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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Koonthal Mel Poovethamme

From Jagathalaprathaban – 1961 Film · 1961

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singers
A. L. Ragavan, A. G. Rathnamala
Music director
Pendyala Nageswara Rao
Details
Jagathalaprathaban – 1961 Film1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Koondhal mel povedhammaeWhy is there a flower on your hair?
Solladi solladiTell me, girl, tell me!
Unakkadhaiyum mudichadhu yaaroWho tied that up for you?
Solladi solladiTell me, girl, tell me!
Male
Koondhal mel povedhammaeWhy is there a flower on your hair?
Solladi solladiTell me, girl, tell me!
Unakkadhaiyum mudichadhu yaaroWho tied that up for you?
Solladi solladiTell me, girl, tell me!
Female
AnbaeMy love...
Male :SolluMale: Tell me
Female
Edhir veettu malli kodiyaiThe jasmine creeper of the opposite house,
Ye machaan ..ye machaanHey cousin... hey cousin,
Neeru pottu valarthaen naanaeI was the one who nurtured it with water,
Ye machaan ..ye machaanHey cousin... hey cousin.
Female
Edhir veettu malli kodiyaiThe jasmine creeper of the opposite house,
Ye machaan ..ye machaanHey cousin... hey cousin,
Neeru pottu valarthaen naanaeI was the one who nurtured it with water,
Ye machaan ..ye machaanHey cousin... hey cousin.
Male
Aa adhuva vishayam appadinaAh, if that is the case,
Kannathil kayam yedhuWhat is this wound on your cheek?
Solladi solladiTell me, girl, tell me!
Unaiyevano konjinaanaeDid someone caress you?
Solladi solladiTell me, girl, tell me!
Male
Kannathil kayam yedhuWhat is this wound on your cheek?
Solladi solladiTell me, girl, tell me!
Unaiyevano konjinaanaeDid someone caress you?
Solladi solladiTell me, girl, tell me!
Female
Vandhu vandhuComing and coming...
Male :Enna solluMale: What is it, tell me
Female
Edhirveeettu aasai kiliyaiThe beloved parrot of the opposite house,
Ye machaan ..ye machaanHey cousin... hey cousin,
Muthamittu killiyadhaiyaaKissed and pinched me, sir!
Ye machaan ..ye machaanHey cousin... hey cousin.
Female
Edhirveeettu aasai kiliyaiThe beloved parrot of the opposite house,
Ye machaan ..ye machaanHey cousin... hey cousin,
Muthamittu killiyadhaiyaaKissed and pinched me, sir!
Ye machaan ..ye machaanHey cousin... hey cousin.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful duet features a romantic banter between two lovers. The male partner suspiciously questions the female partner about a flower in her hair and a mark on her cheek, playfully accusing her of receiving affection from someone else. She cleverly counters his playful jealousy with quick-witted, innocent excuses involving a jasmine plant she nurtured and a parrot from the neighboring house.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Solladi solladi

The phrase 'Solladi solladi' is repeated to convey playful urgency and affection.

Metaphor / Clever Excuse

Edhir veettu malli kodiyai

The female speaker uses 'malli kodi' (jasmine creeper) and 'aasai kili' (beloved parrot) metaphorically to playfully brush off her lover's jealous inquiries.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Edhirveeettu aasai kiliyai

Rhyming structure between 'malli kodiyai' and 'aasai kiliyai' creates a musical rhythm in the response stanzas.

Did you know?

Trivia

This track from the 1961 movie 'Jagathalaprathaban' features music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao and showcases the energetic vocals of A. L. Raghavan and A. G. Rathnamala, famous for their lively folk-style duets in 1960s Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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