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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Melam Kotti Aadu

From Oor Kavalan · 1987

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Oor Kavalan1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
DhinakkthaaRhythmic beats (Dhinakkthaa)
Melam kotti aadu medai onnu poduBeat the drums and dance, set up a stage
Melam kotti aadu medai onnu poduBeat the drums and dance, set up a stage
Mangai ilam poovukku maangalya yogamThe young flower-like maiden gets the fortune of marriage
Meendum ingu vandhadhu podungal thaaalamIt has arrived here again, clap and keep the rhythm
Thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeThanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration
Haan thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeAha, thanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration
Bale bale bale baleBravo, bravo, bravo, bravo!
Female
Melam kotti aadu medai onnu poduBeat the drums and dance, set up a stage
Mangai ilam poovukku maangalya yogamThe young flower-like maiden gets the fortune of marriage
Meendum ingu vandhadhu podungal thaaalamIt has arrived here again, clap and keep the rhythm
Thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeThanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration
Male
Nalloorgal unnai paarattaFor good people to praise you
Anbaalae naangal neeraatta hoiAnd for us to bathe you with love, oh!
Female
Ponnaana naalum vandhachuThe golden day has finally arrived
Pookaadha poovum poothaachuEven the flower that didn't bloom has blossomed now
Male
Venmegam thaanOnly the white cloud
Female :Niram maarattumFemale: Let its color change
Male :Pon megam polMale: Like a golden cloud
Female :NindraadattumFemale: Let it sway and dance
Male :Poongaatrae odi vaaMale: Gentle breeze, run and come
Female :Boopaalam paadi vaaFemale: Sing the morning raga and come
Male :Pon maalai kondu vaaMale: Bring the golden garland
Punnagaipoovai kaana vaa vaaCome to see the smiling flower-like bride
Female :Thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeFemale: Thanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration
Haei thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeHey, thanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration
Female
Melam kotti aadu medai onnu poduBeat the drums and dance, set up a stage
Male :Mangai ilam poovukku maangalya yogamMale: The young flower-like maiden gets the fortune of marriage
Meendum ingu vandhadhu podungal thaaalamIt has arrived here again, clap and keep the rhythm
Female :ThanthaanathanaeMale :HaanFemale: Thanthaanathanae Male: Yes!
Female :Ini kondattam thaanaeFemale: Now it is pure celebration
Male :Bale bale bale ….Male: Bravo, bravo, bravo...
Male
Kalyaana sedhi ellamaeAll the happy news of the wedding
Ippodhae ooril solvenae hoiI will announce to the whole town right now, oh!
Female
Vethala paakku vaikkonumWe must arrange betel leaves and nuts
Virundhukku ellaam seiyonumWe must prepare everything for the grand feast
Male
Muthaalae orrWith pearls, a
Female :Pallaakku thaanFemale: Palanquin
Male :Seidhaal koodumMale: Can be made
Female :Selvaaku thaanFemale: Influence and prestige will grow
Male :Poovaalae pandhalumMale: A decorative pandal with flowers
Female :Pottu thaan theeranumFemale: Must definitely be put up
Male :Manikka oonjalil mai vizhi mangaiyada vendumMale: The kohl-eyed maiden must swing on the ruby swing
Female :Thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeFemale: Thanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration
Male :Thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeMale: Thanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration
Male
Melam kotti aadu medai onnu poduBeat the drums and dance, set up a stage
Female :Mangai ilam poovukku maangalya yogamFemale: The young flower-like maiden gets the fortune of marriage
Meendum ingu vandhadhu podungal thaaalamIt has arrived here again, clap and keep the rhythm
Both :Thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeBoth: Thanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration
Thanthaanathanae ini kondattam thaanaeThanthaanathanae, now it is pure celebration

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Melam Kotti Aadu' from the 1987 Tamil film 'Oor Kavalan' is a joyful folk-inspired celebration song centered around an upcoming auspicious wedding. The lyrics express the exuberance of the villagers and family members as they prepare for the marriage festivities, complete with beating drums, dancing, setting up decorated pandals, offering traditional betel leaves, and preparing a lavish feast.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor & Simile (உவமை)

Mangai ilam poovukku maangalya yogam

Comparing the young woman to a flower ('Mangai ilam poovukku') and a cloud turning to gold ('Pon megam pol').

Mondhanaai / Alliteration (எதுகை / மோனை)

Melam kotti aadu medai onnu podu

Repetition of initial consonant and vowel sounds such as 'Melam', 'Mangai', 'Meendum' create a lively rhythmic bounce.

Personification

Male :Poongaatrae odi vaa

Addressing nature elements like the gentle breeze ('Poongaatrae odi vaa') as living guests invited to sing and celebrate.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Oor Kavalan' (1987) stars Superstar Rajinikanth and Radhika in lead roles. The film's musical score was composed by the duo Shankar-Ganesh, with lyrics authored by the eminent poet Pulamaipithan.

Keep listening

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