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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Iravil Oru Athisayam

From Amma Enge · 1964

Lyricist
Nalla Thambi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
S. Vedhachalam
Details
Amma Enge1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mayakkam mayakkamAn intoxication, an enchantment,
mayakkam mayakkaman intoxication, an enchantment.
Iravilae oru adhisayamA miracle in the night,
indrae kaanbom vaacome, let us witness it today!
Hoo iravilae oru adhisayamOh, a miracle in the night,
indrae kaanbom vaacome, let us witness it today!
Vizhiyilae thani mozhiyilae pudhuIn the eyes, through a unique language, a new
ulagam kaanbom vaaworld let us witness, come!
Ho iravilae oru adhisayamOh, a miracle in the night,
indrae kaanbom vaacome, let us witness it today!
Female
Sirithathai kandaar sila perA few people saw me laugh,
Naan thudithathai kaanavillaiyet no one saw my heart suffer and throb.
Sirithathai kandaar sila perA few people saw me laugh,
Naan thudithathai kaanavillaiyet no one saw my heart suffer and throb.
Eduthathai sonnar pala perMany people spoke of what I took,
Naan koduthathai kooravillaiyet no one mentioned what I gave.
Aa..aaa..aa…Ah.. aaa.. ah...
Eduthathai sonnar pala perMany people spoke of what I took,
Naan koduthathai kooravillaiyet no one mentioned what I gave,
Naan koduthathai kooravillaino one mentioned what I gave.
Iravilae oru adhisayamA miracle in the night,
indrae kaanbom vaacome, let us witness it today!
Female
Oruvanukkaaga pirandhenI was born for just one man,
Andha oruvan neeyallavaaand aren't you that very man?
Oruvanukkaaga pirandhenI was born for just one man,
Andha oruvan neeyallavaaand aren't you that very man?
En ullathil neeyirundhaaiYou were residing inside my heart,
Adhai unnidam naan sollavaashall I reveal that to you?
En ullathil neeyirundhaaiYou were residing inside my heart,
Adhai unnidam naan sollavaashall I reveal that to you?
Adhai unnidam naan sollavaashall I reveal that to you?
Female
Ho iravilae oru adhisayamOh, a miracle in the night,
indrae kaanbom vaacome, let us witness it today!
Vizhiyilae thani mozhiyilae pudhuIn the eyes, through a unique language, a new
ulagam kaanbom vaaworld let us witness, come!
Female
Mayakkam mayakkamAn intoxication, an enchantment,
mayakkam mayakkaman intoxication, an enchantment.
Iravilae oru adhisayamA miracle in the night,
indrae kaanbom vaacome, let us witness it today!
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Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Mayakkam Mayakkam' from the 1964 movie 'Amma Enge' is a deeply emotional yet romantic melody. It depicts a woman calling out to her beloved, inviting him to share a magical, quiet night together where their eyes can speak a unique language. Beneath her romantic call lies a poignant reflection on society's superficiality—people readily notice her outward laughter and judge what she takes, yet ignore her internal agony and her sacrifices. She ultimately reaffirms her devotion, declaring that she was born for him alone and asking if she may express the love she holds deep in her heart.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Mayakkam mayakkam / mayakkam mayakkam

The word 'mayakkam' is repeated continuously to emphasize a state of trance, intoxication, or deep enchantment.

Muran (Antithesis / Contrast)

Sirithathai kandaar sila per / Naan thudithathai kaanavillai

Contrasts public observation with hidden suffering ('laugh' vs 'throb') and societal criticism with unacknowledged sacrifice ('took' vs 'gave').

Edhukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Sirithathai kandaar sila per / Naan thudithathai kaanavillai

Rhyming structure using the second consonant across lines ('Sirithathai', 'Thudithathai', 'Eduthathai', 'Koduthathai').

Rhetorical Question

Andha oruvan neeyallavaa / Adhai unnidam naan sollavaa

Using questions to express certainty of affection and tender vulnerability.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Amma Enge' (1964) features music composed by S. Vedhachalam, who composed for a selective number of Tamil films during the golden era. Sung impeccably by P. Susheela with lyrics penned by Nalla Thambi, the track is celebrated for combining rhythmic lullaby-like melodies with sharp, reflective lyrics contrasting societal judgment against personal emotion.

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