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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

En Paadal Thangam

From Thirudi · 1974

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Thirudi1974

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
……………...
Female
En paadal thangam perumMy song is worth gold,
En paadal thangam perumMy song is worth gold,
Konjam vairamum alli thaarungalGather and give me a few diamonds as well,
Konjam vairamum alli thaarungalGather and give me a few diamonds as well,
Female
En paadal thangam perumMy song is worth gold,
Female
En muththu sirippu thiththikka vanthuMy pearl-like smile arrives sweetly,
Pattu therippathuAnd scatters like silk,
Nalla thittangal ittu vattangalittaDevising clever plans and circling around,
Kannai maraippathuBlinding one's eyes,
Female
En muththu sirippu thiththikka vanthuMy pearl-like smile arrives sweetly,
Pattu therippathuAnd scatters like silk,
Nalla thittangal ittu vattangalittaDevising clever plans and circling around,
Kannai maraippathuBlinding one's eyes,
Female
En paadal thangam perumMy song is worth gold,
En paadal thangam perum…..My song is worth gold...
Female
Mullirukkum malar idhuthaanThis is a flower with thorns,
Kollaiyida ninaikkaathaeDo not try to plunder it,
Mullirukkum malar idhuthaanThis is a flower with thorns,
Kollaiyida ninaikkaathaeDo not try to plunder it,
Female
Naan pollaatha pennallavoAm I not a formidable woman?
Ingu sellaathu ungal ennamaeYour intentions will not work here,
Naan pollaatha pennallavoAm I not a formidable woman?
Ingu sellaathu ungal ennamaeYour intentions will not work here,
Alli raniyin pillai naanandroAm I not the child of Queen Alli?
Female
En paadal thangam perumMy song is worth gold,
En paadal thangam perum…..My song is worth gold...
Female
Mangaiyullam ninaiththuvittaalIf a woman sets her mind to something,
Mandalangal siriyathandroIs not the universe too small for her?
Enthan munthaanai saenaiyandroIs not the edge of my saree an entire army?
Athao panthaada mudiyaathandroCan it easily be played around with?
Indru ungalin viththai yaaridamTo whom are you trying to show your tricks today?
Entha neramum vettri ennidamVictory belongs to me at all times,
Female
En paadal thangam perumMy song is worth gold,
Konjam vairamum alli thaarungalGather and give me a few diamonds as well,
Female
En paadal thangam perumMy song is worth gold,
Mm…mhhem…mm…mmm….Mm... mhhem... mm... mmm...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

En Paadal Thangam Perum is an empowering and spirited track from the 1974 film Thirudi, celebrating female strength, wit, and self-worth. The protagonist boldly declares that her singing and charm are as valuable as gold and diamonds, cautioning those around her not to underestimate her or try to fool her with cheap tricks.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

En muththu sirippu thiththikka vanthu

Compares her smile to sweet pearls that scatter softly like silk.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Mullirukkum malar idhuthaan

Compares herself to a flower with thorns, symbolizing beauty combined with fierce self-defense.

Cultural/Mythological Allusion

Alli raniyin pillai naanandro

References Alli Rani (Queen Alli of Madurai folklore), a legendary ruler known for her fierce independence and bravery.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Mangaiyullam ninaiththuvittaal

Repetition of the 'M' sound across lines ('Mangaiyullam', 'Mandalangal') creating poetic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song's lyricist Kannadasan cleverly invokes Tamil folklore through the character of Queen Alli (Alli Arasani), who is traditionally depicted in Tamil theater as an untouchable warrior queen ruling over a kingdom without men. S. Janaki's vocal performance adds a playful yet dominant tone suited for M.S. Viswanathan's brisk melodic score.

Keep listening

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