Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mangkilai Meloru Poongodi

From Thalaivanukkor Thalaivi · 1989

Lyricist
Na. Kamarasan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jairam
Music director
Dr. Balamuralikrishna
Details
Thalaivanukkor Thalaivi1989

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Maangilai mel oru poongodi saaindhadhuA flowering vine rested upon a mango branch
Maangilai meloru poongodi saaindhadhuA flowering vine rested upon a mango branch
Engum poovaasumFragrance of flowers blossoms everywhere
Mannavan mel oru ponn mayilA golden peacock leaned upon her king
Saaindhadhu nenjil ullasamJoy filled the heart as she leaned
Male
Idhu idhuthaan inba kadhai thaanThis indeed is a story of happiness
Idhu idhu thaan inba kadhaithaanThis indeed is a story of happiness
Maangilai meloru poongodi saaindhadhuA flowering vine rested upon a mango branch
Engum poovaasumFragrance of flowers blossoms everywhere
Female
Aasaigalaal oru naadagamA play enacted by desires
Aanandha medai kaaviyamAn epic performed on the stage of joy
Devadhai pol oru oorvalamA majestic procession like a goddess
Devadhai pol oru oorvalamA majestic procession like a goddess
Thirunaal idhu thirunaal thirunaal idhu thirunaalAn auspicious day, this is an auspicious day, an auspicious day, this is an auspicious day
Male
Malaigalai moodi maraithida muyandruAttempting to cover and hide the mountains
Thorkkum aruvi neerottamThe flowing waterfall stream loses its effort
Malaigalai moodi maraithida muyandruAttempting to cover and hide the mountains
Thorkkum aruvi neerottamThe flowing waterfall stream loses its effort
Male
Ilam mangaiyin maeniyil pudhiya aadaigalNew garments draped over the young woman's body
Melum melum azhagu koottumEnhance her beauty more and more
Ilam mangaiyin maeniyil pudhiya aadaigalNew garments draped over the young woman's body
Melum melum azhagu koottumEnhance her beauty more and more
Female
Paadum kiliyin siragugal polaeLike the vibrant wings of a singing parrot
Pachai vanna pattaadaiIs her bright green silk attire
Paadum kiliyin siragugal polaeLike the vibrant wings of a singing parrot
Pachai vanna pattaadaiIs her bright green silk attire
Female
Paruva raanikku saamaram veesidaWaving a ceremonial fan for the queen of youth
Kaatril parakkudhu mel aadaiHer upper garment sways gracefully in the wind
Kaatril parakkudhu mel aadaiHer upper garment sways gracefully in the wind
Male
Sangu kazhuthil muthu maalaigalPearl necklaces adorned on her conch-like neck
Aadum nadanam podhadhooIs their swaying dance not captivating enough?
Thanga kazhuthai enadhu kaigalHer golden neck, held by my hands
Thanga kazhuthai enadhu kaigalHer golden neck, held by my hands
Thazhuvi kondaal aagathoooIs it not wonderful if they embrace?
Aahaahaa lalaaala haehae aa aahahahaVocalizations and melodic expressions

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet celebrates the tender intimacy and poetic beauty of two lovers. Utilizing rich nature metaphors, the lyrics equate the heroine leaning on her beloved to a delicate flowering vine resting on a mango tree branch or a golden peacock resting on her king. The song evokes a sense of celebration, comparing their affection to a grand festival and an epic drama of bliss.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani (Simile)

Paadum kiliyin siragugal polae

Comparing the green silk saree to the wings of a singing parrot ('Paadum kiliyin siragugal polae / Pachai vanna pattaadai').

Uvamaani / Metaphor

Maangilai mel oru poongodi saaindhadhu

Describing the woman as a flowering vine leaning on a mango branch ('Maangilai mel oru poongodi saaindhadhu').

Uruvagaim (Metaphor)

Sangu kazhuthil muthu maalaigal

Comparing a smooth conch-shell to a woman's neck ('Sangu kazhuthu').

Monnai (Alliteration)

Malaigalai moodi maraithida muyandru

Repetition of initial phonetic sounds across adjacent words, such as 'Malaigalai' and 'Muyandru'.

Did you know?

Trivia

This composition is set to music by Carnatic music maestro Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna for the film 'Thalaivanukkor Thalaivi' (1989). Written by lyricist Na. Kamarasan, the song showcases a rare blend of classical Carnatic phrasing with popular Tamil cinema duet structures, performed by legendary singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Vani Jayaram.

Keep listening

More from Thalaivanukkor Thalaivi