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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maampoove Siru Mainave

From Machanai Paartheengala · 1978

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
P. Susheela, K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Chandrabose
Details
Machanai Paartheengala1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Maampoovae siru mainaavaeMango blossom, little Myna bird
Enga rajathi roja chediOur royal queenly rose plant
Mullirukkum kallirukkumIt has thorns, it has stones
Ninaikkaiyil inippaaga irukkiraa aa aaWhen thinking of her, she feels sweet
Nerungaiyil neruppaaga kothikiraaWhen approaching her, she boils like fire
Male
Maampoovae siru mainaavaeMango blossom, little Myna bird
Enga rajathi roja chediOur royal queenly rose plant
Mullirukkum kallirukkumIt has thorns, it has stones
Ninaikkaiyil inippaaga irukkiraa aa aaWhen thinking of her, she feels sweet
Nerungaiyil neruppaaga kothikiraaWhen approaching her, she boils like fire
Male
Putham puthusu vellikolusuBrand new silver anklets
Sathangal kondaadaCelebrating with their rhythmic sounds
Sithira ponnu sevvalli kannuPicturesque girl with eyes like red water-lilies
Sangeetha pan paadaSinging a musical tune
Male
Kattu karunguzhal pattu thalirudalTightly bound dark hair, silky tender body
Pin puram nindraadaSwaying behind her back as she moves
Kottadi chelai kattiya vannamDraped in a checkered printed saree
Pallakku ondraadaSwaying like a palanquin
Male
Azhagaana maan… atharkaaga naanA beautiful deer... and for her sake, I am
Pazhagaatha naalellaam thuyilaatha naalAny day spent away from her is a sleepless night
Female :Oooo………….Female vocalizing: Oooo...
Male :Azhagaana maan… atharkaaga naanMale: A beautiful deer... and for her sake, I am
Pazhagaatha naalellaam thuyilaatha naalAny day spent away from her is a sleepless night
Female
Maampoove siru mainaaveMango blossom, little Myna bird
Naan machaanin pachaikiliI am my beloved's green parrot
Kothikolla tholkoduthaanHe offered his shoulder for me to rest upon
Enakkethu sugamaaga irukkuthuWhy does this feel so wonderfully sweet to me?
Haa….en manam engengo parakkuthuHaa... my heart flies off to unknown places
Female
Manjakuthuru pinjukazhuthuTurmeric-adorned figure, delicate young neck
Mannavan poo choodaFor her kingly lover to adorn with flowers
Mookuthi vannam minnura kannamA nose-ring color shimmering on glowing cheeks
Manjathil muthaadaTo share kisses upon the bed
Female
Anthi karukkalil aatrangaraiyinilIn the twilight dusk by the riverbank
Santhikka sonnathennaWhy did you ask me to meet you?
Ennai anaikkaiyil thannai maranthavanThe one who forgot himself while embracing me
Sindhichi ninnathennaWhy did he stand there lost in thought?
Female
Madal vaazhai melkulir vaadai polLike the cool northern breeze sweeping over a broad banana leaf
Avanodu naanodum pozhuthellaam theanAll the moments I run with him feel sweet as honey
Madal vaazhai melkulir vaadai polLike the cool northern breeze sweeping over a broad banana leaf
Avanodu naanodum pozhuthellaam theanAll the moments I run with him feel sweet as honey
Male
Maampoove siru mainaaveMango blossom, little Myna bird
Female :Naan machaanin pachaikiliFemale: I am my beloved's green parrot
Male :Kothikolla tholkoduthaanMale: He offered his shoulder for me to rest upon
Female :Enakkethu sugamaaga irukkuthuFemale: Why does this feel so wonderfully sweet to me?
Male :En manam engengo parakkuthuMale: My heart flies off to unknown places
Male
En manam engengo parakkuthuMy heart flies off to unknown places
En manam engengo parakkuthuMy heart flies off to unknown places
En manam engengo parakkuthuMy heart flies off to unknown places
Female :Oooo……………..Female vocalizing: Oooo...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic folk duet depicts a playful and passionate exchange between two lovers admiring each other's beauty, charm, and presence. The male lover lovingly describes his beloved using tender nature imagery—a rose plant with thorns, a sweet yet feisty maiden—while expressing how sleepless his nights are when away from her. He marvels at her graceful stride, traditional attire, and captivating eyes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaiani (Simile)

Madal vaazhai melkulir vaadai pol

Compares the comforting experience of running together with the lover to a refreshing cool northern breeze passing over a soft banana leaf.

Uvamaiani (Metaphor)

Sithira ponnu sevvalli kannu

Metaphorically compares the heroine's bright, attractive eyes to vibrant red water-lilies (Sevvalli).

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Putham puthusu vellikolusu

Repetition of the initial 'Pu' sound across 'Putham' and 'puthusu'.

Metaphor

Naan machaanin pachaikili

The lover addresses her beloved as her protective 'green parrot', signifying affection and innocence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Chandrabose with lyrics by legendary poet Vaali, this duet highlights the classic pairing of singers K.J. Yesudas and P. Susheela. The song is well regarded for its lively folk orchestration and evocative rural romantic imagery typical of late-1970s Tamil film music.

Keep listening

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