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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chella Pillai Saravanan

From Pen Jenmam · 1977

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
P. Susheela, K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Pen Jenmam1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Chella pillai saravananThe beloved child Saravanan
Thiruchendur vaazhum sundharanThe handsome one living in Thiruchendur
Kobathil manathaabathilIn anger and heartache
Kundram yeri vandhavanHe who climbed the hill and arrived
Female
Chella pillai saravananThe beloved child Saravanan
Thiruchendur vaazhum sundharanThe handsome one living in Thiruchendur
Female
Oonjalil konjam aaduvaanHe will swing a bit on the swing
Pinbu oodalil konjam aaduvaanThen he will play a bit in love's sulkiness
Koondhalil malar soodiyaeAdorning flowers in her hair
Avan kooda naan vara venduvaanShe prays to go along with him
Female
Mayangi na……anEnchanted, I...
Mayangi naan mellaEnchanted, as I slowly...
Thadai solla sinam kolvaanRefuse him, he will grow angry
Male
Chella pillai saravananThe beloved child Saravanan
Thiruchendur vaazhum sundharanThe handsome one living in Thiruchendur
Valliyai inba valliyaiValli, the joyful Valli
Alli konda mannavanThe king who embraced her tight
Female
Chella pillai saravananThe beloved child Saravanan
Thiruchendur vaazhum sundharanThe handsome one living in Thiruchendur
Male
Maalaiyil oru malligai enaLike a jasmine flower in the evening
Malarndhaval indha kannigaiThis young maiden has blossomed
Manmadhan kanai aivagaiCupid has five types of flower arrows
Adhil or vagai ival punnagaiAnd one of those types is her smile
Male
Madiyil na….anIn the lap, I...
Madiyil naan thuyilaAs I sleep on the lap
Idai thuvala kalai payilaWith my waist swaying, learning the fine arts of love
Female
Chella pillai saravananThe beloved child Saravanan
Thiruchendur vaazhum sundharanThe handsome one living in Thiruchendur
Female
Kaarkuzhal undhan panjanaiYour dark hair is your bed mattress
Iru kaigalae undhan thalaiyanaiYour two hands are your pillow
Male :Velavan konjum pulli maanMale: The spotted deer caressed by Lord Velavan
Adhan vadivam thaanIs indeed the form
Indha valli maanOf this deer-like Valli
Female
Arugil na…..anNear you, I...
Arugil naan vandhenI have come close to you
Idhazh senthaen idho thandhenHere, I offer the red honey of my lips

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song weaves mythological references to Lord Murugan (Saravanan) and his divine love Valli into a romantic expressions between lovers. The heroine compares her beloved to the handsome Lord of Thiruchendur, describing his charming moods, romantic sulks, and passionate nature. She portrays herself as a blossoming jasmine flower whose gentle smile acts as one of Manmathan's (Cupid's) romantic arrows, seeking comfort and love in his embrace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Manmadhan kanai aivagai / Adhil or vagai ival punnagai

Compares the heroine's smile to one of the five arrows of Manmathan (Cupid).

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Kaarkuzhal undhan panjanai / Iru kaigalae undhan thalaiyanai

Compares dark tresses of hair to a soft mattress, and hands to a pillow.

Emoni (Initial Alliteration)

Maalaiyil oru malligai ena / Malarndhaval indha kannigai

Repetition of initial consonant sounds 'Ma' in sequential words.

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Valliyai inba valliyai / Alli konda mannavan

The second consonant sound 'll' rhymes between Valliyai and Alli.

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Trivia

Pen Jenmam (1977) features lyrics written by legendary poet Vaali, who seamlessly blends classical Tamil devotional imagery of Lord Murugan from Thiruchendur with sweet, sensual romantic cinema lyrics.

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