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Lyrics & meaning

Azhagana Vazhai Marathottam

From Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum · 1963

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
P. Susheela, Chorus
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
O o o o ahahahaO o o o ahahaha
ohhohoOhhoho
ahahahaAhahaha
ohhohoOhhoho
Female
Azhagaana vaazhai marathottam idhuThis is a beautiful banana grove
Aadi varum thanga mayila attamLike the dance of a swaying golden peacock
Chorus :Azhagaana vaazhai marathottam idhuChorus: This is a beautiful banana grove
Aadi varum thanga mayila attamLike the dance of a swaying golden peacock
Ilaiyodu pootha malar koottamA cluster of flowers blooming along with leaves
Idhu iravil malarum alli malarattamThis is like night-blooming water lilies
Ilaiyodu pootha malar koottamA cluster of flowers blooming along with leaves
Idhu iravil malarum alli malarattamThis is like night-blooming water lilies
Female
Kattilil kanavar mun kaniyaavomIn bed before our husbands, we shall become sweet fruit
Chorus :AhahahahaChorus: Ahahahaha
Female :Por kalathil pagaivar munn puliyaavomFemale: On the battlefield before enemies, we shall become tigers
Chorus :OhoohohoChorus: Ohoohoho
Female
Kattilil kanavar mun kaniyaavomKattilil kanavar mun kaniyaavom
Por kalathil pagaivar munn puliyaavomOn the battlefield before enemies, we shall become tigers
Female :Thottilin munnalae thaayavomFemale: Before the cradle, we shall become mothers
Thottilin munnalae thaayaavomBefore the cradle, we shall become mothers
Thee suttaalum kuraiyaadha thanga maavomWe shall be pure gold whose value never diminishes even when burned in fire
Thee suttaalum kuraiyaadha thanga maavomWe shall be pure gold whose value never diminishes even when burned in fire
Female
Aanukku nigarendru oodhadi sangamBlow the conch shell declaring woman is equal to man
Chorus :AhahahahaChorus: Ahahahaha
Female :Avar anbukku malarendru oodhadi sangamFemale: Blow the conch shell declaring woman is a flower to his love
Chorus :OhoohohoChorus: Ohoohoho
Female
Aanukku nigarendru oodhadi sangamBlow the conch shell declaring woman is equal to man
Avar anbukku malarendru oodhadi sangamBlow the conch shell declaring woman is a flower to his love
Female :Maanathil maanendru oodhadi sangamFemale: Blow the conch shell declaring woman is like a deer in self-respect
Maanathil maanendru oodhadi sangamBlow the conch shell declaring woman is like a deer in self-respect
Maanathil manendru oodhadi sangamBlow the conch shell declaring woman is like a deer in self-respect
Naam mannaalum pennendru oodhadi sangamBlow the conch shell declaring that even if we rule the earth, we are proudly women
Naam mannaalum pennendru oodhadi sangamBlow the conch shell declaring that even if we rule the earth, we are proudly women

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This uplifting song celebrates womanhood, highlighting the multifaceted roles and intrinsic strength of women. Set against lush imagery of banana groves and blooming flowers, the lyrics describe women as loving partners, fierce warriors against adversity, and nurturing mothers at the cradle. Kannadasan's verses call upon the world to blow the conch of equality, proclaiming that women are equal to men, pure like gold, and proud of their identity even when ruling the earth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Aadi varum thanga mayila attam

Compares the banana grove's rhythmic movement to the graceful dance of a golden peacock.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kattilil kanavar mun kaniyaavom / Por kalathil pagaivar munn puliyaavom

Metaphorically describes women as sweet fruit in love and fierce tigers on the battlefield.

Refrain / Anaphora

Aanukku nigarendru oodhadi sangam

The repeated phrase 'oodhadi sangam' serves as a call to proclaim women's equality and dignity loudly.

Initial Rhyme (Monai)

Aanukku nigarendru... / Avar anbukku...

Alliteration of the initial vowel sound 'A' across parallel lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1963 film 'Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum' starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and B. Saroja Devi, this progressive track composed by K. V. Mahadevan stands as an early feminist anthem in Tamil film music, championing gender equality and female empowerment.

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