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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Manjal Vanna Roja

From Ennadi Meenakshi · 1979

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Ennadi Meenakshi1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Oooooo manjal vanna rojaOooooo yellow-colored rose,
Thani manjam podu raajaPrepare a separate bed, my king,
Naan vanji endra ennam illaiyoDo you not have the thought that I am a young woman?
Hooooo manjal vanna rojaHooooo yellow-colored rose,
Thani manjam podu raajaPrepare a separate bed, my king,
Naan vanji endra ennam illaiyoDo you not have the thought that I am a young woman?
Female
Pen paavam polladhuA woman's curse is evil,
Endraalum selladhu ingae nadakkumaYet it won't hold here; will such a thing work here?
Sandhaikku vandhaachuNow that it has come to the market,
Sandhosam ennaachu innum mayakkamaWhat happened to the joy? Are you still intoxicated?
Female
Pen paavam polladhuA woman's curse is evil,
Endraalum selladhu ingae nadakkumaYet it won't hold here; will such a thing work here?
Sandhaikku vandhaachuNow that it has come to the market,
Sandhosam ennaachu innum mayakkamaWhat happened to the joy? Are you still intoxicated?
Indru pottiyittu mundhi kollungalCompete today and try to get ahead,
Indha poovil enna vaasam sollungal ..Tell me, what fragrance resides in this flower..
Female
Hoo…hooo manjal vanna rojaHoo... hooo yellow-colored rose,
Thani manjam podu raajaPrepare a separate bed, my king,
Naan vanji endra ennam illaiyoDo you not have the thought that I am a young woman?
Female
Sevvazhai poorendruLike a red banana blossom,
Sevvanam paar endru aadum udalilaeLike looking at a crimson evening sky, in this swaying body,
Seeraatti paaratti singaara sangeedhamNurturing and praising with beautiful musical elegance,
Paadum isaiyilaeIn the music that is sung,
Endhan aasai ennai thaandi sellavooCan my desires overcome and surpass me?
Indha meenukkenna neendha sollavooDoes anyone need to teach this fish how to swim?
Female
Hooooo manjal vanna rojaHooooo yellow-colored rose,
Thani manjam podu raajaPrepare a separate bed, my king,
Naan vanji endra ennam illaiyoDo you not have the thought that I am a young woman?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song features a seductive and playful allure, where the speaker compares herself to a prized yellow rose and teases the listener into embracing love and passion. She playfully challenges men to compete for her attention and questions whether they truly recognize her youth, beauty, and feminine charm. Using vivid imagery of blossoms, crimson skies, and natural instincts like a fish knowing how to swim, the song captures the essence of romantic temptation, longing, and confident self-awareness in a lively musical composition.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagathal)

Oooooo manjal vanna roja

The woman compares herself to a 'yellow rose' (Manjal vanna roja) and a 'fish' (meen) naturally adept at swimming in passion.

Moni / Rhyming (Edhukai)

Sandhaikku vandhaachu / Sandhosam ennaachu innum mayakkama

Repetition of second letter consonants ('n' sound) across lines such as 'Sandhaikku' and 'Sandhosam'.

Imagery (Katpichai)

Sevvazhai poorendru / Sevvanam paar endru aadum udalilae

Creates sensory visual imagery through words like 'Sevvazhai poorendru' (red banana flower) and 'Sevvanam' (crimson sky).

Did you know?

Trivia

Although the lyrics are often associated with classic Ilaiyaraaja club and cabaret dance tracks of the late 1970s, the metaphor of a yellow rose ('Manjal vanna roja') became a iconic trope in Tamil film music to represent rare, striking beauty.

Keep listening

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