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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maari Varum Society

From Akka Thangai · 1969

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Akka Thangai1969

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Maarivarum societyThe ever-changing society
Vaazhkai pala varietyLife comes in many varieties
Theduvathu duty seruvadhu beautySearching is duty, uniting is beauty
Female
Maarivarum societyThe ever-changing society
Vaazhkai pala varietyLife comes in many varieties
Theduvathu duty seruvadhu beautySearching is duty, uniting is beauty
Female
Mani mutham kili vannam vazhangumBestowing pearl-like kisses and parrot-hued charm
Pani sottum iravukkul mayakkamIntoxication within the night dripping with dew
Ponn minnum kalasangal kalangumGolden gleaming pots tremble
Poochinnam kannathil vilangumA flower imprint shines on the cheek
Female
Orae ..thudippu..A single heartbeat
Adhae ..nadippuThe very same act
Orae ..thudippu..A single heartbeat
Aadhae ..nadippuThe very same act
Kavalaiyai vidu kanigalai yeduLeave worries behind, take the fruits
Malargalai thodu thodarattumTouch the flowers, let it continue
Female
Maarivarum societyThe ever-changing society
Vaazhkai pala varietyLife comes in many varieties
Theduvathu duty seruvadhu beautySearching is duty, uniting is beauty
Female
Pennalla pennalla palinguShe is not just a woman, she is crystal
Pechenna moochenna iranguWhy speak, why breathe, dive right in
Ennenna suavaiyundoo vazhanguOffer whatever delicious flavors exist
Ennathil idamundu nerunguThere is space in my thoughts, step closer
Female
Udal …nadangumThe body trembles
Sugam… surangamPleasure is a goldmine
Udal …nadangumThe body trembles
Sugam… surangamPleasure is a goldmine
Kanavil valaraum ninaivil malarumGrowing in dreams, blooming in memories
Urau thodarum thodarattumThe bond continues, let it continue
Female
Maarivarum societyThe ever-changing society
Vaazhkai pala varietyLife comes in many varieties
Theduvathu duty seruvadhu beautySearching is duty, uniting is beauty

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This energetic club song from the 1969 film Akka Thangai captures the modernizing trends and changing social values of late 1960s urban Tamil society. Sung brilliantly by L. R. Eswari, the track encourages letting go of worries and embracing romance, beauty, and sensory pleasures. Kannadasan deftly mixes English loanwords with vivid Tamil imagery to reflect a stylish, upbeat lifestyle where searching for happiness is seen as a person's ultimate duty.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Maarivarum society / Vaazhkai pala variety / Theduvathu duty seruvadhu beauty

Use of English rhyming end words like society, variety, duty, and beauty to establish a modern tempo.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Pennalla pennalla palingu ... Sugam surangam

Comparing pleasure to a mine or treasure trove (surangam), and a woman's purity/beauty to crystal (palingu).

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Mani mutham kili vannam vazhangum / Pani sottum iravukkul mayakkam

Matching initial consonant/vowel sounds in words like Mani/Mutham and Pani/Mayakkam.

Did you know?

Trivia

L. R. Eswari was the undisputed queen of Western-influenced cabaret and club songs in South Indian cinema during the 1960s and 70s. Lyricist Kannadasan was known for seamlessly weaving contemporary English terms into traditional Tamil poetic structures to appeal to the modern youth of that era.

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