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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kondaiyile Vacha Malli

From Pattu Selai · 1985

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Pattu Selai1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kondaiyilae vacha malliThe jasmine flower placed in your hair bun
Kinduthadi en manasaStirs up my heart
Kenda vizhi rendu ippoYour two carp-fish-like eyes now
Sunduthadi en nenaippaFlick and draw my thoughts
Male
Intha chiththiraiyil namma nichchayamthaanOur engagement is surely in this month of Chithirai
Unna kattikkiraen idhu saththiyamthaanI will marry you, this is a solemn promise
Female
Kondaiyilae vacha malliThe jasmine flower placed in your hair bun
Kinduthadi en manasaStirs up my heart
Kenda vizhi rendu ippoYour two carp-fish-like eyes now
Sunduthadi en nenaippaFlick and draw my thoughts
Male
Yaarumilla aththi mara thoppukkullaeInside the deserted fig tree grove
Vaadi pulla vaada pokka vantha pullaCome, my girl, you who came strolling by
Female :En manasum theduthaiyaa ellaa sugaththaiyumFemale: My heart too seeks all forms of pleasure, my dear
Onnukkonnu kaaththirunthu serum sethi sollumWaiting for each other and uniting tells a story
Male :Kaaththirunthaa odi vidum kaalam neramMale: If we keep waiting, time and opportunity will slip away
Female
Kondaiyilae vacha malliThe jasmine flower placed in your hair bun
Kinduthadi en manasaStirs up my heart
Kenda vizhi rendu ippoYour two carp-fish-like eyes now
Sunduthadi en nenaippaFlick and draw my thoughts
Male
Intha chiththiraiyil namma nichchayamthaanOur engagement is surely in this month of Chithirai
Unna kattikkiraen idhu saththiyamthaanI will marry you, this is a solemn promise
Female
Nenjukkullae aasaikalum konjamalla,The desires in my heart are not a few
Neeyirunthaa inbaththukku panjamillaIf you are by my side, there is no scarcity of happiness
Male :Thottukittu saernthukittaa sontham puriyuthuMale: When touching and coming together, the bond is understood
Sonnapadi kettukitta sorkkam theriyuthuWhen listening and obeying as told, heaven is revealed
Female :Sonnathellaam arputhamthaan vaammaa mamaFemale: Everything you said is wonderful, come along my dear
Male
Kondaiyilae vacha malliThe jasmine flower placed in your hair bun
Kinduthadi en manasaStirs up my heart
Kenda vizhi rendu ippoYour two carp-fish-like eyes now
Sunduthadi en nenaippaFlick and draw my thoughts
Female
Intha chiththiraiyil namma nichchayamthaanOur engagement is surely in this month of Chithirai
Unna kattikkiraen idhu saththiyamthaanI will marry you, this is a solemn promise
Male
Kondaiyilae vacha malliThe jasmine flower placed in your hair bun
Kinduthadi en manasaStirs up my heart
Kenda vizhi rendu ippoYour two carp-fish-like eyes now
Sunduthadi en nenaippaFlick and draw my thoughts

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kondaiyilae Vacha Malli is a playful and romantic rural Tamil duet from the 1985 film Pattu Selai, composed by Gangai Amaran and written by Pulamaipithan. The song captures the affectionate banter between two lovers who are eagerly anticipating their upcoming wedding, planned for the auspicious month of Chithirai. The male protagonist expresses his deep fascination with his lover's charm, specifically praising her jasmine-adorned hair bun and fish-shaped eyes, while coaxing her to join him in a secluded grove. The female protagonist responds with equal affection, expressing her desire while teasingly discussing the right time for intimacy, leading to a vibrant exchange of romantic declarations.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uwamai (Simile / Metaphor)

Kenda vizhi rendu ippo

Comparing the female's eyes to Kenda (carp) fish, a classic Tamil literary trope representing swift, sparkling, and lively eyes.

Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kondaiyilae vacha malli / Kinduthadi en manasa

Rhyming of the second letter 'nd' in 'Kondaiyilae' and 'Kinduthadi' at the beginning of consecutive lines.

Anaphora / Refrain

Kondaiyilae vacha malli...

Repetition of the chorus lines throughout the song to reinforce the central romantic imagery.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Thottukittu saernthukittaa sontham puriyuthu / Sonnapadi kettukitta sorkkam theriyuthu

Rhyming ending words such as 'puriyuthu' and 'theriyuthu' creating a rhythmic flow in the stanza.

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Trivia

The song features music composed by Gangai Amaran, who excelled at composing rustic folk melodies in 1980s Tamil cinema. The vocals were rendered by Malaysia Vasudevan and S. P. Sailaja, who were known for delivering earthy, expressive folk duets during that era.

Keep listening

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