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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Azhagana Maaran

From Nalla Theerppu · 1959

Lyricist
Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Nalla Theerppu1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Azhagaana maaran yaaradiWho is this handsome Cupid-like man, my dear friend?
Azhagaana maaran yaaradiWho is this handsome Cupid-like man, my dear friend?
Manam alai mothum vinthai yaenadiWhy is it a wonder that my heart surges like restless waves?
Female
Aaruyir thozhi paaraaiLook, my dearest soulmate friend!
Intha azhagaana maran yaaro….Who is this handsome Cupid-like man?
Aaruyir thozhi paaraaiLook, my dearest soulmate friend!
Intha azhagaana maran yaaro….Who is this handsome Cupid-like man?
Female
Azhiyaatha kanavaaiLike an everlasting dream,
En vizhiyodu vilaiyaadiPlaying before my eyes,
Azhiyaatha kanavaaiLike an everlasting dream,
En vizhiyodu vilaiyaadiPlaying before my eyes,
Sinthaiyai allum senthamizh veeranA pure Tamil warrior who captivates the mind,
Sinthaiyai allum senthamizh veeranA pure Tamil warrior who captivates the mind,
Sunthara punnagai sinthum selvanA blessed youth who scatters a beautiful smile,
Anbaal arivaal aavalai thoondumWho kindles desire through love and wisdom,
Female
Azhagaana maaran yaaradiWho is this handsome Cupid-like man, my dear friend?
Female
Aasai kanimozhi pesi thanimaiyilSpeaking sweet, loving words in solitude,
Aadavum paadavum sontham varumaaWill my rightful beloved come to dance and sing?
Kadhalin nidhiyae seethala madhiyaeCalling me 'Treasure of love, cool soothing moon',
Gaana kuyilae kannae maniyae'Songbird cuckoo, my precious eyes and apple of my eye',
Female
Kaniyae suvaiyae enavae dhinamum'My sweet fruit, my delicacy'—every single day,
Kumutham malarum amutha nilavilIn the nectar-like moonlight where water lilies bloom,
Avanudan konji kulaviyaeCooing and sharing intimacy with him,
Nenjam magizhavae aasaikiniyaTo make my heart rejoice, my sweet desired one...
Female
Azhagaana maaran yaaro….Who is this handsome Cupid-like man?
Aaruyir thozhi paaraaiLook, my dearest soulmate friend!
Intha azhagaana maaran yaaradi….Who is this handsome Cupid-like man, my dear friend?
Female
Paavalan ilangovanthaanoIs he the great poet Ilango?
Paavalan ilangovanthaanoIs he the great poet Ilango?
Nalla panpaana vendhan pandiyan ivanoOr is he a cultured and noble Pandyan king?
Kaval meeri kannaalan meedhilTranscending all my modesty, upon my beloved,
Kandathum naanae kadhal kondaenaeThe moment I saw him, I fell deeply in love!
Female
Kaarmugil kaanum maamayil polaeJust like a majestic peacock sighting dark rain clouds,
Kanni en manamae aaduthal paaraaiLook at my maiden heart dancing in joy!
Female
…………….
Female
Azhagaana maaran yaaro….Who is this handsome Cupid-like man?
Aaruyir thozhi paaraaiLook, my dearest soulmate friend!
Intha azhagaana maaran yaaradi….Who is this handsome Cupid-like man, my dear friend?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song expresses the overwhelming feelings of a young woman who has fallen deeply in love upon seeing a charming hero. Confiding in her close friend (thozhi), she describes her beloved as a handsome, intelligent, and pure Tamil-speaking warrior who reminds her of great historic figures like the poet Ilango Adigal or a noble Pandyan king.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uwamai (Simile)

Kaarmugil kaanum maamayil polae

Compares the joy of the maiden's dancing heart upon seeing her beloved to a peacock dancing upon seeing rainclouds ('Kaarmugil kaanum maamayil polae').

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Kadhalin nidhiyae seethala madhiyae

Uses endearing terms of affection like treasure of love ('kadhalin nidhiyae'), cool moon ('seethala madhiyae'), and songbird ('gaana kuyilae').

Edugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Sinthaiyai allum senthamizh veeran / Sunthara punnagai sinthum selvan

Rhyming of the second letter 'n' across lines in 'Sinthaiyai' and 'Sunthara'.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Nalla Theerppu' (1959) starred Gemini Ganesan and Jamuna. The music was composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, a pioneer in early South Indian cinema music, with P. Leela providing her iconic classical vocal tone.

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