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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mounamalla Mayakkam

From Azhagu · 1984

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
P. Jayachandran, S. Janaki
Music director
G. K. Venkatesh
Details
Azhagu1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mounamalla mayakkamIt is not silence, but intoxication.
Ilamai radhangal vellottamA trial run for the chariots of youth.
Salanam paarvaiyil sarasam vaarththaiyilRestlessness in the gaze, playfully romantic words,
Mei silirkkum velaiyilIn the moments that bring goosebumps to the body.
Female
Yaedho pesa vendumDesiring to say something,
Ennai yaedho pazhaga vendumDesiring to get accustomed to me in some way.
Yaedho pesa vendumDesiring to say something,
Ennai yaedho pazhaga vendumDesiring to get accustomed to me in some way.
Male
Adhuthaan un manamThat is your mind,
Ariyaa pen manamAn innocent woman's mind,
Oor alai pol poe varumIt comes and goes like a wave.
Female
Mounamalla mayakkamIt is not silence, but intoxication.
Ilamai radhangal vellottamA trial run for the chariots of youth.
Salanam paarvaiyil sarasam vaarththaiyilRestlessness in the gaze, playfully romantic words,
Mei silirkkum velaiyilIn the moments that bring goosebumps to the body.
Male
Nadhiyil irandu thoniThere are two boats on the river,
Irandum irandu paaniBoth flowing in two different styles.
Nadhiyil irandu thoniThere are two boats on the river,
Irandum irandu paaniBoth flowing in two different styles.
Inainthae payanam sellaIf one desires to travel journeying together,
Ninaiththaal enna sollaWhat is there to say about it?
Female
Sthalangal iranduthaanThe starting points are two,
Karaiyo ondruthaanBut the destination shore is just one,
Naam kaanpom indruthaanWe shall realize it today.
Female
Mounamalla mayakkamIt is not silence, but intoxication.
Ilamai radhangal vellottamA trial run for the chariots of youth.
Salanam paarvaiyil sarasam vaarththaiyilRestlessness in the gaze, playfully romantic words,
Mei silirkkum velaiyilIn the moments that bring goosebumps to the body.
Female
Thendral kaattru theendumWhen the gentle southern breeze touches,
Intha thegam kulira vendumThis body ought to feel cool.
Aanaal kothippathennaYet why does it boil with heat?
Athu yaen sollu kannaaTell me why, my beloved?
Male
Neruppaai kodhipathumBoiling heat like fire,
Neeraai kulirvathumAnd cooling freshness like water,
Un ninaivin naadakamIs the theatrical play of your thoughts.
Male
MounamallaIt is not silence,
Female :MayakkamFemale: Intoxication.
Male :Ilamai radhangal vellottamMale: A trial run for the chariots of youth.
Female :Salanam paarvaiyilFemale: Restlessness in the gaze,
Male :Sarasam vaarththaiyilMale: Playfully romantic words,
Female :Mei silirkkum velaiyilFemale: In the moments that bring goosebumps to the body.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Mounamalla Mayakkam' from Azhagu explores the subtle sensory awakenings and emotional restlessness of romantic intimacy between two lovers. Rather than quietness, the silence between them is portrayed as a heady trance—a metaphorical trial run for youth taking flight. Through vivid natural imagery, the lyricist compares the couple to two separate boats navigating a river towards a single shared shore.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Ilamai radhangal vellottam

Compares the awakenings of youth to a trial run of chariots ('Ilamai radhangal vellottam').

Simile (Uvamai)

Oor alai pol poe varum

Compares the unpredictable fluctuations of an innocent woman's mind to a wave that comes and goes ('Oor alai pol poe varum').

Contrast / Oxymoron (Muran)

Neruppaai kodhipathum / Neeraai kulirvathum

Juxtaposes burning heat ('Neruppaai kodhipathum') with soothing coolness ('Neeraai kulirvathum') to depict contradictory emotional states.

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Trivia

The movie Azhagu (1984) features lyrics written by Vairamuthu, known for using poetic metaphors involving nature, temperature, and movement to convey romantic anticipation.

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