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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ayyo Machan

From Srivalli · 1961

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
J. P. Chandrababu
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Srivalli1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aiyoo machaan mannaaruAlas, brother-in-law Mannaru!
Yen angae poyi ninnaaruWhy did he go and stand there?
Azhagaathaan odhaiyai vaanghi thinnaaruHe beautifully got beaten up and swallowed the kicks!
Aiyoo machaan mannaaruAlas, brother-in-law Mannaru!
Yen angae poyi ninnaaruWhy did he go and stand there?
Azhagaathaan odhaiyai vaanghi thinnaaruHe beautifully got beaten up and swallowed the kicks!
Male
Idicha idiyil kannang koodaFrom the blow he received, even his cheeks
Sevandhu kidakkudhu ada yendaa machaanAre lying turned red, oh why brother-in-law?
Yendaa machaan unakku ippadi virundhu nadakkudhuWhy brother-in-law, is such a feast happening to you?
Idicha idiyil kannang koodaFrom the blow he received, even his cheeks
Sevandhu kidakkudhu ada yendaa machaanAre lying turned red, oh why brother-in-law?
Unakku ippadi virundhu nadakkudhuIs such a feast happening to you?
Male
Idicha idiyil kannang koodaFrom the blow he received, even his cheeks
Sevandhu kidakkudhu ada yendaa machaanAre lying turned red, oh why brother-in-law?
Unakku ippadi virundhu nadakkudhuIs such a feast happening to you?
Adicha adiyil kolukattai polFrom the beating, like a swollen dumpling
Thadichu kidakkudhuIt lies swollen!
Adicha adiyil kolukattai polFrom the beating, like a swollen dumpling
Thadichu kidakkudhuIt lies swollen!
Oorai keduthittu perai keduthittuRuining the town, ruining the good name
Yaarai keduthida vandhaayingaeWhom did you come here to ruin?
Male
Aiyoo machaan mannaaruAlas, brother-in-law Mannaru!
Yen angae poyi ninnaaruWhy did he go and stand there?
Azhagaathaan odhaiyai vaanghi thinnaaruHe beautifully got beaten up and swallowed the kicks!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This comical song performed by J. P. Chandrababu mock-laments the plight of a foolish character named Mannaru, who went somewhere he did not belong and received a sound thrashing. The speaker sarcastically describes Mannaru's injuries as a sumptuous 'feast', pointing out his swollen cheeks and bruised face while poking fun at his misguided actions. Through lively rhythmic delivery and witty folk imagery, the song delivers a lighthearted moral warning against causing mischief and bringing dishonor upon oneself.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Sarcasm / Irony

Azhagaathaan odhaiyai vaanghi thinnaaru

Referring to receiving a severe beating as 'beautiful' (azhagaathaan) is a humorous form of irony used for comedic effect.

Metaphor

Unakku ippadi virundhu nadakkudhu

Comparing a physical beating to a 'feast' (virundhu) served to Mannaru.

Simile

Adicha adiyil kolukattai pol

Directly comparing the swollen face/bruise caused by the beating to a rounded sweet dumpling (kolukattai).

Repetition and Rhyme

Oorai keduthittu perai keduthittu

The repetition of 'keduthittu' (ruining) reinforces the foolishly destructive behavior of the character.

Did you know?

Trivia

J. P. Chandrababu was a master comedian and singer in Tamil cinema who brought Western slapstick and unique vocal improvisations into film songs. His distinct vocal style made this comedic track from 'Srivalli' (1961) a memorable hit.

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