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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mappillai Sirukku

From Balaparitchai · 1976

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
T. M. Soundararajan
Details
Balaparitchai1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Maappillai sirkku vaazhththukkalGreetings to the groom's qualities,
Sila manimozhi solvaen kettukkoListen as I speak a few words of wisdom,
Maadaai uzhaippathu un bharamToiling like a bull is your burden,
Adhai lesaai ninaippathu samsaaramMaking light of it is the nature of family life,
Male
Maappillai sirkku vaazhththukkalGreetings to the groom's qualities,
Sila manimozhi solvaen kettukkoListen as I speak a few words of wisdom,
Female
Mangala pennukku vaazhththukkalGreetings to the auspicious bride,
Sila manimozhi solvaen kettukkoListen as I speak a few words of wisdom,
Veettai kaappathu pen paaduProtecting the household is a woman's duty,
Idhai kaattilumaa intha aanpaadu….Is a man's role harder than this?
Female
Mangala pennukku vaazhththukkalGreetings to the auspicious bride,
Sila manimozhi solvaen kettukkoListen as I speak a few words of wisdom,
Male
Yaenadi pennae thaamarai kannaeWhy, my girl with lotus eyes,
Ennidam intha veeraappuThis stubborn pride against me?
Kaalaiyar seiyyum kaariyam yaavumWhatever work young men do,
Kaniyar seithaal pollaappuIf young women attempt it, it brings trouble,
Male
Pennmai poovin jaathi endraanathuWomanhood is likened to the soft species of flowers,
Menmai maari ponaal ennaavathu neeIf that gentleness changes, what will become of you?
Pani vizhi mayangida kani mozhi pazhagidumWith dew-like eyes mesmerized, speaking sweet words,
Kili mozhiyinam ena puriyaatho…Don't you understand you belong to the parrot-voiced lineage?
Male
Maappillai sirkku vaazhththukkalGreetings to the groom's qualities,
Sila manimozhi solvaen kettukkoListen as I speak a few words of wisdom,
Female
Paavaiyar endraal kevalam endruIf you think women are inferior,
Pottikku vanthaal vaarungalCome forward for a challenge!
Paavaiyar endraal kevalam endruIf you think women are inferior,
Pottikku vanthaal vaarungalCome forward for a challenge!
Aduppadi poona jeyippathu aanaiEven if a man enters the kitchen and wins,
Nadappathai mudivil paarungalWatch what happens in the end!
Female
Deivam meniyil paathi pen kondathuGod gave half of His body to a woman,
Ungal sakthi yaavum yaar thanthathuWho bestowed all your strength upon you?
Intha paramparai kathaigalai purinthavar therinthavarThose who know and understand these ancient traditions,
Vambukkum thumbukkum varalaamoShould they indulge in petty squabbles and trouble?
Female
Mangala pennukku vaazhththukkalGreetings to the auspicious bride,
Sila manimozhi solvaen kettukkoListen as I speak a few words of wisdom,
Male
Beemanum nalanum pengalai polaeBhima and Nala cooked like women,
Samaiyal seithu pereduththaarAnd gained great fame through it,
Senaiyum nadaththi paanaiyum piththaLeading armies while holding kitchen pots,
Jaathikku iniyo penn kulaththaarCan any clan compete with womanhood?
Female
Mangai kannil undu vel enbathuThere is a spear-like sharpness in a woman's eyes,
Veeram illai endru yaar sonnathuWho dared to say there is no valor in women?
Male
Idhil unakkulla perumaiyumIn this, your pride,
Enakkulla thiramaiyumAnd my capability,
Avaravar manathukku theriyaathoDoesn't each heart already know?
Female
Idhai varugindra kalangalLet the coming times,
Mudivurai vazhangattumDeliver the final verdict,
Poovaiyar menmaigal puriyaathoWon't the glory of women be understood?
Male
Theriyaatho…..Is it not known?
Female :Puriyaatho…Female: Is it not understood?
Male :Theriyaatho…..oo……Male: Is it not known? Oh...
Female :Puriyaatho…oo……Female: Is it not understood? Oh...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from Balaparitchai (1976) is a classic playful debate ('pattimandram') duet between a man and a woman, structured as celebratory wedding advice. The male speaker emphasizes traditional gender roles, encouraging gentleness, grace, and flower-like qualities in women, while describing the male burden of hard work. In response, the female speaker fiercely defends womanhood, citing epic figures like Bhima and Nala who earned renown through cooking, and reminding him that Lord Shiva shares half his body with Parvati (Ardhanarishvara). The song concludes on an agreeable note where both acknowledge each other's inherent strengths, leaving the ultimate judgment of women's true greatness to future generations while maintaining a witty, affectionate banter.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyming)

Maadaai uzhaippathu un bharam / Adhai lesaai ninaippathu samsaaram

The second consonant 'd' rhymes between 'Maadaai' and 'Adhai', creating rhythmic unity.

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Mangai kannil undu vel enbathu

Comparing a woman's eyes to a spear ('vel') to symbolize sharpness and courage.

Alliteration (Monaai)

Pani vizhi mayangida kani mozhi pazhagidum / Kili mozhiyinam ena puriyaatho…

Repetition of the 'P' sound ('Pani', 'Pazhagidum', 'Puriyaatho') enhances melodic phrasing.

Mythological Allusion

Beemanum nalanum pengalai polae / Deivam meniyil paathi pen kondathu

References to mythological figures Bhima, Nala, and the Ardhanarishvara concept to elevate the female argument.

Did you know?

Trivia

Balaparitchai (1976) featured music composed by legendary playback singer T. M. Soundararajan himself, making it a rare film where TMS served as both the lead singer and music director. The song showcases a spirited duet between TMS and P. Susheela, written by legendary lyricist Vaali.

Keep listening

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