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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Idhu Unthan

From Sankar Saleem Simon · 1978

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Sankar Saleem Simon1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Idhu unthan veettu kilithaanThis is indeed the parrot of your household
Idhu unthan veettu kilithaanThis is indeed the parrot of your household
Koondil yaetri kurumbu seiyyaTo put in a cage and play playful pranks with
Pazhaththai kandu pasiyai theerkkaTo see the fruit and satisfy its hunger
Paranthu vanthaenae…I came flying...
Paranthu vanthaenae…I came flying...
Female
Idhu unthan veettu kilithaanThis is indeed the parrot of your household
Idhu unthan veettu kilithaanThis is indeed the parrot of your household
Female
……………….
Female
Ragangal irukku pala vidhangal irukkuThere are ragas, and there are many types of them
Idhai sugangal unakku tharumoWill these grant you pleasures?
Intha radhiyai eduththu ungal madiyil anaiththuTaking this Rathi (goddess of beauty) and embracing her in your lap
Inba kavithai padikka varavoShall I come to recite joyful poetry?
Female
Pachai poongodi manjal maeniA green flowering vine with a golden body
Thullum nenjam untha pakkamA leaping heart turning towards your side
Siththam theernthida aasai vanthathuA desire arose to fulfill my mind's wish
Engae ponathu engal vetkkamWhere did our shyness go?
Female
……………………
Female
Idhu unthan veettu kilithaanThis is indeed the parrot of your household
Idhu unthan veettu kilithaanThis is indeed the parrot of your household
Female
Panaththai mathikkum sila idangalThere are some places that respect money
Irukku ivai kulaththil pirantha kiligalThese are parrots born into good noble families
Enagal nadaththai ozhukkam panbaiOur character, moral integrity, and virtues
Mathikkum pazhakkam avaiThe habit of respecting those values
Padiththu kidaiththa vazhaigalAre pathways gained through learning
Female
Kanni pennai kannil kandathumThe moment a young maiden is seen
Jaadai seivathu puththi keduMaking playful winks or signals is bad sense
Annai thanthai ennam polaeAs per the wishes of mothers and fathers
Oru pennai paarththu kattupoduLook at a woman and marry her in wedlock
Female
Idhu unthan veettu kilithaanThis is indeed the parrot of your household
Koondil yaetri kurumbu seiyyaTo put in a cage and play playful pranks with
Pazhaththai kandu pasiyai theerkkaTo see the fruit and satisfy its hunger
Paranthu vanthaenae…I came flying...
Paranthu vanthaenae…I came flying...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

In this classic song from 'Sankar Saleem Simon' (1978), composed by M. S. Viswanathan and written by Kannadasan, the female protagonist metaphorically compares herself to a parrot in the listener's household. She expresses playful affection, passion, and longing, using allegories of nature, music, and poetry to invite romance. As the song progresses, the lyricist seamlessly weaves moral and cultural values into the romantic narrative. She highlights the dignity of women born into good families, emphasizing that true virtue, respect, and character are learned qualities. She cautions against foolish flirtation and advises marrying a woman properly with parental blessings, blending subtle romantic allure with traditional values.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Urvagathal)

Idhu unthan veettu kilithaan

The singer metaphorically refers to herself as a 'kili' (parrot) belonging to the household, signifying innocence, affection, and captivity in love.

Metaphor (Urvagam)

Intha radhiyai eduththu ungal madiyil anaiththu

Comparing the female beauty to 'Radhi', the Hindu goddess of love and beauty, and her physique to a 'pachai poongodi' (green flowering vine).

Monaai (Alliteration)

Pachai poongodi manjal maeni

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'p' across words ('Pachai', 'poongodi') enhancing rhythmic harmony.

Rhyme (Edhugai)

Kanni pennai kannil kandathum / Annai thanthai ennam polae

Second-letter rhyming between consecutive lines ('kanni' and 'annai') creating poetic flow.

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Trivia

'Sankar Saleem Simon' (1978) featured iconic actor Rajinikanth along with Vijayakumar and Latha. The song 'Idhu Unthan Veettu Kili' sung by Vani Jairam under M. S. Viswanathan's composition became popular for its rich lyrical subtext authored by Kannadasan, blending light classical melodies with pop-orchestral arrangements typical of late 1970s Tamil cinema.

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