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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Metti Oli Kaatrodu

From Metti · 1982

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singers
Ilayaraja, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Metti1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
………….....
Male
Metti oli kaattroduThe sound of toe-rings riding on the wind
En nenjai thaalaattaLulls my heart to sleep
Maeni oru poovaaga mellisaiyin paavaagaHer body becoming a flower, becoming a verse of soft music
Maeni oru poovaaga mellisaiyin paavaagaHer body becoming a flower, becoming a verse of soft music
Kodhai malar poompaatham vaavennuthaeThe maiden's flower-like feet beckon me to come
Kodhai malar poompaatham vaavennuthaeThe maiden's flower-like feet beckon me to come
Male
Metti oli kaattroduThe sound of toe-rings riding on the wind
En nenjai thaalaattaLulls my heart to sleep
Male
Oo…oo…oo….vaazh naalellaamOo...oo...oo... all through life
Unnoduthaan vaazhnthaalae pothumIt is enough if I live only with you
Vaazhvenpathin paavangalaiThe emotions and experiences of life
Naam kaana vendumWe must witness together
Male
Naalum pala nanmai kaanum ezhil penmaiGraceful womanhood that sees many blessings every day
Poovai vaiththa poo vaasamThe fragrance of flowers worn by the lady
Bodhai konda un nesamYour intoxicating love
Thendral sugamthaan veesum thedaamal seraathoThe breeze brings comfort, won't it join us effortlessly?
Male
Metti oli kaattroduThe sound of toe-rings riding on the wind
En nenjai thaalaattaLulls my heart to sleep
Female
Aa…aah…aaa….aa…aa…aah…aa…Aa...aah...aaa....aa...aa...aah...aa...
Male
Yae…. venn mullaiyaeOh... white jasmine!
En kanmani oorkola neramMy darling, it is time for the wedding procession
Pon kaaladi padum pothilaeWhen your golden feet touch the ground
Poonthendral paadumThe gentle breeze shall sing
Male
Paarvai patta kaayam paavai thotta kaayumThe wound caused by a glance, healed by the lady's touch
Ennam thantha munnottamThe initial thought that gave foresight
Endru antha vellottamWhen will that trial run happen?
Kanda pinbu kondaattamAfter seeing it, there will be celebration
Kandaadum en nenjamMy heart dances in joy
Male
Metti oli kaattroduThe sound of toe-rings riding on the wind
En nenjai thaalaattaLulls my heart to sleep
Maeni oru poovaaga mellisaiyin paavaagaHer body becoming a flower, becoming a verse of soft music
Maeni oru poovaaga mellisaiyin paavaagaHer body becoming a flower, becoming a verse of soft music
Kodhai malar poompaatham vaavennuthaeThe maiden's flower-like feet beckon me to come
Kodhai malar poompaatham vaavennuthaeThe maiden's flower-like feet beckon me to come
Female :Aaa….aa….Female vocalization: Aaa....aa....
Male
Metti oli kaattroduThe sound of toe-rings riding on the wind
En nenjai thaalaatta…Lulls my heart to sleep...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Metti Oli Kaattrodu' is a soothing romantic duet from the 1982 film Metti, composed by Ilaiyaraaja and sung by Ilaiyaraaja and S. Janaki. The song captures the delicate intimacy between lovers, symbolized by the gentle chime of toe-rings (metti) blowing in the wind. The lyrics depict a deep yearning for life-long companionship and celebrate the grace and beauty of the female form likened to soft blossoms and gentle melodies. Poetically, the song blends sensory images of fragrance, music, and breeze to convey romantic bliss and emotional fulfillment. It moves from playful anticipation of courtship to the serene joy of togetherness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai / Metaphor & Simile

Maeni oru poovaaga mellisaiyin paavaaga

Compares the woman's body to a flower and a soft musical verse (paavu), highlighting her delicacy and grace.

Personification

Pon kaaladi padum pothilae / Poonthendral paadum

Attributes the human action of singing to the gentle breeze (poonthendral) when her feet touch the ground.

Edhugai / Second Letter Rhyme

Ennam thantha munnottam / Endru antha vellottam / Kanda pinbu kondaattam

Uses rhyming second letters ('nn' in munnottam, 'll' in vellottam, 'nd' in kondaattam) creating a rhythmic musical flow.

Anaphora / Repetition

Kodhai malar poompaatham vaavennuthae

Repetition of 'Kodhai malar poompaatham vaavennuthae' reinforces the inviting charm of the beloved's feet.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film Metti was directed by the legendary filmmaker J. Mahendran, famous for his realistic and understated cinema. Ilaiyaraaja not only composed the music but also sang the lead male vocals alongside S. Janaki, creating a timeless acoustic romance featuring gentle guitar and flute arrangements.

Keep listening

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