMale: In front of that swooning maiden,
Vizhundhu vittan maedhaiThe wise scholar fell completely.
Female
Elaya virichu pooav pottuSpreading leaves and decorating with flowers,
Manjam poda porenI am going to prepare the bed.
Male :Ela maraivaa kaai maraivaaMale: Hidden behind leaves and fruits,
Konji pesa vaarenI am coming to talk endearingly.
Female
Elaya virichu pooav pottuSpreading leaves and decorating with flowers,
Manjam poda porenI am going to prepare the bed.
Male :Ela maraivaa kaai maraivaaMale: Hidden behind leaves and fruits,
Konji pesa vaarenI am coming to talk endearingly.
Female
Angae ingae kaiya vechaaIf you place your hands here and there,
Anumadhikka mattenI will not allow it.
Male :Haa avasarama irundha bodhumMale: Ha, even if I am in a rush of desire,
Thavaru seiay mattenI will not commit any mistake.
Female
Haan angae ingae kaiya vechaaAh, if you place your hands here and there,
Anumadhikka mattenI will not allow it.
Male :Avasarama irundha bodhumMale: Even if I am in a rush of desire,
Thavaru seiay mattenI will not commit any mistake.
Female :HaanFemale: Ah
Male
Athangaraiyil pootha malli kanna parikkudhuThe jasmine blooming on the riverbank dazzles the eyes.
Female :HaahaanFemale: Aha-ha
Male :Asainju nadakkum annakkili enna izhukkudhuMale: The swan-like maiden walking gracefully pulls me towards her.
Female :HaahaanFemale: Aha-ha
Male :Athangaraiyil pootha malli kanna parikkudhuMale: The jasmine blooming on the riverbank dazzles the eyes.
Female :HaahaanFemale: Aha-ha
Male :Asainju nadakkum annakkili enna izhukkudhuMale: The swan-like maiden walking gracefully pulls me towards her.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the movie Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru (1981) portrays a playful, romantic dialogue between two lovers in a lush, natural environment. The imagery connects nature—riverbanks, cotton fields, blooming jasmine, and forest wildlife—with the physical and emotional attraction between the couple. The maiden teases the man with her beauty, anklet sounds, and bright smile, while setting playful boundaries. The male lover responds with affection, comparing her to a deer and assuring her of his honorable intentions even amidst intense romance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Onomatopoeia (இசைக்குறிப்பு)

Salsalangudhu salasalangudhu

Words like 'salasalangudhu' and 'kalakalangudhu' mimic the rhythmic sounds of anklets and ringing laughter.

Metaphor (உவமை / உருவகம்)

Asainju nadakkum annakkili enna izhukkudhu

Comparing the female protagonist to an 'annakkili' (swan/parrot) and 'maan' (deer) to accentuate her beauty and grace.

Second Letter Rhyme (எதுகை - Ethugai)

Adakkamaana kaattukullae

Matching second consonants across lines ('Adakkamaana' / 'Yaanai') creating classical Tamil poetic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by M. S. Vishwanathan with lyrics by Kannadasan, this duet features Malaysia Vasudevan and S. Janaki. The song is well-known for its vibrant folk-classical blend and rustic imagery typical of late 70s and early 80s Tamil cinema compositions.

Keep listening

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