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Lyrics & meaning

Irukkattum Irukkattum

From Seeman Petra Selvangal · 1962

Lyricist
K. D. Santhanam
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Seeman Petra Selvangal1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Hoo hoo hoo hooo…hoo ooooHoo hoo hoo hooo…hoo oooo
Hmm mm hmm…hmm hmm hmm hmmmHmm mm hmm…hmm hmm hmm hmmm
HahahahahaHahahahaha
Female
Irukattum irukattum pesikkirenLet it be, let it be, I will talk it out
Idharkkoru vazhi naan yosikkirenI am thinking of a way for this
Irukattum irukattum pesikkirenLet it be, let it be, I will talk it out
Idharkkoru vazhi naan yosikkirenI am thinking of a way for this
Irukattum….Let it be….
Male
Nadakattum nadakattum paathukkirenLet it happen, let it happen, I will watch
Naanum paadhaiyai maathikkirenI too will change my path
Nadakattum nadakattum paathukkirenLet it happen, let it happen, I will watch
Naanum paadhaiyai maathikkirenI too will change my path
Nadakattum ..hmmmLet it happen ..hmmm
Female
Penmai endraalum menmai endraalumWhether it is womanhood or gentleness
Thanmaiyil irandum ondrallavaaAren't both the same by nature?
Kanmani polae kanmalar polaeLike the pupil of the eye, like a tender flower of an eye
Kanmani polae kanmalar polaeLike the pupil of the eye, like a tender flower of an eye
Kaapadhu aanin panballavaa..haaa..aaaIsn't protecting them the duty of a man?..haaa..aaa
Irukattum irukattum pesikkirenLet it be, let it be, I will talk it out
Idharkkoru vazhi naan yosikkirenI am thinking of a way for this
Male
Iraivan endraalum thalaivan endralaumWhether called God or master/husband
Iru soll oru porul aavadhandrooDo not both words signify the exact same meaning?
Murai thavari iraivanidamFailing in decorum before God
Kurumbugal seivadhu madaimai androoAnd playing mischievous pranks—isn't that foolishness?
Female
Irukattum irukattum pesikkirenLet it be, let it be, I will talk it out
Idharkkoru vazhi naan yosikkirenI am thinking of a way for this
Male
Kanidhidum paechum kadai kann veechumSweet, mature talk and side-eyed glances
Kaadhal nenjukku uram oottumWill nourish a loving heart
Kanidhidum paechum kadai kann veechumSweet, mature talk and side-eyed glances
Kaadhal nenjukku uram oottumWill nourish a loving heart
Female
Inaindhidum ullam irandum naadidumTwo united hearts will seek and guide
Inba ulagirkku vazhi kattumThe way to a world of eternal bliss
Inaindhidum ullam irandum naadidumTwo united hearts will seek and guide
Inba ulagirkku vazhi kattum..hmmmThe way to a world of eternal bliss..hmmm

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful duet from the 1962 film 'Seeman Petra Selvangal' portrays a charming banter between lovers. The song opens with humorous, teasing exchanges where each lover threatens to change their path or find a solution to their sweet predicament. They playfully debate gender roles, chivalry, respect, and devotion, eventually acknowledging that their playful mischief is rooted in deep affection. In the latter half, the tone turns warmer as they celebrate how sweet words, subtle side glances, and mutual understanding nourish love. Ultimately, their united hearts find harmony, leading them toward a world of shared happiness and bliss.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Irukattum irukattum pesikkiren / Idharkkoru vazhi naan yosikkiren

Repetition of the initial 'I' sound across consecutive lines creates rhythmic flow.

Edukku / Rhyme

Penmai endraalum menmai endraalum

Rhyming of '-ndraalum' creates a lyrical cadence highlighting qualities of womanhood.

Upamai (Simile)

Kanmani polae kanmalar polae

Compares protecting a loved one to guarding the precious pupil and delicate flower-like eyes using 'polae'.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kaadhal nenjukku uram oottum

Metaphorically describes love as a crop and sweet looks as fertilizer/nourishment ('uram') that makes love grow.

Did you know?

Trivia

Seeman Petra Selvangal (1962) was directed by A. P. Nagarajan and produced by Paramount Pictures. The music was composed by T. R. Pappa, with lyrics written by veteran playwright and songwriter K. D. Santhanam. The playful vocal chemistry between T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela made this duet a memorable track in 1960s Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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