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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mama Mama

From Aagaya Gangai · 1982

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Aagaya Gangai1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Maamaa maamaaUncle, uncle
Manja manam manakkaFragrant with the scent of turmeric
Malliya poo manakkaFragrant with the scent of jasmine flowers
Vanji kodi onnuA vine-like young woman
Vaadi nikkuthu thedi nikkuthuStands wilting, stands searching
Maaamaa maamaa maamaaUncle, uncle, uncle
Female
Maamaa maamaaUncle, uncle
Manja manam manakkaFragrant with the scent of turmeric
Malliya poo manakkaFragrant with the scent of jasmine flowers
Vanji kodi onnuA vine-like young woman
Vaadi nikkuthu thedi nikkuthuStands wilting, stands searching
Maaamaa maamaa maamaaUncle, uncle, uncle
Female
Pakkathila nee irundhaIf you are by my side
Sorgaththila nan iruppenI will be in heaven
Maamaa unga paarvaikkuUncle, for your loving gaze
Kaathirukken…. kaathirukkenI am waiting... I am waiting
Female
Onnaa rendaa nenjukullaIs it just one or two feelings inside my heart
Odi peruguthu ullukullaThey are running and overflowing within me
Onnaa rendaa nenjukullaIs it just one or two feelings inside my heart
Odi peruguthu ullukullaThey are running and overflowing within me
Sonnaa enna thappae illaThere is no harm in saying it out loud
Nee illanaa naan illaWithout you, I do not exist
Female
Maamaa maamaaUncle, uncle
Manja manam manakkaFragrant with the scent of turmeric
Malliya poo manakkaFragrant with the scent of jasmine flowers
Vanji kodi onnuA vine-like young woman
Vaadi nikkuthu thedi nikkuthuStands wilting, stands searching
Maaamaa maamaa maamaaUncle, uncle, uncle
Female
Pattuthuni kattikittuDraped in fine silk clothes
Pakkathula thottukittuTouching each other closely
Naanum neeyum seruraWhen you and I unite
Kaalathila…. kaalathilaIn that moment... in that moment
Female
Ahaa unga oorathilaeAha, by your side
Aasa manasu vegathilaeIn the rush of my longing heart
Ahaa unga oorathilaeAha, by your side
Aasa manasu vegathilaeIn the rush of my longing heart
Melogamum boolagamumThe heavens and the earth
Onnaanadhu nammodaHave become one for us
Female
Maamaa maamaaUncle, uncle
Manja manam manakkaFragrant with the scent of turmeric
Malliya poo manakkaFragrant with the scent of jasmine flowers
Vanji kodi onnuA vine-like young woman
Vaadi nikkuthu thedi nikkuthuStands wilting, stands searching
Maaamaa maamaa maamaaUncle, uncle, uncle

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful romantic track from the 1982 Tamil movie Aagaya Gangai depicts a young woman expressing her deep longing, affection, and romantic desire for her beloved suitor (traditionally addressed as 'Maamaa'). She compares her tender, eager self to a delicate flower vine fragrant with turmeric and jasmine, yearning for his presence and gaze which brings her heavenly happiness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Manja manam manakka / Malliya poo manakka

Repetition of the initial sound 'Ma' across the line creating a melodious rhythm.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Vanji kodi onnu

Comparing the heroine's slender and tender body to a vine (Vanji kodi).

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Odi peruguthu ullukulla / Sonnaa enna thappae illa

Matching ending sounds 'ullukulla' and 'thappae illa' enhancing the song's rhythmic folk flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed as unknown in the prompt context, Aagaya Gangai (1982) was actually composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with vocals rendered by S. Janaki and Malaysia Vasudevan.

Keep listening

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