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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Duraiye Ilamai Paaraai

From Kathanayaki · 1955

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
A. M. Rajah, K. Jamunarani
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Kathanayaki1955

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Duraiyae ilamai paaraaiOh gentleman, look at this youthfulness,
Kathaigal kelaai inge vaaraaiListen to stories, come over here.
Thaniyae nillaathae kannaa odivaaDo not stand alone, my dear, run and come,
Vegamaai odi vaaRun and come quickly.
Female
Duraiyae ilamai paaraaiOh gentleman, look at this youthfulness,
Kathaigal kelaai inge vaaraaiListen to stories, come over here.
Thaniyae nillaathae kannaa odivaaDo not stand alone, my dear, run and come,
Vegamaai odi vaaRun and come quickly.
Female
Isai paadum kangal meedheyUpon the eyes that sing music,
Ila nenjam kaattum maathaeOh woman showing a young heart,
Unnai thedi vanthaal ayyaIf she comes seeking you, sir,
Mei inbam kaana vaaraaiCome to experience true bliss.
Female
Isai paadum kangal meedheyUpon the eyes that sing music,
Ila nenjam kaattum maathaeOh woman showing a young heart,
Isai paadum kangal meedheyUpon the eyes that sing music,
Ila nenjam kaattum maathaeOh woman showing a young heart,
Aa…aa…unnai thedi vanthaal ayyaAh... ah... if she comes seeking you, sir,
Mei inbam kaana vaaraaiCome to experience true bliss.
Unnai thedi vanthaal ayyaIf she comes seeking you, sir,
Mei inbam kaana vaaraaiCome to experience true bliss.
Female
Kannalae pesi varumSpeaking through her eyes,
Kaantha silai maanvizhiA magnetic statue with deer-like eyes,
Kadhal geedham paadum thaenmozhiA sweet-voiced maiden singing songs of love,
Kannalae pesi varumSpeaking through her eyes,
Kaantha silai maanvizhiA magnetic statue with deer-like eyes,
Kadhal geedham paadum thaenmozhiA sweet-voiced maiden singing songs of love,
Female
Vaanavil varnang kaattum poongodiyaiA delicate vine displaying rainbow colors,
Vanthu paar vanna therilaeCome and see her in the colorful chariot.
Vaanavil varnang kaattum poongodiyaiA delicate vine displaying rainbow colors,
Vanthu paar vanna therilaeCome and see her in the colorful chariot.
Santhoshamae kondaadalaamLet us celebrate with happiness,
Thendral thaalaattum nal inba kaavilaeIn the delightful grove lulled by the gentle breeze.
Female
Santhoshamae kondaadalaamLet us celebrate with happiness,
Thendral thaalaattum nal inba kaavilaeIn the delightful grove lulled by the gentle breeze.
Santhoshamae kondaadalaamLet us celebrate with happiness,
Thendral thaalaattum nal inba kaavilaeIn the delightful grove lulled by the gentle breeze.
Female
Kannalae pesi varumSpeaking through her eyes,
Kaantha silai maanvizhiA magnetic statue with deer-like eyes,
Kadhal geedham paadum thaenmozhiA sweet-voiced maiden singing songs of love,
Female
Vinyaana kannottam pothumaeA scientific look is enough,
Meinyaana pennaalai paarumaeLook at the woman of true wisdom.
Ullaasa ennangal illaatha ullangalHearts without joyful thoughts,
Vaazhvil inbam kaanumoWill they ever find bliss in life?
Female
Vinyaana kannottam pothumaeA scientific look is enough,
Meinyaana pennaalai paarumaeLook at the woman of true wisdom.
Ullaasa ennangal illaatha ullangalHearts without joyful thoughts,
Vaazhvil inbam kaanumoWill they ever find bliss in life?
Male
Kavipaadum kangal meetheUpon the eyes that recite poetry,
Kalai nyaanam koorum maathaeOh woman who speaks of artistic wisdom,
Kavipaadum kangal meetheUpon the eyes that recite poetry,
Kalai nyaanam koorum maathaeOh woman who speaks of artistic wisdom,
Male
Aaa…aa….kanal maeni kandaen kannaeAh... ah... I saw a fiery form, my dear,
Mei kaadhal koora vaaraaiCome to express true love.
Kanal maeni kandaen kannaeI saw a fiery form, my dear,
Mei kaadhal koora vaaraaiCome to express true love.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet from Kathanayaki (1955) captures a playful and tender exchange between lovers celebrating youth, beauty, and joy. The female protagonist beckons her lover to leave solitude behind, urging him to savor life's sweet pleasures and youthfulness. In response, the male protagonist marvels at her magnetic grace, poetically describing her eyes, voice, and radiant form. Interwoven with romantic affection are reflective insights—notably contrasting physical perception ('Vinyaana') with true inner wisdom ('Meinyaana'). The song concludes with a shared celebration of love set in a serene, breeze-filled grove, highlighting that true happiness in life requires a joyful, open heart.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Kaantha silai maanvizhi

Describing the maiden as 'Poongodi' (flowery vine) and 'Kaantha silai' (magnetic statue) to emphasize her beauty and grace.

Contrast / Anthesis (Muran)

Vinyaana kannottam pothumae / Meinyaana pennaalai paarumae

Contrasting 'Vinyaana' (scientific/outward vision) with 'Meinyaana' (true spiritual wisdom/inner perception).

Rhyme (Edhukai)

Vinyaana kannottam pothumae

Second-letter rhyming between 'Vinyaana' and 'Meinyaana', creating melodic cadence.

Alliteration (Moonaai)

Kannalae pesi varum

Initial consonant matching with 'Kannalae' and 'Kaantha' or 'Kadhal' in consecutive lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by G. Ramanathan and written by Kannadasan, 'Duraiyae Ilamai Paaraai' showcases the early playback era chemistry between A. M. Rajah and K. Jamuna Rani. Kannadasan cleverly embedded philosophical concepts like 'Meinyaanam' and 'Vinyaanam' into a lightweight, romantic duelling duet.

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