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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Endrum Pathinaru

From Kanni Thaai · 1965

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kanni Thaai1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Endrum pathinaaru vayadhu pathinaaruEver sixteen, age is sixteen,
Manadhum pathinaaruThe mind is sixteen as well,
Arugil vaa vaa vilaiyaadu…Come near, come near and play...
Endrum pathinaaru vayadhu pathinaaruEver sixteen, age is sixteen,
Manadhum pathinaaruThe mind is sixteen as well,
Arugil vaa vaa vilaiyaadu…Come near, come near and play...
Male
Endrum pathinaaru vayadhu pathinaaruEver sixteen, age is sixteen,
Manadhum pathinaaruThe mind is sixteen as well,
Arugil vaa vaa vilaiyaadu…Come near, come near and play...
Endrum pathinaaru vayadhu pathinaaruEver sixteen, age is sixteen,
Manadhum pathinaaruThe mind is sixteen as well,
Arugil vaa vaa vilaiyaadu…Come near, come near and play...
Endrum pathinaaruEver sixteen.
Male
Kannam sivandhadhu edhanaalaeWhy did the cheeks turn red?
Female
Kaigal kodutha kodaiyaalaeBecause of the gift given by hands.
Male
Un kannam sivandhadhu edhanaalaeWhy did your cheeks turn red?
Female
Un kaigal kodutha kodaiyaalaeBecause of the gift given by your hands.
Male
Vannam minnuvadedhanaalaeWhy is the complexion glowing?
Female
Vallal thandha nianaivaalaeBecause of the thoughts given by the generous lover.
Male
Un vannam minnuvadedhanaalaeWhy is your complexion glowing?
Female
Indha vallal thandha nianaivaalaeBecause of the thoughts given by this generous lover.
Endrum pathinaaru vayadhu pathinaaruEver sixteen, age is sixteen,
Male
Manadhum pathinaaruThe mind is sixteen as well,
Arugil vaa vaa vilaiyaadu…Come near, come near and play...
Endrum pathinaaruEver sixteen.
Male
Vizhigal ponguvadhedhanaalaeWhy are the eyes brimming with emotion?
Female
Veera thirumagan velaalaeBecause of the spear of the brave noble hero.
Male
Un vizhighal ponguvadhedhanaalaeWhy are your eyes brimming with emotion?
Female
Indha veera thirumagan velaalaeBecause of the spear of this brave noble hero.
Male
Mozhighal konjuvadhedhanaalaeWhy are the words lisping so affectionately?
Female
Nee munnae nirkkum azhaghaalaeBecause of the beauty standing right in front of you.
Male
Un mozhighal konjuvadhedhanaalaeWhy are your words lisping so affectionately?
Female
Nee munnae nirkkum azhaghaalaeBecause of the beauty standing right in front of you.
Male
Endrum pathinaaruEver sixteen,
Female
Vayadhu pathinaaruAge is sixteen,
Male
Manadhum pathinaaruThe mind is sixteen as well,
Female
Arugil vaa vaa vilaiyaadu…Come near, come near and play...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Endrum Pathinaaru' is a timeless, lighthearted romantic song centered on the idea that true love keeps a person eternally young at heart. The motif of 'sixteen' represents the pinnacle of youthfulness, exuberance, and playful charm. Through a series of romantic call-and-response questions, the lovers teasingly inquire about each other's glowing physical features—blushing cheeks, radiant skin, and sparkling eyes—attributing these joyful changes directly to the power of their mutual love and admiration. The song captures a sweet banter between the couple where the female lead praises the hero's nobility and heroism, while the hero compliments her enchanting presence and affectionate words. Ultimately, the song serves as a celebratory anthem of eternal youthfulness fostered by romance, passion, and companionship.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Kannam sivandhadhu edhanaalae

Multiple lines end with the rhyming suffix '-edhanaalae' (e.g., edhanaalae, kodaiyaalae, nianaivaalae, azhaghaalae), creating a melodic, questioning rhythm throughout the stanza.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kannam sivandhadhu edhanaalae / Kaigal kodutha kodaiyaalae

The initial 'K' sound is repeated in 'Kannam' and 'Kaigal', producing a pleasant alliterative flow.

Anaphora / Repetition

Endrum pathinaaru vayadhu pathinaaru / Manadhum pathinaaru

The deliberate repetition of 'pathinaaru' (sixteen) reinforces the central motif of everlasting youth and joyful energy.

Metaphor

Veera thirumagan velaalae

The hero's impactful gaze or presence is metaphorically compared to a hero's sharp spear ('vel') piercing the heart.

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Trivia

'Kanni Thaai' (1965) is an action-drama movie starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and K. R. Vijaya, directed by M. A. Thirumugam under the Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar banner (Devar Films). The film's musical score was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, with vocals for this duet performed by the legendary duo T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela. Lyricist Panchu Arunachalam contributed early in his prolific career to this film.

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