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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mamana Machana

From Urimai Thedum Uravu · 1984

Lyricist
Sakthidass
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Madhan Thamu
Details
Urimai Thedum Uravu1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mamanaa machchanaaUncle or brother-in-law,
Yaaraayirunthaa enakkennaWhoever they are, what do I care?
Mamanaa machchanaaUncle or brother-in-law,
Yaaraayirunthaa enakkennaWhoever they are, what do I care?
Kaasu irunthaa kazhuthakoodaIf there is money, even a donkey...
Mamanthaan machchanthaan...Is treated like an uncle or brother-in-law.
Female
Mamanaa machchanaaUncle or brother-in-law,
Yaaraayirunthaa enakkenna enakkennaWhoever they are, what do I care, what do I care?
Female
Ponnil piranththu en maeniMy body was born of gold,
Poovaai malarnthathu pudhu maeniMy new body blossomed like a flower.
Ponnil piranththu en maeniMy body was born of gold,
Poovaai malarnthathu pudhu maeniMy new body blossomed like a flower.
Female
Suvaiththaal inikkumIf tasted, it tastes sweet,
Sorkkam irukkuthu ennidamaeHeaven resides with me.
Suvaiththaal inikkumIf tasted, it tastes sweet,
Sorkkam irukkuthu ennidamaeHeaven resides with me.
Female
Mamanaa machchanaaUncle or brother-in-law,
Yaaraayirunthaa enakkennaWhoever they are, what do I care?
Kaasu irunthaa kazhuthakoodaIf there is money, even a donkey...
Mamanthaan machchanthaan...Is treated like an uncle or brother-in-law.
Female
Mamanaa machchanaaUncle or brother-in-law,
Yaaraayirunthaa enakkenna haah enakkennaWhoever they are, what do I care, haah, what do I care?
Female
………………....
Female
Ilamai irukkuthu ennidamaeYouthfulness is with me,
Selvam irukkuthu unnidamaeWealth is with you.
Ilamai irukkuthu ennidamaeYouthfulness is with me,
Selvam irukkuthu unnidamaeWealth is with you.
Female
Irandum inainthaalIf both come together,
Thunbam paranthu oodidumaeSorrow will fly away and run.
Irandum inainthaalIf both come together,
Thunbam paranthu oodidumaeSorrow will fly away and run.
Female
Mamanaa machchanaaUncle or brother-in-law,
Yaaraayirunthaa enakkennaWhoever they are, what do I care?
Kaasu irunthaa kazhuthakoodaIf there is money, even a donkey...
Mamanthaan machchanthaan...Is treated like an uncle or brother-in-law.
Female
Mamanaa machchanaaUncle or brother-in-law,
Yaaraayirunthaa enakkenna haah enakkennaWhoever they are, what do I care, haah, what do I care?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Mamanaa Machchanaa' from the 1984 film 'Urimai Thedum Uravu' expresses a cynical and pragmatic view of human relationships and social ties. The protagonist proclaims that familial bonds like 'uncle' or 'brother-in-law' are meaningless without money; if someone possesses wealth, even a donkey would be given honor and affection as a close relative. She entices her audience by highlighting her physical allure and youth, proposing that combining her youthful beauty with their material wealth will dispel all sorrows and bring heavenly bliss.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Kaasu irunthaa kazhuthakooda Mamanthaan machchanthaan

Exaggerates the social dominance of money by claiming even a donkey gets respected as a relative if it has money.

Simile (Upamai)

Poovaai malarnthathu pudhu maeni

Compares the blossoming of a fresh, youthful body to the opening of a flower using 'poovaai'.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Ponnil piranththu en maeni

Describes the speaker's body as being born of gold ('Ponnil piranththu') to signify preciousness and radiant beauty.

Alliteration (Monai)

Ponnil piranththu en maeni / Poovaai malarnthathu pudhu maeni

Repetition of the initial sound 'P' ('Ponnil' and 'Poovaai') across consecutive lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Urimai Thedum Uravu' (1984) featured musical composition by the composer duo Madhan - Thamu. Vani Jairam, traditionally known for classical and soulful melodies, showcased her versatility by singing this upbeat cabaret-style track.

Keep listening

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