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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mugathai Paarthathillai

From Arasa Kattalai · 1967

Lyricist
Alangudi Somu
Singers
P. Susheela, T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Arasa Kattalai1967

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mugathai paarthadhillaiI have not seen the face
Anbu mozhiyai kaettadhillaiI have not heard the words of affection
Indha manadhai koduthadhillaiI have not given away this heart
Idhil mayakkam vandhadhennaWhy then has this intoxicating feeling come?
Female
Mugathai paarthadhillaiI have not seen the face
Anbu mozhiyai kaettadhillaiI have not heard the words of affection
Indha manadhai koduthadhillaiI have not given away this heart
Idhil mayakkam vandhadhennaWhy then has this intoxicating feeling come?
Male
Sugathai paarthadhillaiI have not experienced pleasure
Pirar sollaal kaettadhillaiI have not heard about it from others
Idhazh suvaiyai arindhadhillaiI have not known the taste of lips
Idhil mayakkam vandhadhennaWhy then has this intoxicating feeling come?
Male
Sugathai paarthadhillaiI have not experienced pleasure
Pirar sollaal kaettadhillaiI have not heard about it from others
Idhazh suvaiyai arindhadhillaiI have not known the taste of lips
Idhil mayakkam vandhadhennaWhy then has this intoxicating feeling come?
Female
{Paadhi iravil thookkam vizhikkumIn the middle of the night, sleep breaks
Paavam anal pol maeni kodhikkum} (2)Poor soul, the body burns like fire
Male
{Arugilirukkum thunaiyai ezhuppumIt wakes up the companion nearby
Urangum thalaivan udalai thiruppum} (2)The sleeping lover turns his body
Female
MugathaiFace
Male :PaarthadhillaiMale: Have not seen
Female :Anbu mozhiyaiFemale: Words of affection
Male :KaettadhillaiMale: Have not heard
Female :Indha manadhaiFemale: This heart
Male :KoduthadhillaiMale: Have not given
Female :Idhil mayakkamFemale: In this, infatuation
Male :VandhadhennaMale: Why has it come?
Female
{Thirandhu kidakkum kadhavai adaikkumIt shuts the open door
Eriyum vilakkin thiriyai kuraikkum} (2)It dims the burning lamp's wick
Male
{Mella nerunghum sollat thodangumApproaching softly, it begins to speak
Mudhalil thayangum mudivil mayangum} (2)At first hesitating, in the end swooning
Male
SugathaiPleasure
Female :PaarthadhillaiFemale: Have not seen
Male :Pirar sollaalMale: From others' words
Female :KaettadhillaiFemale: Have not heard
Male :Idhazh suvaiyaiMale: The taste of lips
Female :ArindhadhillaiFemale: Have not known
Male :Idhil mayakkamMale: In this, infatuation
Female :VandhadhennaFemale: Why has it come?
Female
{Mayakkam kalaiyum maunam nilavumThe trance clears and silence prevails
Kulirndha maeni kaattril ularum} (2)The cooled body dries in the breeze
Male
{Kalaippum thondrum kangal moodumFatigue sets in and eyes close
Kaalai vidindhaal neeril aadum} (2)When morning breaks, it bathes in water

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This evocative duet from Arasa Kattalai (1967) explores the mystery of sudden romantic awakening and intimate desire. The lovers reflect on how love has consumed them despite never having previously experienced such deep physical or emotional closeness, questioning the origin of this sweet intoxication. As the song progresses, the imagery depicts the quiet progression of night-time intimacy—from late-night longing and timid touches to quiet union, serene exhaustion, and the freshness of dawn. Lyricist Alangudi Somu uses delicate sensory metaphors to portray romance with poetic refinement.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhyme Scheme / Ending Refrain (Iyaibu)

Mugathai paarthadhillai / Anbu mozhiyai kaettadhillai

The repetition of '-adhillai' across multiple lines creates a melodic cadence emphasizing denial before contrast with intimacy.

Simile (Upamai)

Paavam anal pol maeni kodhikkum

Compares the burning sensation of nocturnal longing to hot fire ('anal pol').

Alliteration (Monaai)

Mella nerunghum sollat thodangum / Mudhalil thayangum mudivil mayangum

Repetition of initial 'M' sounds ('Mella', 'Mudhalil', 'Mudivil', 'Mayangum') creates a soothing, fluid poetic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed as unknown in some song listings, 'Arasa Kattalai' (1967) starred M. G. Ramachandran, Jayalalithaa, and B. Saroja Devi. The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, with vocals rendered by T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela.

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