- Lyricist
- Madhan Karky
- Singer
- Shravan
- Music director
- Anil Srinivasan
- Movie name
- DooPaaDoo Album Songs
- Movie release year
- 2019
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Nov 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Maatraan Thottathu Malligaiyae is a poetic exploration of forbidden love and moral conflict. The narrator addresses his beloved as a jasmine flower in someone else's garden, expressing an intense attraction that defies moral and societal boundaries. He feels drawn to her fragrance and presence, yet every time he tries to approach her, conscience and social barriers hold him back. Despite acknowledging the fear, fences, and moral consequences, his desire remains overpowering. In the final verses, the narrator surrenders to his passion, stating that even if society condemns their love as a mistake and God deems it a sin that guarantees him a place in hell, he remains a helpless sinner whose ultimate yearning is to be united with her.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Maatraan thottathu malligaiyae”
The phrase 'Maatraan thottathu malligai' (jasmine in another's garden) is used metaphorically to represent a woman who belongs to someone else.
Ethirhai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Thavarena ulagamae sonnaalum / Idhai pizhai yena aandavan kandaalum”
The second consonant 'va' in 'Thavarena' rhymes with 'zhai' in 'Pizhai' in the Tamil poetic tradition.
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navirtchi)
“Naragamae nichaiyam endraalum... Unai adainthida thavithidum paaviyadi”
Exaggerating the consequences of love by stating he is willing to accept guaranteed eternal damnation in hell just to reach her.
Refrain
“Maatraan thottathu malligaiyae / Un vaasam ennai alaikkuthadi”
The opening lines are repeated after every stanza to emphasize the persistent pull of temptation.
Did you know?
Trivia
The title phrase 'Maatraan Thottathu Malligai' (Jasmine of another's garden) originates from a famous Tamil political proverb popularized by former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, who used it to mean that one should appreciate good qualities even in an opponent. Lyricist Madhan Karky cleverly recontextualized this legendary idiom into an independent romantic song released on DooPaaDoo, a music platform he co-founded to promote non-film independent Tamil music.
Keep listening
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