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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mann Kodatha Somandhu

From Mahasakthi Mariamman · 1986

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, Vani Jairam
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Mahasakthi Mariamman1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
{Mann kodatha somandhu kittuCarrying a clay pot on your head,
Mayilattam poravalaeOh girl who walks gracefully like a peacock,
Oththasai seiyattumaMay I offer you some help?
Naan un kodutha somakkattumae} (2)Shall I carry the clay pot you have?
Female
{Mann kodatha ketkkuriyaAre you asking for my mud pot?
Sangadatha solluriyaAre you sharing your troubles?
Pon kodutha koduthaalumEven if you offer a pot made of gold,
Naan en kodatha tharamatten} (2)I will not give away my pot.
Female
{Kurukku siruthavarae koothadi mannavaraeOh man with a slender waist, king of dancers,
Kirukku pudichavarae kinnaram padichavarae} (2)Oh crazy fellow, master of musical instruments,
Sarakku omakirukka andha sandhegam enakkirukkuDo you really have the capability? I have my doubts about that.
Male :{Yaarum ketkaadha kelviyadiYou ask a question that no one has ever asked,
Nee kitta vandha theriyumadi} (2)If you come closer, you will know!
Idhu kaangaeyum kaalaiyadi kattaana thegamadiThis body is built strong like a Kangeyam bull,
Maalaiyitta marunaalae unakku masakka undagumadiThe very day after marriage, you will be experiencing morning sickness!
Male
Mann kodutha somandhu kittuCarrying a clay pot on your head,
Mayilattam poravalaeOh girl who walks gracefully like a peacock,
Female :Nee ponn kodatha koduthaalumEven if you offer a pot made of gold,
Naan en kodatha tharamattenI will not give away my pot.
Male
Kezhakku veluthathenna angaeWhy has the east brightened up over there?
Keezhvanam sevandhadhennaWhy has the eastern sky turned red?
Marikolundhu sedi melaeOn top of the marikolundhu plant,
Adiyae maanga pazhuthadhennaHey girl, why has a mango ripened?
Etti parikkaiyilae adhu etti etti povadhennaWhy does it move farther away when I stretch to pluck it?
Female
{Oorellaam kaathirukkaWhile the whole village was waiting,
Naan unakkaaga kutha vechen} (2)I sat waiting on my heels just for you.
Thoongadha maanganiyai thuni pottu pothi vechenI covered and kept safe the restless mango fruit with a cloth.
Eriyadha en aduppa perumoochil patha vechenI lit my unlit hearth using my deep sighs.
Female
Mann kodatha KetkkuriyaAre you asking for my mud pot?
Sangadatha solluriyaAre you expressing your distress?
Male
Oththasai seiyattumaMay I offer you some help?
Naan un kodutha somakkattumaShall I carry the clay pot you have?
Female :Pon kodutha koduthaalumEven if you offer a pot made of gold,
Naan en kodatha tharamattenI will not give away my pot.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a playful, folk-style romantic duet set in a rural Tamil background. The male protagonist flirts with a village maiden carrying a water pot, offering to help her carry it as a gesture of love. The woman teasingly rejects his offers, declaring that she would not part with her humble mud pot even if offered a golden pot in return, while humorously questioning his strength and intentions. As the song progresses, the courtship deepens through traditional folk riddles and witty metaphors. The lyrics use rural imagery—such as Kangeyam bulls, ripening mangoes, and hearths—to portray a playful banter between two lovers who hide their mutual affection behind teasing defiance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Idhu kaangaeyum kaalaiyadi kattaana thegamadi

Comparing the male protagonist's strength and built frame to a Kangeyam bull (Kaangaeyum kaalai).

Metaphor / Simile

Mayilattam poravalae

Comparing the female protagonist's graceful gait to a peacock's walk (Mayilattam).

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kurukku siruthavarae / Kirukku pudichavarae

Rhyming of the second consonant sound 'ru' across lines to create rhythmic harmony.

Folk Riddle (Vidukadhai)

Kezhakku veluthathenna angae Keezhvanam sevandhadhenna

Using poetic riddles about nature to metaphorically express blossoming love and romantic longing.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Vairamuthu, this track highlights the rich tradition of Tamil Naatupura Paattu (folk music) using courtship riddles (Vidukadhai format) and playful rural banter.

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