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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Engey Aval

From Kumari Kottam · 1971

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Kumari Kottam1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Engae aval …Where is she...
Engae aval endrae manam"Where is she?" my heart keeps asking,
Thaedudhae aavalaal odi vaaIt searches with eager longing, run and come to me!
Angae varum en paadalaiHearing my song that reaches over there,
Kettadhum kangalae paadi vaaOh my eyes, come singing to me!
Male
Engae aval endrae manam"Where is she?" my heart keeps asking,
Thaedudhae aavalaal odi vaaIt searches with eager longing, run and come to me!
Angae varum en paadalaiHearing my song that reaches over there,
Kettadhum kangalae paadi vaaOh my eyes, come singing to me!
Male
Muthaadum maarbilUpon the kissing chest,
Mugam paarkka ennumLonging to see her face reflected,
Muthaadum maarbilUpon the kissing chest,
Mugam paarkka ennumLonging to see her face reflected,
En aasaiyin osaiyai keladi konjamListen a little to the sound of my desire,
En aasaiyin osaiyai keladi konjamListen a little to the sound of my desire,
Melliya aadaiyil malligai poovinaiA delicate jasmine flower wrapped in soft dress,
Moodavum vendumoIs it necessary to cover it up?
Male
Engae aval endrae manam"Where is she?" my heart keeps asking,
Thaedudhae aavalaal odi vaaIt searches with eager longing, run and come to me!
Angae varum en paadalaiHearing my song that reaches over there,
Kettadhum kangalae paadi vaaOh my eyes, come singing to me!
Male
Senthaenil aadi pani oori nindraDipped in pure honey and soaked in cool dew,
Senthaenil aadi pani oori nindraDipped in pure honey and soaked in cool dew,
Thaemaangani endru naanAs a sweet mango fruit, I...
Thaedinaen unnaiSearched for you!
Thaemaangani endru naanAs a sweet mango fruit, I...
Thaedinaen unnaiSearched for you!
Kai valai osaiyum mai vizhi aasaiyumThe sound of her bangles and the yearning in her kohl-lined eyes,
Kaanavum yenginaenI yearned to behold them!
Male
Engae aval endrae manam"Where is she?" my heart keeps asking,
Thaedudhae aavalaal odi vaaIt searches with eager longing, run and come to me!
Angae varum en paadalaiHearing my song that reaches over there,
Kettadhum kangalae paadi vaaOh my eyes, come singing to me!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic track captures a lover's romantic yearning and intense search for his beloved. The protagonist calls out through his song, begging his partner to hear his voice and rush into his arms. His heart impatiently asks where she is, envisioning her charming presence and delicate allure. Throughout the song, he paints vivid poetic imagery comparing her to a fresh jasmine flower veiled in delicate clothing and a sweet mango drenched in pure honey and dew. The song portrays deep passion, romantic desire, and the emotional anxiety of waiting to be reunited with the one he loves.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Thaedudhae aavalaal odi vaa / Kettadhum kangalae paadi vaa

The repetition of the ending word 'vaa' in these alternating lines creates a musical cadence typical of Tamil lyricism.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Muthaadum maarbil / Mugam paarkka ennum

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Mu' across successive lines.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Senthaenil aadi pani oori nindra / Thaemaangani endru naan

The beloved is metaphorically compared to a sweet mango fruit dipped in pure honey and soaked in dew.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kumari Kottam' (1971) is a celebrated Tamil film starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa. The music for this film was composed by the legendary M. S. Viswanathan (MSV), and the vocals for this famous song were rendered by iconic playback singer T. M. Soundararajan (TMS). Lyricist Pulamaipithan's rich classical Tamil metaphors made this track a timeless hit.

Keep listening

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