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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maalai Ilam Manathil

From Aval Oru Pachai Kuzhandhai · 1978

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singers
Shoba Chandrasekar, S. N. Surendar
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Aval Oru Pachai Kuzhandhai1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Maalai ilam manadhilIn the tender evening heart
Aasai thanai thooviyadhuDesire has been sown
Adhi kaalai andha ninaivilIn that early morning memory
Dhinam aayiram kavidhaigal paadiyadhuA thousand poems were sung every day
MaalaiEvening
Male
Malar pola pen unduThere is a woman like a flower
Madi meedhu pon vanduA golden bee resting on her lap
Malar pola pen unduThere is a woman like a flower
Madi meedhu pon vanduA golden bee resting on her lap
Manam kaetpadhu unnidamWhat my heart asks of you
Madhu thaavendruIs to give sweet nectar
Radhi manmadhan…mmmRathi and Manmatha... mmm
Radhi manmadhan kaaviyamThis epic of Rathi and Manmatha
Idhu thaan indruThis is it today
Male
Maalai ilam manadhilIn the tender evening heart
Aasai thanai thooviyadhuDesire has been sown
Adhi kaalai andha ninaivilIn that early morning memory
Dhinam aayiram kavidhaigal paadiyadhuA thousand poems were sung every day
MaalaiEvening
Female
Vizhi moodi thoongum podhumEven when sleeping with eyes closed
Udal meedhu kolam podumIt draws patterns on the body
Vizhi moodi thoongum podhumEven when sleeping with eyes closed
Udal meedhu kolam podumIt draws patterns on the body
Vilaiyaattilae inbamaeThere is pure bliss in this playfulness
Adhu thaan vaendumThat is what is desired
Ini ennavo oo…Whatever lies ahead now... oh
Ini ennavo vaazhvellaamWhatever lies ahead, all of life
Sugam aarambamaagumA journey of joy will begin

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic track captures the tender intoxication of love and desire. The song describes how romantic thoughts blossom in the mind from dusk till dawn, inspiring poetic thoughts and a deep craving for intimacy. The lyrics weave vivid imagery of flowers, bees, and blissful touches, equating the sweet union of lovers to the legendary romance of Rathi and Manmatha, signaling the beautiful beginning of a joyful life together.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Malar pola pen undu

Compares the delicate and beautiful soft nature of a woman directly to a flower using the word 'pola'.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Madi meedhu pon vandu

Metaphorically addresses the lover/partner as a 'golden beetle' resting on a lap.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Malar pola pen undu / Madi meedhu pon vandu

Repetition of the 'M' sound across words creates a smooth rhythmic flow (Malar, Madi, Manam, Madhu).

Mythological Allusion

Radhi manmadhan kaaviyam

References Rathi and Manmatha, the celestial Hindu deities of love and desire, to elevate the earthly romance to a divine epic level.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Aval Oru Pachai Kuzhandhai' is a 1978 Tamil drama film starring Vijayakumar and Bhavani. The song is recognized for its poetic imagery evoking traditional Tamil metaphors of romantic devotion.

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