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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Malaril Madhu Edharkku

From Kalathur Kannamma · 1960

Lyricist
M. K. Aathmanathan
Singer
Jikki
Music director
Sudharsanam
Details
Kalathur Kannamma1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Malaril madhu edharkkuWhy is there nectar in the flower?
Madhuvil suvai edharkkuWhy is there sweetness in the nectar?
Manadhil aasai valarum bothuWhen desire grows in the heart,
Manidhan rasipadharkkuIt is for man to enjoy it.
Female
Malaril madhu edharkkuWhy is there nectar in the flower?
Madhuvil suvai edharkkuWhy is there sweetness in the nectar?
Manadhil aasai valarum bothuWhen desire grows in the heart,
Manidhan rasipadharkkuIt is for man to enjoy it.
Female
Kannil thondrum inbamThe joy that appears in the eyes,
Ellam nam sondhamAll of it belongs to us.
Kaalam neram paarthaalIf you wait looking for the right time and hour,
Varumoo aanandhamWill happiness ever arrive?
Pennai paaru kavalaigal maraiyumLook at a woman, and your worries will vanish,
Pesi paaru pudhumaigal theriyumTalk to her, and novelties will unfold,
Inba nilai kaanava kannaalaCome to see this state of bliss, my beloved!
Female
Malaril madhu edharkkuWhy is there nectar in the flower?
Madhuvil suvai edharkkuWhy is there sweetness in the nectar?
Manadhil aasai valarum bothuWhen desire grows in the heart,
Manidhan rasipadharkkuIt is for man to enjoy it.
Malaril madhu edharkkuWhy is there nectar in the flower?
Female
Valarum ulagin melaeUpon this growing world,
Vaazhvadhu sila naalaeWe live for only a few short days.
Varuvadhai anubhaviyaamalWithout enjoying what comes our way,
Thirivadhu edhanaalaeWhy wander aimlessly?
Dhaagam theerkka kanirasam unduThere is fruit juice to quench your thirst,
Thanimai neeka poongodi unduThere is a flowering vine of a maiden to banish loneliness,
Thaenamudhu paruga vaa kannaalaCome to sip this sweet nectar, my beloved!
Female
Malaril madhu edharkkuWhy is there nectar in the flower?
Madhuvil suvai edharkkuWhy is there sweetness in the nectar?
Manadhil aasai valarum bothuWhen desire grows in the heart,
Manidhan rasipadharkkuIt is for man to enjoy it.
Malaril madhu edharkkuWhy is there nectar in the flower?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Malaril Madhu Edharkku is a classic, evocative song from Kalathur Kannamma (1960) that explores the romantic and sensual harmony between nature and human desire. The lyricist asks why flowers possess nectar and why nectar tastes sweet, concluding that nature crafted these delights specifically for human joy once desire blossoms in the heart.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhetorical Question

Malaril madhu edharkku / Madhuvil suvai edharkku

The lyrics open with rhetorical questions asking why nectar exists in flowers to emphasize that nature's sweetness exists purposefully for human enjoyment.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Manadhil aasai valarum bothu / Manidhan rasipadharkku

Repetition of the initial consonant 'Ma' in 'Manadhil' and 'Manidhan' creates a pleasant rhythmic flow.

Metaphor (Uvamanai)

Thanimai neeka poongodi undu

The term 'Poongodi' (flowering vine) is used metaphorically to refer to a graceful young woman.

Iyaibu (Rhyming Couplet)

Pennai paaru kavalaigal maraiyum / Pesi paaru pudhumaigal theriyum

End-rhyme pairing 'maraiyum' and 'theriyum' adds a melodic quality to the verse.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kalathur Kannamma (1960) is historically significant for introducing legendary actor Kamal Haasan as a child artist, earning him the Rashtrapati Award (President's Gold Medal). The film's soundtrack was composed by R. Sudarsanam, and this popular track was sung by the playback icon P. Susheela.

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