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Lyrics & meaning

Mottu Virinthathu Mullai

From Nambikkai Natchathiram · 1975

Lyricist
Poovai Senguttavan
Singers
S. Janaki, Mu. Ka. Muthu
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nambikkai Natchathiram1975

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Mottu virinthathu mullai malarnthathuThe bud opened, and the jasmine blossomed
Sirithaen konjam sirithaenI smiled, I smiled a little bit
Indru otturavindri unnidam ennaiToday, without any hesitation, unto you, my self...
Koduthaen thaenai alli suvaithaenI surrendered, and gathered and tasted the honey
Female
Aasai konda ullam thanOnly a heart filled with desire
Aaval thanni sollumWill speak of its eager longing
En mana maalaigai un vasam aanadhuThe mansion of my mind has now come under your spell
Eduthaen naan ennai koduthaenI took hold of myself and gave myself to you
Male
Mottu virinthathu mullai malarnthathuThe bud opened, and the jasmine blossomed
Sirithaen konjam sirithaenI smiled, I smiled a little bit
Male
Azhagoviyam ondru nadamaaduthuA living portrait of beauty walks gracefully
Adhu alaiyodum nadhiyoram kadhai pesudhuIt engages in conversation by the riverbank with gentle waves
Azhagoviyam ondru nadamaaduthuA living portrait of beauty walks gracefully
Adhu alaiyodum nadhiyoram kadhai pesudhuIt engages in conversation by the riverbank with gentle waves
Female
Ilanenjil arangaerum pudhu naadagamA new play is being staged in young hearts
Idhu idaivelai illadha thodar naadagamThis is a continuous drama without any intermission
Ilanenjil arangaerum pudhu naadagamA new play is being staged in young hearts
Idhu idaivelai illadha thodar naadagamThis is a continuous drama without any intermission
Male
Minnalidai aadaAs the lightning-slender waist sways
Female :Inbam thannai thaedaSeeking happiness for itself
Male :Minnalidai aadaAs the lightning-slender waist sways
Female :Inbam thannai thaedaSeeking happiness for itself
Both :Ennaalum sugam kaanum namadhullamaeOur hearts shall forever experience joy every day
Male
Mottu virinthathu mullai malarnthathuThe bud opened, and the jasmine blossomed
Sirithaen konjam sirithaenI smiled, I smiled a little bit
Female
Sevvaanam sindhum mazhaiyaagumaeIt turns into rain poured by the crimson sky
Un singaara sirippellam muthaagumaeAll your graceful smiles turn into precious pearls
Male
Madhuvorum idhazhoram nee thedi vaaCome searching near the lips where nectar oozes
Indha maadhullam poovaagum naan kaanavaThis woman's heart blossoms like a flower for me to witness
Female
Ennam ondru saerumThoughts blend together as one
Male :Kannum kannum modhumEyes collide with eyes in love
Female :Ennam ondru saerumThoughts blend together as one
Male :Kannum kannum modhumEyes collide with eyes in love
Both :Ennaalum sugam kaanum namadhullamaeOur hearts shall forever experience joy every day
Male
Mottu virinthathu mullai malarnthathuThe bud opened, and the jasmine blossomed
Sirithaen konjam sirithaenI smiled, I smiled a little bit
Indru otturavindri unnidam ennaiToday, without any hesitation, unto you, my self...
Koduthaen thaenai alli suvaithaenI surrendered, and gathered and tasted the honey
Female :Aa….aa….aa….aa..Aa....aa....aa....aa..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Mottu virinthathu' is a romantic duet expressing the blissful awakening of love and intimacy between two lovers. Using nature metaphors such as blooming jasmine buds, flowing rivers, crimson skies, and rain, the lyrics capture the passion, joy, and total surrender of the lovers to one another. Through poetic imagery, the couple describes their blossoming romance as a endless drama without an intermission, celebrating how their hearts unite and find everlasting happiness in each other's embrace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Uvameyam)

Azhagoviyam ondru nadamaaduthu

Compares the woman's graceful movement to a walking painting ('Azhagoviyam ondru nadamaaduthu') and her waist to lightning ('Minnalidai').

Emona / Rhyme (Monai)

Mottu virinthathu mullai malarnthathu

Initial rhyme in 'Mottu' and 'Mullai' (m-sound), creating musicality in the opening refrain.

Imagery

Sevvaanam sindhum mazhaiyaagumae

Creates vivid visual imagery of a crimson sky shedding rain, and smiles sparkling like pearls ('singaara sirippellam muthaagumae').

Did you know?

Trivia

Mu. Ka. Muthu, the son of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, performed as an actor-singer in this track alongside legendary singer S. Janaki. Music director M. S. Vishwanathan infused classic 1970s romantic orchestral arrangements with light classical melodies.

Keep listening

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