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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kottai Mathil Mele

From Thirudan · 1969

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, L. R. Eswari
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Thirudan1969

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
La la la laLa la la la
Kottai madhil melae oru vellai poonaiA white cat on top of the fort wall
Veettin madhil melae oru pettai poonaiA female cat on top of the house wall
Kottai madhil melae oru vellai poonaiA white cat on top of the fort wall
Veettin madhil melae oru pettai poonaiA female cat on top of the house wall
Vellai poonai sirithathu pettai poonai azhaithathuThe white cat smiled, the female cat called out
Vellai poonai sirithathu pettai poonai azhaithathuThe white cat smiled, the female cat called out
Aadal paadal kaadhal kondaattamDance, song, love, and celebration!
Female
Vannam poopondrathuThe complexion is like a flower
Ennam paal pondrathuThe heart's intent is like pure milk
Vannam poopondrathuThe complexion is like a flower
Ennam paal pondrathuThe heart's intent is like pure milk
Kangal rendum kaadhal paayum vel pondrathuBoth eyes are like spears striking with love
Kangal rendum kaadhal paayum vel pondrathuBoth eyes are like spears striking with love
Kanni thaen enbathu inghu yen vandhadhuWhy did this sweet virgin honey come here?
Kanni thaen enbathu inghu yen vandhadhuWhy did this sweet virgin honey come here?
Kaadhal sandhosam kondaattamkaalm vandhadhuThe time for joyful love and celebration has arrived
Male
Chinna raani vann amaeniLittle queen with a lovely form
Indruthaan nee inba thaeniToday you are delightful honey
Aadal paadal kaadhal kondaattamDance, song, love, and celebration!
Male
Kottai madhil melae oru vellai poonaiA white cat on top of the fort wall
Veettin madhil melae oru pettai poonaiA female cat on top of the house wall
Vellai poonai sirithathu pettai poonai azhaithathuThe white cat smiled, the female cat called out
Aadal paadal kaadhal kondaattamDance, song, love, and celebration!
Male
Ennai pen theduthu unnai kann theduthuA woman searches for me, eyes search for you
Ennai pen theduthu unnai kann theduthuA woman searches for me, eyes search for you
Neram ponaal aasai ullam ennavadhuIf time slips away, what will happen to the desiring heart?
Neram ponaal aasai ullam ennavadhuIf time slips away, what will happen to the desiring heart?
Aasai neeradudhu acham poraadudhuDesire bathes in passion while fear struggles against it
Aasai neeradudhu acham poraadudhuDesire bathes in passion while fear struggles against it
Enna aanaalum thalaamal ennam oodudhuWhatever happens, thoughts run free without holding back
Male
Enna raasa chinna raajaOh my king, my little king
Indha rojaa enna lesaaIs this rose so easy to take lightly?
Aadal paadal kaadhal kondaattamDance, song, love, and celebration!
Male
Kottai madhil melae oru vellai poonaiA white cat on top of the fort wall
Veettin madhil melae oru pettai poonaiA female cat on top of the house wall
Both :Vellai poonai sirithathu pettai poonai azhaithathuBoth: The white cat smiled, the female cat called out
Aadal paadal kaadhal kondaattamDance, song, love, and celebration!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kottai Madhil Melae from the 1969 film Thirudan is a lively, flirtatious duet sung by T. M. Soundararajan and L. R. Eswari. The song uses a playful metaphor of two cats perched on walls exchanging smiles and calls to depict the dynamic romantic attraction between the leads. The energetic rhythm composed by M. S. Vishwanathan highlights the joy of romance, dancing, and celebrating love without hesitation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Allegory / Extended Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Kottai madhil melae oru vellai poonai

The lyrics use a white cat ('vellai poonai') and a female cat ('pettai poonai') atop walls as an allegory for two lovers flirting from a distance.

Simile (Uvamai Ani)

Vannam poopondrathu / Ennam paal pondrathu

Comparing complexion to a flower ('poopondrathu'), pure thoughts to milk ('paal pondrathu'), and love-filled eyes to striking spears ('vel pondrathu').

Second Letter Rhyme (Edhukai)

Vannam poopondrathu / Ennam paal pondrathu

Matching second consonants across lines to create rhythmic lyricism, such as 'Vannam' and 'Ennam', or 'Aasai' and 'Neram'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by M. S. Vishwanathan with lyrics by Kannadasan, this playful duet showcases L. R. Eswari's signature high-energy playback style alongside T. M. Soundararajan's rich vocals in the classic caper film Thirudan (1969).

Keep listening

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