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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Byla Byla

From Mamiyarum Oru Veettu Marumagale · 1961

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
Seerkazhi Govindarajan, Jikki
Music director
Pendyala Nageswara Rao
Details
Mamiyarum Oru Veettu Marumagale1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaalthin kolathil podudhu pottiIn the changing trends of time, a fierce competition is raging,
Kanniyar kottamum cyclai ottiEven a crowd of young maidens is riding bicycles!
Female :Vaalaiyum nettudhu african beautyFemale: They straighten their tresses imitating 'African beauty',
Vambhukku penghlai izhupadhae beautyWhile dragging women into trouble is what men consider beauty!
Male
Vaaiyai mooda solluTell them to shut their mouth,
Paaindhadhu munnae selluLeap forward and advance ahead!
Mangaiyar kumbalaiPush the crowd of women
Pinnal thalluFar behind!
Chorus
Humming …..(Humming...)
Female
Anbaiyum panbaiyum madhippavar pengalWomen are those who respect love and noble character,
Aasaikku adimaigal aavdhu aangalWhile men are the ones who become slaves to lust!
Male :Alarudhu pen kulam samathuvam kettuMale: Womankind screams loud demanding equality,
Amarudhu theatreil thaniyidam paarthuYet sits in movie theatres looking for a private secluded spot!
Female
Aandhaiyai pol aangal paarkkum podhuWhen men stare inappropriately like owls,
Pengal thaniyidam kettpadhil thappedhu solTell me, what is wrong if women ask for a private spot?
Male
Arai jaan koondhalil iruppuram pinnalWith a half-span of short hair braided on both sides,
Angathai maraikkira blouse jannalThe blouse meant to cover the body acts like an open window!
Female :Hohoho hoFemale: Hohoho ho!
Altop mainargal arivoo poojyamThese stylish high-top men have zero intelligence,
Aalavum ninaippadho kaadhalraajiyamYet they dream of ruling over a kingdom of love!
Male
HahaahaHahaha!
Anji ponaal minjum minji ponaal kenjumIf you cower, they overpower; if you stand tall, they beg,
Vanjiyar paarvai konjidumThe gaze of women will end up cajoling!
Chorus
Humming …..(Humming...)
Chorus
Humming …..(Humming...)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful debate duet from the 1961 film 'Mamiyarum Oru Veettu Marumagale' features a humorous clash of perspectives between men and women regarding modern fashion, social decorum, and gender equality. The male character critiques modern women for riding bicycles, wearing short hair, revealing clothing, and demanding equality while seeking isolation in theatres. The female character sharply responds by calling out men's hypocrisy, staring habits like owls, lack of intellect, and foolish desires to rule over love. Through clever satire and rhythmic banter composed by A. Maruthakasi, the song captures the cultural friction between traditional values and modern influences in mid-20th century Tamil society.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Kaalthin kolathil podudhu potti / Kanniyar kottamum cyclai otti

Rhyming ending syllables 'potti' and 'otti' across consecutive lines to create a rhythmic tempo.

Uwamai (Simile)

Aandhaiyai pol aangal paarkkum podhu

Comparing men staring improperly to owls ('Aandhaiyai pol').

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Angathai maraikkira blouse jannal

The second letter 'ng' matches in 'Angathai' and 'Arai' (phonetically matched rhythm) / 'pinnal' and 'jannal'.

Antithesis (Contrast)

Anji ponaal minjum minji ponaal kenjum

Contrasting reactions based on behavior: 'Anji ponaal' (if scared) vs 'minji ponaal' (if dominant/exceeding).

Did you know?

Trivia

The song reflects the transition period in 1960s Tamil cinema where lyricist A. Maruthakasi frequently captured social commentary on westernization, women's liberation, and evolving urban fashion trends through witty banter duets.

Keep listening

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