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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kovai Sevvithazh

From Rathna Manjari · 1961

Lyricist
Puratchi Dasan
Singers
P. Susheela, Chorus
Music director
Rajan Nagendra
Details
Rathna Manjari1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kovai sevvidhazh kanindhadhadiThe red, ivy-gourd-like lips have ripened, my dear.
Ilangombhu thaen malar thirandhadhadiThe honey-laden flower on the tender branch has blossomed, my dear.
Chorus :Kovai sevvidhazh kanindhadhadiThe red, ivy-gourd-like lips have ripened, my dear.
Ilangombhu thaen malar thirandhadhadiThe honey-laden flower on the tender branch has blossomed, my dear.
Female :Anbu vellathil neeradiBathing in the overflowing flood of love,
Than thunbathai neekka ennuthadiIt longs to wash away all its sorrows, my dear.
Chorus :Anbu vellathil neeradiBathing in the overflowing flood of love,
Than thunbathai neekka ennuthadiIt longs to wash away all its sorrows, my dear.
Female
Aasai tharungadhai namadhaagumThe story that instills desire becomes our very own,
Kan asaiyum kaadhalukkinaiyaagumEqual to the love expressed through gentle movements of the eyes.
Aanandhamaandhu ondraagumJoy merges together into a singular bliss,
Adhu vaazhkaiyin suvaiyulla ilam paruvamFor that is the most flavorful stage of youth in life.
Female
Uyirulla thunaiyulla poonjedigalLiving, flowering plants blessed with companions,
Ilangaadhalin yavvana kulakodigalAre like the noble, youthful vines of tender love.
Inithidum kalaigalum menmai peraFor the sweet arts to gain elegance and grace,
Isai vanjiyar manadhilae oli thondraMay a divine light shine in the hearts of musical damsels.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song celebrates the joy, beauty, and bloom of youth and love. Through natural imagery such as blooming flowers, honeyed branches, and ripening fruit, the song depicts the awakening of romance and emotional fulfillment. It highlights how love immerses the mind in joy, washing away grief and inspiring poetic and musical expression among young maidens. The lyricist connects nature's flourishing state with the bloom of human youth, portraying love as a divine flood that enriches the arts and brings inner illumination to young women.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Simile / Metaphor)

Kovai sevvidhazh kanindhadhadi

Compares red lips to the ripe Kovai (ivy gourd) fruit ('Kovai sevvidhazh'), a classical Tamil poetic convention.

Rupakam (Metaphor)

Anbu vellathil neeradi

'Anbu vellam' metaphors love as an overflowing flood that immerses the soul.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Aasai tharungadhai namadhaagum

The lines end with matching rhyming suffixes ('namadhaagum', 'kinaiyaagum', 'ondraagum').

Personification

Uyirulla thunaiyulla poonjedigal

Flowering plants ('poonjedigal') and vines ('kulakodigal') are personified as youthful companions capable of feeling and reflecting love.

Did you know?

Trivia

Rathna Manjari (1961) was originally made in Kannada and dubbed/remade in Tamil. The soundtrack marked one of the early Tamil assignments for the legendary Kannada music composer duo Rajan-Nagendra.

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